Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Interrupted Sleep for Moms

Interrupted Sleep for Moms

Sleep is as important to health and life as are food and water.  Interrupted sleep over long periods of time can have serious health consequences.  Sleep is frequently interrupted, sometimes for both parents, but particularly for moms of newborn infants who are nursing.  Young babies have to be fed every few hours through the night.  Older babies and those weighing 14 pounds and more can go longer.  They sleep longer, but may awaken to feed out of habit, not out of hunger.

By the time a baby is nine to twelve months old, it should be sleeping through the night.  Waking frequently to feed can become a habit, which can interrupt the sleep of the mother.  Interrupted sleep can eventually adversely affect her energy levels, health, and ability to take care of the baby and her family.