Laguna Moms Talk: Sleep Deprivation

A new mom asks: Will I ever get enough sleep? When will the daze go away?

After the new-arrival excitement wears off, this pattern of endless days and nights with a restless infant can be devastating. For me, sleep deprivation and dealing with a baby who dozed in fits and starts was like hitting a brick wall.

Combined with laundry, meals and other tasks, I felt like I was slowly sinking. Having just left a fulltime job, I was used to working hard, then stopping and starting fresh again the next day. But this 24-hour job was a whole new experience. My son was seeking a sleep pattern and I just needed to regain mine.

Then the whole issue hit the fan. 

I left the house to run errands. Suddenly, I found myself frozen at a busy intersection, trying to figure out where I was! Actually, I had just taken a wrong turn and was only a few miles from home, but I felt like I was on another planet.

Loss of sleep and total overload caught up with me. Now I was a traffic hazard.
I made a beeline for home and soon after enlisted all the help I could find. I also began streamlining everything. As I leveled out, our world improved.

Moral of story: If you are a new mom, use your available support and enlist more if you need it. Also, make sure you are taking care of you:

1. Keep your dental, doctor and hair appointments, and whatever else would be on your regular calendar.
2. Eat well with loads of fresh fruit and vegetables. A little dark chocolate and teas help too.
3. Exercise. Of course you are getting a workout with all the household tasks and baby care, but a little exercise devoted just to you will dump a lot of stress and kick up your morale.
4. Work on the sleep issue. If you never get enough sleep, figure out a way to get a little help and grab a few naps.  Make sure you nap when your baby naps.
5. Recognize stress when it hits.  If you are spacing out, munching on chips, and overreacting, you might already be there. Find five minutes of quiet time in which you can sit away from all the commotion. Close your eyes and slowly breathe in and out. Picture your favorite sunset on the beach or hum your favorite song. When you open your eyes, everything will still be there, but you will be more ready for it.
6. Talk about it.  Compare notes with friends, family and other moms.  I had no idea how much I needed this until an older neighbor showed up on my doorstep with a gift of knitted booties, a plate of muffins and a smile.  I made a pot of coffee and she listened while I talked and talked.
7. Use what’s out there. Check out the latest baby accessories and equipment for ease and function.
8. Let serendipity work.  Whatever puts you in touch with yourself will help right your world.

Over the years, resourceful moms have found a million ways to make it through. Tell us how you beat the baby blues. We’ll share it on Laguna Beach Moms Talk.

Another mom asks: What are some good ways to make summer fun and easy?

Start from your kids’ viewpoint. What do they like? Fishing, water parks, puppets and theater, owls and other creatures? Legoland offers a water park.  If your kids are older, Palomar Observatory could be a memorable trip.  Bolsa Chica wetlands has tours and lots of birds year-round.

Book some time at the library – check the Laguna Beach Children’s Department calendar for Tuesday night pajama storytelling, and Wednesday morning sunshine reading sessions. There’s also a Saturday Sleuth Mystery Discussion group, and the summer reading program starts July 1.

Feed them good things that don’t take all your time. Strawberries, peaches, mangos and nuts usually appeal. Try a chicken taco recipe that lets the kids assemble their own. Mary Ostyn’s Family Feasts for $75 a Week might help balance the budget and vary the menus.

Join the fun.  Opt for games you can do with your kids. Try badminton,  chess, hiking, camping, surfing, table tennis, board games, cards, biking, fishing, hammocks and reading, or swimming and water games. Whatever fits will be a winner.

Stay in touch and tell us how you make summer the best.