New Parent Exhaustion: Prevention
For most mothers, the first weeks at home with a new baby are the hardest in their lives. You may wonder if you will ever catch up on your rest and work. Inadequate sleep will leave you with a sense of fatigue. You may even feel overwhelmed. The following tips should help:
- First: Get adequate rest. Every baby awakens 1 or more times a night. If you can't meet your sleep requirements during your baby's naps, bring in a relative or sitter to give yourself a catch-up nap.
- Second: Ask for help. No one should be expected to care for a young baby alone. Arrange for a relative to stay with you for a few weeks after you come home with your baby. When the relative leaves, your partner may be able to take some vacation time or sick leave to help out.
- Third: Limit visitors to close friends and relatives during the first month. Insist that they call before coming by. To prevent unannounced visitors, you might want to put up a sign stating "mother and baby sleeping, no visitors, please call first." If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of your baby.
If you have other questions about your baby, consult your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. FAAP
Last Review: 6/1/2008
Last Revised: 6/1/2000
Copyright 1994-2008 Barton Schmitt, M.D. Parent Advice Messages.
