Postpartum Power Rest: Getting your 4 continuous hours - 228

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson untangles the topic of getting 4 hours of continuous sleep after having a baby. She discusses the importance of sleep for both parents and shares tips on how to prioritize and achieve sufficient rest, emphasizing the connection between sleep and postpartum depression. Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook to share your experiences and learn from others. Big thanks to our sponsor Postpartum Care Made Easy -- it's really all about staying safe after baby is born! Links for you: Study on 4 hours of sleep preventing postpartum depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5322694/ Timestamps: 00:00 Postpartum care, sleep crucial for new mothers. 03:39 Ensure both get 4 hours of rest nightly. 08:05 Breastfeeding challenges and co-sleeping concerns discussed. Keypoints: Getting 4 hours of continuous sleep after having a baby is crucial for preventing postpartum depression. It is essential to prioritize sleep for both partners, as this can significantly impact mental health. Prioritize rest after the first month, as the first few weeks are typically unpredictable and tough for both parents and the baby. It's important to involve and plan with your partner to ensure that both caregivers are able to get 4 hours of sleep. Discuss and decide on a plan for feeding the baby during the 4-hour sleep period, considering options such as pumped breast milk or formula feeding. Consider a shift-based sleep schedule, with one partner taking the late shift and the other taking the early shift to ensure both parents get adequate rest. Babies may not need to be fed immediately upon making sounds, as sometimes they may go back to sleep on their own. Co-sleeping is discouraged due to safety concerns and the potential to disrupt continuous sleep for both the parents and the baby. Join the discussion on Instagram or Facebook to share and gather ideas on how to make the sleep plan work for your family. Consider balancing sleep on weekends, allowing the partner who typically handles nighttime feedings to get some extra rest. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: Sleep after baby, getting 4 hours of continuous sleep, postpartum depression, lactation, milk supply, mental health, postpartum mortality rates, baby's schedule, partner support, feeding baby, formula feeding, breast pumping, circadian rhythm, baby cues, co-sleeping, Instagram, Facebook, parenting tips, family support, weekend rest, balance, kids' chores, confrontation, pregnancy nurse, maternal health, maternal mortality rates, podcast, reviewing, subscribing