It’s normal to feel tired more often than usual after giving birth. And as you probably know, it’ll be a while until your baby sleeps through the night, so you’ll need to adjust to an interrupted sleep schedule. However, some women experience persistent sleepiness that far exceeds the normal level and turns into postpartum insomnia.

Although postpartum insomnia doesn’t affect all women, it could happen to you if you’re experiencing drastic hormonal changes or finding it difficult to adjust to life with a newborn. Today, we’ll dig deeper to understand postpartum insomnia and provide a few tips to help you sleep better!

What Is Postpartum Insomnia? 

Postpartum insomnia refers to difficulty falling or staying asleep after giving birth. It is a common condition that affects many new mothers, and it is often caused by the hormonal changes and physical demands of childbirth, as well as the stress and anxiety that come with caring for a newborn.

Postpartum insomnia can be characterized by difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and feeling tired or fatigued during the day. It can also lead to other problems, such as mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

How to Treat Postpartum Insomnia 

Postpartum insomnia is challenging to manage, especially when adjusting to life with your newborn. While you should speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a treatment plan, these tips may help you manage your symptoms and sleep through the night.

• Practice sleep hygiene. Developing better sleep hygiene will make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. Establishing a regular sleep schedule can be challenging with a newborn, but try to create a comfortable environment and lie down at the same time every night.
• Ask for support. Ask a family member or partner to help you take care of nighttime responsibilities if possible. Long-term postpartum insomnia can hinder your ability to care for your newborn, so don’t be afraid to ask for additional support until you’re sleeping normally again.
• Nap when the baby naps. While this may be easier said than done, do your best to get some sleep when you can. When you get the chance, go to find a cozy place to get a little rest while your baby is napping.

Hopefully, your postpartum insomnia will subside when the baby begins to sleep through the night. If your symptoms persist, consider speaking with a healthcare provider to create a treatment plan.

Get Relief from Postpartum Insomnia with 2Me Healthcare

If you’re interested in working with a midwife or doula that offers holistic pregnancy support, OB2Me is here to help. At OB2Me, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for you and your family. We are also available to help you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to fit your needs best and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Contact our team today and see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference.