A few short years ago I remember telling friends I was ‘exhausted’ after another night out filled with laughs and a few too many vodkas. I was tired because I had gone to bed at 2am and had to get up for a family breakfast at 8am. How was I going to survive on a mere six hours sleep?!
Everyone has the right to complain about being tired, but as a childfree 28-year-old I could slink off post brekkie to have a leisurely afternoon nap. Now as a mum of two, I might get the odd 10-minute nap on the sofa, but mostly I just drink more coffee, wear more concealer and get on with it.
My second son is nine months old and a real beauty, but sleep this year has been something of a luxury. Four hours in a row? We are nailing it! Only two wake-ups last night? Legendary! My expectations have changed quite a bit, I still crave sleep but I’m getting a whole lot less than I used to.
I am essentially always tired. Sometimes ridiculously, mostly just low-level sleepy, and while it is normal at this stage of life, it doesn’t mean it is okay. For me – it is the hardest part of parenting.
True sleep deprivation is literally a form of torture and as any new mum will tell you, those bad nights sure as hell feel torturous. I know because I have just survived the newborn phase, various sleep regression phases, some fevers, colds, teething and it’s all awful.
I’m sure that all parents can relate to that sinking feeling of hearing the start of a baby’s cry at 11pm, 1am, 3am, 4am or all of the above. At first you hope you might be mistaken but wait, nope that was definitely him.
Top Comments
If it’s affecting you that much just put the baby in the bed with you and get some good rest. I know what the requirements are on cosleeping but if you are as fatigued as you say you are clearly driving etc is also dangerous for you. It’s summer now. Kick your husband out of the bed. Take the blankets off the bed. Smooth the sheets out. Put a railing so he doesn’t fall out and sleep together. Or put a firm mattress on the floor and sleep next to your baby. Most women around the world especially in non western countries sleep with their babies. They’re only small for so long.
Ear plugs. At nine months, if the baby is not ill - and evidently he's not, he's well and eats normally and is generally thriving - just ignore him / block the noise. I know, I know, so harsh and dreadful and un-PC and he'll learn that you don't come running all the time, but quite soon it will trickle through that night time = sleep time and quiet for everyone, him included. Initially I might be inclined to get up the first time, just to check and make sure he is in fact fine, after that, solid, silicone ear plugs for everyone and a white noise machine for the bedrooms and see you around 7am!
Great solution