Parenting is hard work! Those first few months are often a sleep deprived whirlwind of boobs, bottles and diapers. Most new parents are in survival mode, and many are barely surviving. I often hear things like “People told me it would be hard, but I had NO idea how hard!” or, “I don’t think I should really be driving like this.” This shit is no joke! To top it all off, parents feel societal pressure to do it on their own. As though asking for help or admitting that it is hard equals failing.
Everything that is happening in those first few weeks or months is compounded by sleep deprivation. Often, comparable to drugs, sleep deprivation is literally used as a form of torture by the military. Still, these parents don’t feel like they should “need” help. I would love to change this culture for new parents. Imagine a world where seasoned parents tell expecting families, “It was awesome, I slept for 8 hours in a row, 2-7 nights a week, I ate well, I had plenty of time to care for myself as well as someone who cared for and nurtured me while I transitioned into my new role. Let me tell you how I did it, so you can do it too!”
One of the coolest things we offer our clients is overnight newborn care. We come over at 9pm, check in about your day, take your newborn to your nursery or an other room of the house for 9 hours and send you off to bed. Sometimes we bring baby to you for breastfeeding, sometimes we give the baby bottles (your preference) but we always do the changing, swaddling and soothing, as well as the keeping one eye open. You and your partner, can catch eight uninterrupted hours of rest, knowing your baby is in the best of hands next to your own. We are moms, who KNOW the value of sleep. Even just 2 nights a week can make a huge difference in your mental well being. You are a better parent if you are resting. It is not indulgent, it is an intelligent choice. I would love to see more parents making it. Investing in your 4th trimester is an investment in your family’s health and future. Call and learn more about how this could look for your family.