Articles of Interest

The following short articles may be helpful as you navigate the journey of motherhood.

 When will my baby sleep through the night?

Here is a guide for you. Please know that every baby is unique and yours may not fit the usual pattern.  Be patient.

Average sleep patterns in babies

Newborn

• Babies sleep an average of 15 hours per day with a range of 9-18 hours.
• The baby averages 6-8 sleep periods during 24 hours.
• The baby has no conception of the difference between night and day.
• It is recommended that baby sleep on her back or side.

One to two months

• Baby sleeps for longer stretches and less frequently
• The baby is more awake during the day and can sleep for as long as 5 to 6 hours at night.
• Parents can encourage a day/night pattern by limiting daytime naps to about 3 hours.

Three to five months

• Baby may begin to sleep about 10 hours at night.
• Sleep patterns become more predictable.
• The baby can fall asleep on his own, without rocking, or being walked.

Six to eleven months

• The baby will typically nap two times per day for 1-2 hours at a stretch.
• She begins to sleep 11-12 hours per night (uninterrupted).
• Parents can establish a regular bedtime and bedtime rituals to encourage good sleep habits.

One year plus

• The baby averages about 13 hours of sleep per 24-hour period.
• Normal sleep range is 9-18 hours in 24 hours, most of which is uninterrupted nighttime sleeping.
• The baby may switch to one nap per day from two.
• When the baby’s naptime is changing, or he is teething, sick, or learning a new skill, his sleep schedule may become erratic.

To encourage consistency:

1. Feed the baby every 2-3 hours during the day.
2. Maintain a normal daytime environment during the day (lights and noise).
3.  At night, keep stimulus to a minimum (dark and quiet).
4. Establish evening rituals (bath, music, stories, cuddling).

Here is how you can get yourself some much needed rest.  Stay in bed as long as you need to, with food and bathroom breaks, until you get the sleep you are accustomed to. You could be in bed for what seems like all day, but if that’s what it takes to feel rested, then do it.  Everything that you “have to do” can wait. When you have enough sleep caring for your newborn will be a lot more enjoyable, and your recovery time after birth will be much quicker.

Am I back to Normal in Six weeks?

Somehow six weeks has become the allotted time given to new mothers to feel “normal” again. They return to their obstetrician or midwife, and are cleared to resume normal activities; exercise and sex included.

Most new mothers feel extremely fatigued in the early weeks after childbirth. Not only is there a new life depending on them for their every need, they are also healing from the birth process, both physically and emotionally. It is difficult to adjust to getting little or no sleep, and caring for a newborn. If a new mother must return to work, there is added pressure to be back to normal in six weeks. Maternity leave often runs out at this time.

There are many variables to adjustment including temperament of baby, amount of help or support, medical complications, experience with newborns, and flexibility, maturity and coping skills of the new mother.

The more rest a new mother can get the better she will feel.. A good night’s sleep goes a long way. Support from friends and family is also important. If mom can focus on her baby, and have someone helping her to care for herself, life is a little easier with a newborn baby.

Be good to yourself, Moms. Confidence in your abilities will come in time. If you or your baby have had any birth complications, be extra kind to yourself. The healing process varies with each individual.

For most women, six weeks is not nearly enough time to adjust to the demands of motherhood. There is nothing wrong with you if you are still tired at six weeks postpartum, or if you haven’t lost all of your pregnancy weight. Remember, it took nine months to grow your baby. Give yourself time to get to know your baby, and to gain confidence in your mothering skills.

How often should I bathe my Baby?

Where Should my Baby Sleep?

What Should I Feed my Baby?

 

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