Why you don’t need to stress about sleep in the 4th trimester.
When you’re pregnant, everyone warns you about how little sleep you’ll be getting once baby arrives. But you’re never REALLY prepared for the sleep deprivation that comes with 2-hour sleep stretches followed by an hour of latching, feeding, burping, and maybe a blow-out on a repeat cycle.
A couple weeks of this and a new mom wouldn’t be blamed for looking into sleep training during the 4th trimester. If this sounds like you, this blog post will explore why it’s important for moms not to stress too much about their newborn’s sleep patterns and instead embrace a gentle approach that prioritizes bonding, flexibility, and understanding.
What is the 4th trimester?
The 4th trimester is the period immediately after birth until 12 weeks of age. The term was coined by pediatrician, Harvey Karp, who says that babies are born too early and we should think of newborns as fetuses outside the womb. During the 4th trimester baby is still coming to terms with the world around them and need constant feeding, comforting, and sleep.
Typical newborn sleep patterns
In this stage, babies will spend much more time sleeping than awake. In a 24-hour period, babies can sleep anywhere from 14-17 hours. However, most parents know to expect little sleep during the newborn stage. This is because newborn sleep is sporadic and there is no specific pattern that babies follow since they don’t have an established circadian rhythm.
While this is normal, it is very inconvenient for parents who are used to sleeping long stretches. Because of this, new parents sometimes think they can start sleep training right away.
While laying a foundation of good sleep habits is important, the newborn stage is actually the perfect time for new parents to relish the time together before one or both parents go back to work.
Being attentive in the newborn stage matters
Infants depend on their caregivers for their needs. This is especially true in the 4th trimester when they are brand new and begin using their voice to let us know they need something. In fact, crying is crucial to their survival as it’s the only way they have to communicate. When we respond to this communication, we are creating a bond that is essential for development.
Studies show that attentive parenting leads to more independence in the future. Conversely, a lack of early bonding can result in later emotional and physical problems. When a caregiver responds soothingly to cues and cries, they are promoting bonding since newborns are not developmentally ready to self-regulate.
While many parents worry about “spoiling” their baby or creating bad habits, rest assured that responding, comforting, and nurturing your baby will not create bad habits this early on.
Postpartum care should be prioritized
After giving birth, new moms are usually no longer the focus of everyone’s attention and concern. We go from being monitored weekly to waiting nearly 2 months for our first postpartum doctor visit. Emotionally, mentally, and physically women are going through numerous changes within themselves not to mention the new baby and the new family dynamic.
In order to be the best moms, we should take the time to rest, eat healthy, and give ourselves grace to truly appreciate the change that our bodies have undergone to deliver a healthy thriving baby. If possible, have family or friends help with holding your baby or cooking and cleaning so you can prioritize your health.
Setting the proper foundation
While it’s too early to start a strict sleep schedule, there are certain things you can do to make sure your baby gets familiar with the sleep process.
Getting exposure to light during the day and darkness at night is one way to help them establish that circadian rhythm.
Making sure they have a safe, cool, space of their own to sleep like a crib or bassinet will also prepare them for sleeping independently.
A short but consistent bedtime routine.
Whether it’s your first rodeo so to speak or you’ve got a few under your belt, the pressure to be a “perfect” mom is always there. But the 4th trimester is the time to focus on creating a strong bond between you and your child. This bond will ensure you know your child’s ways of communicating, which will come in handy when you actually start sleep training.
Bonding also ensures your child knows he is being taken care of and will make him or her feel safe in this new world they are in.
While it’s easy to get caught up on checklists, and schedules, logging feedings and diaper changes, and all the things that come with a new baby spend this time enjoying some cuddles, getting comfortable feeding, comforting, and nurturing your baby because the time will come when your baby is ready to learn the self-soothing skills he needs for healthy sleep.
Rest knowing that you will have set up a great foundation not only for sleep but your child’s wellbeing and development throughout childhood.
Related articles:
Supporting a mom who just had a baby.
Pregnancy sleep tips when you already have a little one.