There is no shame if you are a mom who can’t sleep when baby sleeps – not being able to sleep can happen if you are experiencing those normal surges of hormones after giving birth, or if you have postpartum anxiety, or if you are experiencing postpartum depression.
The old saying “try to sleep when baby sleeps” is meant with well-meaning, but it’s nearly impossible and that’s coming from a mom of four. The only time I felt truly okay to take a nap was if my husband was home or a close family member was there to take care of my baby – there were too many fears and scared thoughts in my mind to be able to sleep.
The biggest fears I used to experience, and this happened during the first week after each of my babies, were always the same – my mind would take me to my worst nightmare. A real life scenario that I would be completely helpless in in saving my children from if it occurred. I would cry myself to sleep during those nights.
I won’t share the actual scenario because you’re here to find out how to fall asleep as a new mom – not read my darkest fears!
What can you do when you can’t sleep when baby sleeps at night?
Take Supplements: Melatonin, Magnesium Powder, Iron, Vitamin B Complex are all super helpful supplements for postpartum – especially if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or naturopath about what supplements might be best for you.
Epsom Salt Bath: Soaking for at least 20 minutes in an epsom salt bath can do wonders for being relaxed enough to fall asleep.
Loose Leaf Chamomile Tea: If you are able to find a local store close to you that sells loose leaf chamomile tea, steep yourself a cup before you get ready for bed. The chamomile is considered a sleep inducer, I recommend drinking it 30 minutes before bed.
Turn Your Phone On To “DO NOT DISTURB”: It’s tempting, I get it, to be on your phone before you go to bed. But the blue light is triggering your brain to want to be awake, and that’s the last thing you want right now. We are trying to avoid exhaustion so set a time that allows you 30 minutes of no screen time before you hit the hay.
Calm app: While I know I just said to get off your phone, this is the one phone app that is an exception! If you are struggling to from postpartum insomnia, you need to download the Calm app onto your phone. It is people with very soothing voices reading literature, that causes you to fall asleep. I have yet to make it through a 15 minute reading. While you can pay for different recordings, I have used the free ones and they work great!
Pray: God hears you when you cry out in desperation, and sometimes it’s the trust and surrendering of your situation that takes you one step closer to Him. Often I am asked, how do I pray? I used to think it was a bartering system with God – “okay God, if you make me fall asleep I will stop using curse words”. Then I realized God’s timing is perfect, and my timing is not His plan for me. Speak your truth, so to speak. Start by telling God what’s going on in your mind as you lay there awake – is it the fear of SIDS? Is it the fear that your baby will start crying in the next few minutes? Did someone make you feel less than worthy? Was your day overwhelming? He already knows what happened to you today, but God also wants to hear it from you.
I hope this all helps you with how to deal with sleep deprivation after baby arrives! Motherhood is not easy, and some of the most difficult nights are within the first few weeks. But it gets easier with these sleep deprivation coping strategies!
How do you prevent sleep deprivation as a new mom? What things have you tried as a new mom who can’t sleep when baby sleeps? Tell me below!
If you like this post, check out my Best Baby Sleep Sacks For Safe Sleeping Habits post and my Must-Have Essentials For Getting Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night post before you go!
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