As you may know sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Is there a way you can prepare for what it’s going to be like to live with a newborn? You will be up many times a night to nurse and change your baby. I think I recall something like ninety diapers per week! How many times you nurse per day varies but it’s a lot. I logged every feed and I still have that information as a keep sake. It also helped me stay sane in that early period. The one thing I can say is that will get easier.
Finding a service that provides night help or postpartum doula services might be key. You can also get help from family members. If your partner is willing to get up and bring the baby to you and then does the diaper change that can help. Of course having two sleep deprived parents is something to consider.
Napping when the baby is sleeping is also a great way to stay caught up. This can be challenging as you may be choosing between eating, bathing and sleep. If you have other children then you know you have extra challenges. The more help the better. We tend to think we can just do everything ourselves.
Being a super mom can increase your exhaustion which could increase your chances of having postpartum blues or actual depression. This is not something you want to experience. This is generally a hormone imbalance which can be helped pervious to birth by getting care from chiropractors, massage or bodywork, acupuncture or other kinds of health supporting practitioners.
Planning to get help before you become a train wreck is best. Finding services on line before birth is recommended. One of the services, in Chicago, that I suggest you check out is www.letmommysleep.com. Erin Walker has a great video on the site that talks all about the postpartum period that is just great! Check it out and let her know that BirthLink sent you! They also serve other locations.