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Becoming a
new mom brings us face to face with some of the toughest challenges
that we will ever experience as a woman in our life. At a time
when energy reserves are in short supply, one of the biggest obstacles
that many new mothers have to deal with is sleep deprivation.
We are all warned of the sleepless nights when we are pregnant,
but it isn't until we actually become mothers that we feel the
pain of this ourselves.
I completely
understand that sometimes you can be so sleep deprived that it
hurts. Well, I am here to tell you that it does end and that you
will return to a more restful sleep routine. If you can just take
a deep breath and have complete acceptance of the way things are,
it will make this difficult time pass quickly and with more ease.
Lack of sleep
can make us all a little short tempered, a little irrational,
and a little slow in the decision making arena. I know, that isn't
a shocker to you right now, and while the only cure for that is
getting a good night sleep here are some survival tips for you
until you can get those much needed zzzzzzzzzzzz's
Survival
Tip One:
Make
sure you ask for help. This might sound obvious, but so many mom
soldier on because they think they have to do it alone. Talk to
your significant other or friends to see if they will be able
to help you on a rough day. They are going to want to visit you
anyway to play with baby and check in on you, why not have them
help you. Talk openly and honestly with your spouse or significant
other. They may just as tired as you are so try to set up a tag
team schedule so that one can rest while the other tends to baby
and house hold chores.
If you can
try to arrange to have help with the baby before the baby arrives.
Fortunately my family was very good at arranging times to come
and help once I had my first child for the first couple of weeks.
They brought dinners and helped with laundry. Talk to your friends
and family and see if anyone can come and help even if only for
30 minutes at a time. That is at least a good nap.
Survival
Tip Two:
This
is the old golden rule of sleep whenever your baby sleeps. Too
many new moms get distracted with chores and other 'to-do's' and
forget that without enough sleep, then everything becomes more
difficult. It doesn't matter if it is 11 in the morning or 2 in
the afternoon. Sleep, everything else can wait until you wake
up or until you have time to do it. I am not kidding you, I lived
by that golden rule and it made a huge difference.
Survival
Tip Three:
Find
the time to meditate. A regular meditation practice (and specifically
transcendental) uses simple and effective techniques that focus
on helping the mind to settle. And because of the intimate mind
and body connection, as the mind settles there is a natural settling
of the physiology. When this happens the body can start to gain
a deep level of rest. Meditation gives you the ability to relax
in such a way that is much deeper than deep sleep. This is an
incredibly powerful tool for new moms
If
you are a newbie, then find a good guided mediation CD or tape
to listen to. Be sure to make a regular time each day in a quiet
place specifically to listen to it. If you are familiar with mediation,
renew your practice and notice the immediate impact.
Survival
Tip Four:
New
Mothers need to eat foods that are going to support their energy
levels. Make sure that you are getting protein in the morning,
drinking a lot of water and staying away from packaged and processed
foods. I know that a cup of coffee can give you the energy spike
that you need at the moment, but when it wears off you can often
be left feeling worse then you did before. Water will help flush
toxins out of the body which can be bogging you down. Fresh veggies
and fruit will help keep your digestion efficient and give you
the nutrients you need to cope with the long days and nights.
Survival
Tip Five:
If
you are having difficulty falling asleep again immediately after
you get up through the night to attend to your baby, then you
should avoid looking into bright lights or watching television
when you get up. Many new moms recommended placing the crib or
bassinet next to your bed if at all possible. This helps cut down
the long trips to the baby's room for the middle of the night
fusses. Plus you will also find that it is easier for you to go
back to sleep with out having to move too much.
About
the Author: Salena Kulkarni is the creator of the 'Secrets of Extraordinary
New Moms' program, which helps new moms feel energized, get back
in shape, eliminate emotional overwhelm, and experience fulfillment
in 30 days or less!
Visit
playfulmum.playfulmom.hop.clickbank.net/
now for more information.
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