Sleep Tips
Sleep is important. It is the one thing that can protect you from feeling more sad and anxious if you can get enough. It is also the one thing that can make you feel worse if you don’t get enough.
Sleep When Baby Sleeps
Most of the time this is easier said than done, especially when you are having anxiety and can’t stop your thoughts or you are juggling older children. BUt just in case you were looking for permission to sleep during the day when your baby is sleeping, here you go!
Leave the Dishes
For these first months of your babi’s life or during these months of pregnancy, let the housework wait while you rest. Your sleep is more important than having a spotless house.
Take Turns
If you can, ask your partner to take a shift at night so you can get some uninterrupted sleep. If your baby goes down at 10 pm, see if you can go to sleep at 8 pm and have your partner take the first night shift until 1 am or until the baby wakes for their next feeding. This way you can get a solid chunk of sleep time.
Change Rooms
Some moms are very sensitive to noise and can’t sleep when the baby is in the same room with them. If you are sensitive to noise consider changing the room where you sleep to ensure you can get a restful night’s sleep. Even if it’s only for 4 to 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Ask for Help
We were not meant to care for babies alone. In fact, this is the first time in human history that many moms are tasked with caring for babies by themselves. If you had a night where you were up a lot, see if you can call a friend or family member to come over to help watch your baby so you can take a nap for a couple of hours.
Make it Dark
Consider getting eye covers and or black-out shades for your bedroom. This is helpful if you can try to catch up on your sleep during the day when your baby naps.
Avoid Caffeine
Talking to a trained therapist can be extremely helpful when dealing with anger and rage. You can visit How to Access Care to learn how to find the right therapist.
Bedtime Story Apps
Here are some helpful books that you may find helpful and here is an episode on postpartum anger and rage from Mom & Mind.
Talk with you Doctor
Music can be very calming. If you feel your emotional temperature rising, try to listen to some of your favorite music, or music that you find calming and soothing.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).