If you are a first time expecting parent, something you may not know is that many babies are noisy sleepers. They grunt and squeak and snuffle. Most parents keep their babies in the same room as them for the first few weeks, but that will be expanding to longer periods of time with the new additions to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for safe sleep. A common complaint I hear from parents is that every little peep from their newborn sets them on edge, and that even while their baby is sleeping they are frequently awakened by their noises and rushing over to make sure they are okay. This is part of why it is believed to be best to have your baby in the same room as you, but it is also a detriment to rest and recovery. So, how are you going to do this for six months to a year?
It’s challenging sleeping in the same room as your infant. Parents are now basically bringing a new, noisy roommate home with them- the beautifully curated nursery will have little night life for quite some time. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, which is also recommended by the AAP to reduce SIDS, there is another layer to the challenge. Babies can smell their nursing parent from what seems like a mile away. If you have your baby close by in their own crib or bassinet and they are aware that you are at arm’s length, they may be inclined to tell you they would rather be nursing for comfort than sleeping by themselves! I’ve been there, myself.
This is all the more reason to utilize a postpartum doula for overnight support. You see, babies are safer sleeping in a room with an alert and invested adult, not exclusively their biological parents. You don’t have to shoulder this alone. At Music City Doulas, we have made ourselves available to families up to a full year after birth since our launch, because we believe families can benefit from expert support for longer than eight to twelve weeks.
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, formula feeding, or using donor milk, overnight support with your postpartum doula can be utilized in a way that supports the feeding relationship and the bond between parents and infant. We believe strongly in providing you with professionals who are up to date on all the newest recommendations for safety in the home environment, and who can additionally show you all the safest ways to help you get where you want to be in terms of your sleep schedule and daily life as a family.
Overnight support does not have to be something you use every night. Just one or two nights a week can make a huge difference in your recovery, overall well being, and quality time with your new baby while you are awake. Call us today to find out how our postpartum doulas and infant care specialists can help you maximize your rest.
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