I'm going to start by saying don't believe the nay-sayers who tell you that you will never sleep again once you become a parent.
Will there be less sleep? Yes.
Will there be long nights? Yes.
Will coffee replace a large percentage of your blood volume? Likely yes.
Do you have to suffer without sleep for the next year or 5? NO!!
It's a shock to a newborns system when they show up in this outside world. They want to be snuggled and bounced and rocked because that's what was happening on the inside. The first few months can feel like you are in survival mode but I urge you to try to incorporate a couple tactics to set you all up for good sleep down the road.
Have a bedtime routine from day 1 (or early on at least). This encourages a signal to the body and the brain that it's time to settle in for a nights sleep.
Once it's bedtime, keep it dark and limit the stimulation. Of course those little peanuts need fed still when they wake but keep it calm, dark and resist the urge to head out to the couch with the lights and TV on.
Pop them in their crib or bassinette for at least one nap a day, get them used to having a sleep somewhere other than in your arms.
Maybe the most important tip of all is a secret I'd like to pass on to you.... None of us knew what we were doing when we had new babies. All the books and advice in the world don't prepare you for the reality that is parenthood. It is completely normal to be obsessed with your new little person while simultaneously feeling like you have no idea what you're doing or that you're underqualified for this new job you've landed. Ask for help and accept it, let your spouse or support person do it their way while you go for a laydown or even just a drive around the block to have a minute to yourself. Cut yourself some slack, and by some I mean ALL the slack. It's a tough gig having a newborn in the house. But just like how none of us knew what we were doing, we made it through and so will you.
If sleep training is on your radar, 4 months is a great time to start. They get the hang of it so quickly at that age and I would love to be your sleep coach, so hit me up! Baby sleep can be sporadic and it's important for you and them to enjoy those snuggles in the first few months. Checking out my new Newborn Sleep Course is a great way to set yourself up for success while enjoying the newborn stage so be sure to have a look. As always, let me know if you have any questions or would like to book in for a free 15 minute chat.
Happy Sleeping,
Your Sleep Coach,
Corie
