So I had a baby a year ago in May. Boy was I in for a rude awakening…literally! The lack of sleep that one gets with having a new baby should be on a warning tag that comes with all the cutsie things that you buy for him or her. I just started getting some sleep recently, but had to return to work about 10 weeks after he was born–which is better than most woman, I know, I know. Returning to work exacerbated my problem. I love working–don’t get me wrong–but the consistency of “being on” all day and then caring for a child when I got home was at times a little much.
Guzzling gallons of Starbucks and Hazelnut flavored Folgers was what helped me cope–Oh and a wonderful husband who is such an engaged father it is almost ridiculous. So, what is one to do when she isnt’t getting enough sleep to function like a normal civilized human being? My husband would tell me to workout…Well, how do you workout when you haven’t gotten sleep?
If you have gone through this, you feel me here…If you haven’t take note. When the storm subsided after about 4 months of intense care-taking and nursing (yes, nursing exclusively), I was able to begin a few things that helped me get back on my journey to normalcy.
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- Get outdoors–even if it is for a breath of fresh air (with baby or not) or just a walk to the mailbox (going to work doesn’t always count here–in the cubicle day and age that is!)
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- Get some blood flowing–i just didn’t want to use the “E” word (exercise). It is hard when you have a little one, but it will make you feel normal again TRUST me!
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- Get rest whenever possible–take naps when baby naps, ask friends and family for help–including your partner–maybe you sleep in on Saturdays, and he sleeps in on Sundays.
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- Get good nutrition–the food you eat will make a HUGE difference. Stay away from junk food and eat a variety of whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegies.
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- Get H2O–drink up–it will give you energy believe it or not.
- Get vitamins–Prenatal vitamins are recommended by doctor’s long after the baby is born–especially if you are nursing! Take them everyday, prescription or not.
Babies R’ Fun…they get more and more fun with time and more sleep! 🙂