I'm talking to you. Yes, you. The mum whose baby has somehow failed to go the f**k to sleep, for the umpteenth night running. You're a hot mess held together purely by caffeine, sugar and adrenaline. You're starting to resent/hate your previously adored other half, with whom you're in locked in constant dreary competition over 'who's more tired' (answer: YOU). Pyjamas are now your working uniform, and your baby is in her jumperoo so often, you're beginning to mistake her for Davros.
If you ever do make it out the house, you're surrounded by beautifully made up yummy mummies pushing their angelically sleeping babies. Your mummy friends ALL have little darlings who have been sleeping through pretty much since they left the hospital. You're always the reluctant recipient of unwanted, well meaning but patronising advice. 'Would you not consider just giving her some formula?' 'Won't she nap in her cot? You're making a rod for your own back with those pram naps'. 'He just needs a full belly and he'll sleep all night!'
You've read all the books, watched the podcasts and learnt from the experts. You could get your PhD on the subject of infant sleep, you know so much about it. Despite this, your little one suddenly decides to up their game by waking up every hour. That previous 3 hour stretch now seems like a golden memory. You find yourself googling 'can I die from lack of sleep?' and the knowledge that you're a heightened stroke/obesity/diabetes risk does nothing for your anxiety induced insomnia.
With all this going on, how can you not feel like a failure? You MUST be doing it wrong! Everyone else's babies sleep! You've made so many rods for your own back, it's a wonder you can still fit into your dressing gown.
Well, I'm here to tell you, lovely mummy, you are NOT a failure. Or a loser. Or a bad mum. On the contrary, to function on so little sleep whilst looking after a tiny human being, well, that makes you SUPER MUM!
Every baby is different.
Your baby WILL get the hang of sleep, but it will be in his/her own time.
There is no right/wrong way of doing things. Ultimately, you know your baba best. Tune out the chattering 'experts' and listen to your gut.
Do what you need to do to get through. Whether that's co sleeping, or naps on you. Your child will not still be sharing your bed when they're 18.
Ask for help and don't try to cope when you can't. Remember how hard it was getting through the day on little sleepwithout children? You shouldn't have to do this on your own.
You are amazing and you're doing a wonderful job.
When all else fails, chant the following: This too shall pass...this too shall pass...
And keep posting on here! We're all in this together, so pull up a comfy chair, and we'll take your coffee order and pass the biscuits 