Sleep. The holy grail of sleep. ‘Get enough sleep’ is what people would tell me before the baby comes. As if I could store it up and slowly feed on it for the months to come. It’s not that easy.
This blog in the ‘Blog Roundup’ series focuses on blogs I’ve written as I have reflected on sleep. And trust me, my journey wasn’t easy. So, if you’re feeling challenged by your own sleep or that of your baby, read on.
Don’t forget to also check out my blog round up on essential self-care tips here: Blog Roundup: 6 essential things you should know about self-care
Let’s dive right in!
1. Let’s talk about sleep, baby
Whether you’re speaking to a friend, family member or someone you’ve just met in an NCT class then the likelihood when you’ve just had a baby is for it to go to the exciting subject matter of sleep.
The fact is it’s different for everyone. So start at this blog to grab my reflections and experience – and then why not write about your own. Don’t compare, don’t be so hard on yourself and embrace the conversation.
After all, sleep does matter.
Read on: The never-ending conversation about sleep
2. Do you sleep train or do you not sleep train?
Sleep training isn’t for everyone. However, if it’s crossed your mind. Maybe on the 10th or 11th wake up of the night, then read this blog as I share my own journey to sleep training my little one.
Whatever you decide, it’s your decision.
Read on: 9 things to consider before sleep training your baby
3. What about my sleep?
We all need sleep. It helps us to reset, re-energise, keep our organs working and able to get through our day.
Me without enough sleep. Not a pretty picture.
So how can you get a restful night when you’re SUPER busy. I wrote about what that could like.
Pull out the things you like the sounds of, add to it and build your own routine.
Read on: How to get a restful night’s sleep as a busy mum
4. Hello sleep, is that you?
Sometimes, well for me, all the time I was in constant comparison mode.
I used to get this much sleep. Now all I get is this.
I’d sit in bed after another wake, calculating how many hours I had before I needed to get up.
It was always depressing.
It was always not helpful.
So what does embracing the sleep routine look like for you? With untold questions about how is your baby sleeping, you can often doubt whether you’ve got it right. Well, it’s doesn’t need to be right for them, just for you.
Read on: Embracing the sleep routine
5. We made the decision to sleep train, and this is why
It worked for us.
It wasn’t however an easy decision. In fact I didn’t think I would ever do it.
But the outcome has been positive then and still to this day. It’s meant that when there are regressions I can easily pinpoint to why that is OR I’m more relaxed that I may not have the reason but it will settle once more.
So if you’re on the fence and want someone else’s perspective, then…
Read on: Why sleep training our baby was the hardest but best decision for us
I hope this blog round up has given you plenty to think about in regards to your sleep and that of your little ones. I’m enjoying this reflection series of rounding up the content I’ve written over the last year on this blog. Next week, I’ll be looking at the incredible interviews I’ve done.
Blog Round Up Series:
Blog Roundup: 6 essential things you should know about self-care
My favourite sleep aids:
I’ve tried a lot of things, but honestly besides Ewan the sheep that worked initially, the one thing that has been a game-changer is this little sleep machine for lullabies and white noise from Amazon: