Give the gift of sleep to moms with babies this Mother’s Day

Give the Gift of Sleep to Moms with Babies this Mother’s Day

Postpartum Parental Sleep

As Mother’s Day approaches, many of us are thinking about how to show our appreciation for the new mothers in our lives. While flowers and brunch are always appreciated, we should also consider the often-overlooked gift of sleep. Inadequate rest is a common source of distress for mothers, and it can have significant consequences for their mental and physical health.

- Advertisement -

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Mothers

When infants are unable to sleep through the night without parental assistance, mothers’ sleep is disrupted. This can lead to fatigue, worse maternal mood, and more negative feelings about parenting. Prolonged sleep disruption is also linked to an increased risk of developing mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety.

Infant Sleep Patterns and Effects on Mothers’ Sleep

While parents expect some sleeplessness when caring for newborns, many parents continue to struggle with sleep in later infancy. Our own study found that half of women with six- to 12-month-old infants reported their own sleep quality as poor. Infants had an average of 2.4 wakes per night, and almost one in five infants were not able to meet their minimum needs for sleep.

Supporting Mothers’ and Infants’ Sleep

Families, health-care providers, and communities can support the sleep of mothers with babies six months and older in several ways:

• Partners can take part in nighttime infant care by settling infants to sleep at bedtime or taking the morning shift with the baby.
• Mothers can benefit from a stretch of sleep in the early morning, especially if they have been up several times at night.
• Regular bedtime routines are associated with improved sleep for infants.
• Parents can consider transitioning older infants to their own sleep spaces and/or rooms.
• Health-care providers can teach parents about infant sleep patterns and evidence-based strategies to get more sleep.
• Community members can provide hands-on help and an empathetic ear to support mothers.
• Employers can recognize sleep as a major stressor for parents with babies and offer flexibility around parental work schedules.

Conclusion

Supporting mothers’ and infants’ sleep can decrease the stressors of motherhood, improve maternal mood and mental health, and promote better infant development. This Mother’s Day, consider giving the gift of sleep to mom. By prioritizing sleep and providing support, we can help new mothers thrive and build a stronger, more resilient community.

FAQs

Q: How can I support my partner during the postpartum period?
A: You can support your partner by taking on nighttime infant care, providing emotional support, and helping with household chores.

Q: How can I help my friend who is a new mom?
A: You can help your friend by offering to watch the baby while she takes a nap, cooking meals, and providing emotional support.

Q: What are some evidence-based strategies for improving infant sleep?
A: Some evidence-based strategies for improving infant sleep include establishing a bedtime routine, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and avoiding overstimulation.

Q: How can I get more sleep as a new mom?
A: You can get more sleep as a new mom by establishing a bedtime routine, taking turns with your partner, and prioritizing self-care.

Q: Why is sleep important for new moms?
A: Sleep is important for new moms because it helps to improve their mental and physical health, reduce stress, and promote better infant development.