Do/did you sleep when LO sleeps?

vera1127

I feel like everyone is telling me to do this but I'm having the absolute hardest time doing it. I feel like I can't get showered, keep up with my house, eat, take care of the dogs, or do anything else if I'm sleeping whenever he's sleeping. I do try to get in one nap a day, but the rest of the day I feel like crap because I'm so tired. What did you do that worked best for you? Any tips are appreciated.

snwfields

In the beginning I tried my best to nap when he slept. They sleep so much then that you can take a few short naps and still attempt to get things done. Of course I know that is easier said then done. I would try to sleep as much as you can because you will get burnt out very quickly if you don't!

ellenaxo

It's definitely easier said than done. I couldn't nap at all with my first and I find the same is true this time. I would rather do laundry, shower, and get caught up on email, than take a nap. One suggestion that I would have is to try to go to sleep early. So if your DS is eating at let's say 8 or 9, go to sleep after that feeding just to get some extra rest. Good luck!

lplassman

Everyone told me to do this too, I never did!  I wish I would/could have, but like you, I always felt like there were other things I needed/wanted to get done!  I cannot stand when things are out of order, so basically I was just exhausted everyday, lol.  It does get better though, I wish I would have slept more, but I made it! 

PS Nicholas is precious, and I love the name! 

melisb25

I have a really hard time with this too. I am pretty anal about having the house clean and having everything done so I try to do things while she sleeps. Now that I've been home a while though and caught up on things I try to sleep at least once a day when she does. Even if I don't fall asleep I just lay down and rest.

tiffanylaw06

I find sleeping when he sleeps to be impossible.  He sleeps for maybe 2 hours in a row (during the day) and I have to eat, shower, get dressed, etc., pump, do random household tasks, prepare bottles, etc.  By the time I pee, eat, pump, and maybe do one small thing then it's time for his next feeding. 

vera1127

tiffanylaw06:

By the time I pee, eat...

Peeing and eating are my two biggest challenges! So funny that you said that. I will go for hours and hours feeling crap and realize "omg it's because I'm starving and I have to pee!" The little things...

 

I think I'm going to attempt setting aside one of his naptimes a day for me to nap/rest and "ignore" the household stuff that needs to get done. That way I can try to get some extra rest. I am also trying to get to bed as early as possible, even if it's 8 or 9:00, just to try to get in one extra session. DH and I have also worked out sleeping in shifts so if DS gets up before 2am DH will take care of it and if it's after 2am I'll take care of it. That allows me to get some good solid sleep! Who knew I'd be sitting around one morning working out a schedule just for sleep? 

HisKathy

I'll jump on the "don't sleep when he sleeps" bandwagon.  The first time he actually let me put him down I got so much done it was amazing!  The only time we nap together now is while watching football on the weekends!

sunnyday16

I rarely did when my DD was your LO's age. I enjoyed having some me time and taking a shower just made me feel like a human again. Coffee helps!

popcorn13

I was not good at this even though I was tired and should have napped.  I couldn't relax and felt like there was always something else to do...like shower.  Even if I ignored the housework there was always something I felt like I needed to brush up on so I'd read a chapter in a baby book or post a question here   I also used the time to catch up on shows on the DVR with MH or call back friends and family who had been reaching out.