Getting baby to Sleep & fighting fatigue
Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby. Here are a few things that might help with getting baby to sleep and to help you get sleep:
Seize every napping moment
Nap whenever possible. Even if it means leaving the house a shambles and the laundry in a pile, take the opportunity to get a bit of rest. If possible, try to nap when your baby naps. At this point, your sleep really is more important than household chores. Ask your partner, a friend, or a relative to sit with the baby (and your other children) while you grab a few hours of sleep.
Limit entertaining
Sometimes visitors can be more of a hindrance than help, so don’t be afraid to limit visitors during the first weeks at home with baby. Put all the important information about the baby on your social media pages or send out group emails to update friends and relatives. Let your phone voicemail answer your calls. Ask potential visitors to call ahead, and be selective about whom you invite over. If possible, choose friends or relatives who won’t mind washing a few dishes or sitting with the baby (and your other children) while you take a nap.
Eat wisely
Since you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to lie down for a bit, avoid really big meals that may make it difficult to fall asleep. Frequent light, healthy meals will keep your energy levels up without interfering with your ability to sleep.
Cut down the caffeine
An occasional coffee or caffeinated drink may give you that boost you need to stay alert, but if you rely on caffeine to keep you going it may be harder to fall asleep when you actually have the chance.
Exercise early
If you’re trying to get back into an exercise routine, schedule your workout in the morning, when it will give you an energy boost. Late afternoon or evening workouts may keep you up. Always talk to your doctor before starting to exercise after giving birth.
Related articles
Hospital stay and going home
The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications.
1 min to read
Your body
After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.
4 mins to read
Postnatal exercise progressions
Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.
5 mins to read
Check-up
A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.
1 min to read
Baby Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n
2 mins to read
Baby’s temperature
The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.
5 mins to read
Stools
A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.
2 mins to read
The Apgar score
Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:
5 mins to read
At Five Months
He starts to roll over from his tummy onto his back.
5 mins to read
Teething
First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding Videos
A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b
5 mins to read
Your baby’s appearance at birth
Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly.
5 mins to read
Sleeping
Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.
5 mins to read
Medical Care
Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.
5 mins to read
For information about your baby’s nutrition and health from 0 – 6 months please contact your healthcare professional
-
1 min to read
Common concerns in the first days
Physiological jaundice
5 mins to read
Bathing
Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.
5 mins to read
Immunisation
The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.
5 mins to read
Crying
A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.
5 mins to read
