Energise yourself
Do you feel like you could sleep for a week? Hilary Pereira has some fantastic tips to help new mums stay energised and upbeat when the going gets tough
Breastfeeding a newborn can leave you feeling sapped of energy, especially in those early days when you're both trying to establish a routine. It may feel as if your baby is almost permanently latched on to you, and your body is no longer your own.
Of course, all the time you are nursing your baby, you'll need to be engaged with her fully, and if she wakes frequently in the night, too, chances are you'll soon feel overwhelmed with exhaustion. This is why it's important that you take every opportunity to recharge your batteries and do all you can to boost your energy levels.
Grab a nap
Although a full night's undisturbed sleep is probably top of your wish list right now, in reality it may be a few months off yet. Even if you express some of your breastmilk so that your partner can take over some of the night feeds, you're still likely to wake up as soon as your baby stirs, whimpers or cries. Don't be tempted to use the time when your baby has daytime sleeps to catch up on chores or try to rustle up a tasty dinner. You can't expect to turn into Superwoman and carry on just as you did before you took on your new full-time job of motherhood.
Take the opportunity to grab some rest, however fleeting, while your baby is asleep. There's no need to worry that some harm could come to her if you're not on 24-hour watch. Just as you'll almost certainly wake for her when she needs you in the night, the same is true during the day, should you manage to drop off. Even if you don't hear her immediately, you can be very sure that she'll exercise those lungs sufficiently to make her feelings felt soon enough!
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