Managing sleep deprivation

For a large part of the first year, sleep can be a rare commodity. But research shows that it’s a medical necessity for new mums, and an important way to guard against postnatal depression. Here are a few ways you can help manage sleep deprivation.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.