Are you a tired, newborn mum? As a midwife with 20 years experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to newborn sleep. Don’t worry, I am here to help you sleep better.
Unrealistic newborn expectations have become a great source of overwhelm and disappointment in modern parenting. I’m here to bust these out-dated newborn sleep myths and clear up some of that well meaning sleep advice you may have heard. Together we can make this newborn period easier, more enjoyable and filled with sleep!
Myth 1: Holding Your Newborn is Bad, you may spoil them
Holding your baby is never a bad thing.
I know it’s tiring having a baby wanting to be on you 24/7, but it is very normal. They need closeness in these early months, as it’s all they have known for the last 9 months.
Myth 2: You Have To Teach Your Newborn To Sleep Alone
Don’t worry about sleep training just yet. Your newborn isn’t developmentally capable of self settling.
It is very normal if they need lots of comfort and support to get them to sleep. It won’t be like this forever. If sleep is feeling overwhelming take advantage of my 20+ years experience as a midwife and book a consultation with me. -- FIND OUT MORE HERE --
Myth 3: Start A Newborn Sleep Routine Early
Trying to establish a strict routine for your baby at such a young age often leads to more stress than rest.
It's important to understand that newborn sleep is inherently unpredictable, and this is very normal.
Instead, embrace the fact your baby can sleep in the pram, car, or carrier. Consider introducing more structured routines closer to four months.
Myth 4: Don’t Feed To Sleep
Feeding to sleep is normal, and often unavoidable with such small awake windows, lengthy feeds and overall tiredness.
The truth is, feeding to sleep works for a reason. If it means more sleep, there is no need to avoid doing it.
Do what works for you and your baby.
Myth 5: Naps Must Happen In Darkness
Newborns don’t produce melatonin (the sleepy hormone) until closer to 4+ months, meaning they are great at sleeping anywhere. Take advantage and take 1-2 naps a day on the go. Then from 3-4 months introduce more naps at home in a dark room.
Myth 6: Keep Your Newborn Up Later, And They Will Sleep Later
This is a common misconception. Keeping your baby up late is actually likely to worsen your sleep. It is likely to lead to over-tiredness, making them harder to settle.
To get better sleep, stick with shorter awake windows and more frequent naps.
Busting Newborn Myths; I am here to help! After 20+ years as a midwife, simplifying newborn sleep is my jam!
Ready to understand your newborn a little more?
Download my Ultimate Newborn Guide for evidence-based tips and the wisdom of a seasoned midwife.
I know you are tired, I’m here to help book a FREE call.
I'm here to support you on this journey, because I know that mum-life is easier when you sleep. 💤
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