Lack of Sleep
One of the hardest adjustment to make when becoming a new parent is your sleep. Think about it... One night, you have that luxury to sleep 8 to even 12 hours without being disturbed. The next night, you could be running on two hours of sleep with the addition of a crying baby, constantly feeding off your breast. You will for surely get sleep deprived and experience tons of emotions because you are just incredibly tired. Some mothers get to the point of being admitted to the hospital because of the Postpartum Depression. Luckily for me, I didn't get that far. But don't get me wrong, I was very close to it. I was and still am very fortunate and grateful to have the support system that I have because if it wasn't for them, I could have been diagnosed with depression. It's crazy because I never thought I would EVER feel so low and insecure. I definitely did not feel like myself. But this is something all, if not, most, mothers experience. It is completely common.
I would like to note this though: Mothers and fathers, don't be afraid to ask for help. Although your babies health is a priority, so is yours. Make sure you're taken care of. Allow someone to babysit while you take a nap or even take a stroll around the grocery store or go to the gym. Anything helps when you take a break from the baby. Also, mothers, don't think you have to carry the burden of taking care of the child on your own. Ask your hubby to take one feeding so you get a few extra hours of straight sleep. My boyfriend and I are great with sharing the feedings and parenting, which is extremely helpful because we both are given just enough rest so I, or he, don't go insane.
One more thing, this is what I'd like to leave with. This will only lasts a few months. You carried you're child for 9 months, and this phase of no sleep will last less than that. My baby girl is about to turn six months old and she's already sleeping through the night. But even a few months ago, I was able to get at least 7 hours of straight sleep those few nights my boyfriend was able to take one night feeding. It's very important to share the responsibility with your partner if you would like that extra rest.
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