Are you getting any sleep? its one of the first questions most people ask when you go out with a newborn baby. Theres no suprises as to why people have to ask this. Everyone knows the effects sleep deprivation can be torturing, which makes you feel cranky a little confused, upset and sometimes bearly ok to function properly. This is all quite normal for having a newborn.

For some new mums, getting up a few times in the night is quite manageable and some can breeze through it. But other new mums struggle and the night waking continues and sometimes becomes worse. If you are like this you dont need to battle through this on your own there are all kinds of services available for all mums. Dont feel like you have failed just because you are asking for help. If any case mums that ask for help or support is doing the right thing for her and baby.

Some of your options are;

EARLY CHILD HEALTH NURSE
You have probally met your local nurse by now. Some people choose they dont like health nurses because they think they can talk a bit of hogwash (mind the language). They are very good for support and help if you need it. They weigh and measure baby and check on general development. They also organise sleeping classes aswell, just check with your local health nurse when one is available. A child health nurse is the best person to get advice from as all babies are individual and varying stages of development that your child health nurse knows what strategies are best suited to your baby.

The strategies your child health nurse has recommended these could be what you need such as watching for your baby's tired signs. You should be able to see alot of improvement in your baby's sleep. If you do still have problems and you find that these strategies arent working there are places like Karitane (NSW) Ngala (WA) just naming a couple there. I havent linked there websites just incase of copyright breaches. You can google it and you should be able to find them online. Most of these places require a referrals and you can get them from either your child health nurse or a doctor.

Your GP/Doctor isnt just there for when your baby or you is sick. If your childhealth nurse is unavailable the family doctor might be able to help with what you need. If he/she feels there is a medical condition he/she can refer you to a paediatrician. Family and friends are a big help and sometimes know what you are going through. Sometimes they can make you feel a little confused than ever but other times not. If they offer to baby sit SAY YES! It wont solve the baby's sleep issues but it will give you a break for just you and your partner or just yourself.

These places are just a guide on where you can get some help and sleep. :)

Love Kelly