Maximizing Sleep & Support During the Newborn Phase

Supporting Your Partner and Prioritizing Self-Care

The newborn phase is a beautiful but demanding time for new parents, particularly when it comes to getting enough sleep. Caring for a newborn involves constant feeding, changing, and soothing, which can exhaust both parents. Using the strategies we discuss, you and your partner can support each other and prioritize self-care to ensure you both get the rest you need to stay healthy and refreshed during this period.

Sharing Responsibilities 

One effective way to make sure both you and your partner get enough sleep is to share newborn care responsibilities fairly. This doesn't always require splitting every task exactly in half, but rather considering each other's strengths, preferences, and schedules. You can divide responsibilities by tasks or shifts. To learn more about how to do this, click here for our newborn course!

Need some VERY specific ways to ask for help? Here are 50.

Communicate and Adjust as Needed

Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and be flexible with your routines. If one strategy isn’t helping, don’t be afraid to adjust. The key is to work together and support each other in finding what works best for your family. Check in daily with each other, talk about what's working, and what's not, and pivot based on what works for you.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment for You!

A restful sleep environment can make a big difference in the quality of the sleep YOU get, even if it’s in short bursts. Invest in blackout curtains, brown noise machines, or earplugs to help block out disturbances. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature (68-72° F or 20-22° C) and make the bed as cozy as possible.

Accepting Help while Setting Boundaries

When you have a new baby, it's natural for family and friends to want to visit and help out. However, too many visitors can disrupt your sleep and contribute to your stress. It's important to set boundaries early on. Let your loved ones know that while you appreciate their support, you also need time to rest and bond with your baby. If visitors do come, consider asking them to help with household chores or bring over a meal, which will allow you to use that time to rest.

Knowing when to Ask for Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, sleep deprivation can feel overwhelming. It’s important to know when to ask for help. This could mean reaching out to family or friends for support or consulting with a sleep consultant (chat with us!) who can offer strategies tailored to your situation, needs, and preferences. 

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a way to ensure that both you and your partner stay healthy and capable of caring for your newborn.

If you're in a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support

Maximizing sleep during the newborn phase involves teamwork, self-care, and open communication. By supporting each other and prioritizing rest, you can navigate this challenging period more smoothly and enjoy the precious moments with your new baby. Remember, it’s not about perfection but finding what works best for you and your family. 

NEWBORN COURSE

Just Sleep Already has a Newborn Sleep Course available NOW for only $35! This course is designed to help you establish good sleep habits for your newborn. It covers sleep tips, newborn soothing strategies, understanding your newborn's cues and much more.

Plus, you'll receive a free e-guide download that provides advice on how you and your partner can support each other during the newborn phase. Additionally, you can opt for a low-cost phone consultation with a sleep consultant to get personalized answers to your questions about your newborn's sleep. Click the button below to learn more and download the online course!

Hang in there— it DOES get easier! We are here to help if/when you need it. Questions on any of our packages, courses, or services? Click the “book an intro call” button below and we’ll have a quick chat to get them answered.

<3,

Jackie, Kaylee, & Nicole