Nap time for Mama

chiboo9

So prior to LO arriving, everyone always said to make sure to nap while baby naps. I found that this is difficult for me to achieve during the day for some reason, even when LO is sound asleep. In the 6 weeks that I've been on maternity leave, I've yet to take one nap. And with me not getting barely any sleep at night, I am exhausted and wish I can take advantage. Anyone else have this issue, or have any tips on how to take naps during the day?

nnikki10

Agree with PP about a sleep mask. Also try to make wherever you are taking a nap dark as possible. Blackout curtains or foil in windows work wonders (not classy but they work) coming from a former graveyard worker. Plus a fan for cool air and white noise.

Learntoswim18

Treat it as quiet time, not just a nap. Go lay down in bed with a book, or just relax, you will probably fall asleep if you're that tired but I feel like it gives your body a chance to reset even if you don't have a proper nap. I take my nap in bed with LO beside me so I can easily feed him if needed and its just nice to lay there and look at him for a while with no stress about chores needing to get done. I allocate a 2 hour block every day for this (but that generally includes either the start or end of a feed session).

MagickalNarwhal

My older kid was a short napper from birth and no way was I getting a restful nap when he was sleeping for 35-45 min at a time. Now I have an awesome napper but my son is 18 mo and so I'm entertaining him if she's asleep.