3 ways to manage sleep deprivation

#1 For a large part of the first year, sleep can be a rare commodity. Yet research shows that it’s a medical necessity for new mums, and an important way to guard against postnatal depression. When one parent is up, the other should be sleeping; and, if you have a helper at home, take advantage of having another pair of hands during the day to rest.

#2 Address your baby’s sleep issues sooner rather than later. Work with a professional, preferably your paediatrician, or a baby sleep consultant (there are good ones in Hong Kong). Get a book on sleep techniques and get started on getting your nights back. #3 Don’t take on a “super mum” role. It’s so tempting to insist on doing everything for the baby – changing every nappy and so on; but you do just end up exhausted, which won’t help the baby – or you.