Sleep Deprivation is No Joke!

Overnight fights don't count!

​Sleep deprivation is no joke! Give each other grace during the difficult times, especially overnight. Sure this sounds simple - "be nice to each other, of course we can do that!" - but many of us have never experienced true sleep deprivation or the level of stress that having a newborn brings. 

Here are some tips you can start thinking about before baby arrives so that when those overnight stressors occur, you'll both have the tools to maybe feel a little less overwhelmed:

• Make a Sleep Schedule with Your Partner: ​Write down blocks of time when each of you is off-duty. It can be every other night or blocks of time overnight such as 8pm-1pm and then 1pm-6am.  When it's your block of time off, use it to sleep!

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• Affirmations - In the moment reminders can help deescalate an already hard situation and build your confidence. Here are 2 effective affirmations for new parents from noted pediatrician, Dr. Molly O'Shea.

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• Put hard times in the This Too Shall Pass category -  All you have to do is get through the next 15 minutes, the next hour, the next night...Remembering to take early parenting one step at a time can help us remember that these times are temporary.
  

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As always, if you are feeling like your stress levels are abnormal or if you're having thoughts that scare you, it's appropriate to reach out for support to your own doctor or  Postpartum Support International.