Summer's Secrets to Sleep While Working as a Newborn Care Specialist
Summer's Secrets to Sleep While Working as a Newborn Care Specialist
Sleep is not an option; it's something our bodies force us to do if we don't get enough rest. I was recently on a Talk Show "Living Real Tv" the first question from the host was, what is the one thing you value the most? Of course, I said my husband and coffee, but it is my sleep.
I've been a mom for 21 years; as you can imagine, my sleep issues started with my babies, and as they have grown up, you worry about their health and school, plus everything in between.
When we become pregnant, we instantly become a parent. We worry about the health of our babies before they are born. Very typical, but this also causes a trigger in our bodies; we start to sleep less to prepare for our baby/babies to be delivered.
All of this prepares us to be awake overnight to support our baby to grow and be healthy. The question is often asked how do I function with little sleep? As a newborn care specialist for many years, I've sat on the couch at one am with parents asking this very question.
Here are my responses to parents from a newborn care specialist's perspective. The goal is to help parents heal after birth we arrive as soon as they come home from the hospital. We are a reassuring presence the moment we arrive; at least, that is the plan.
Questions often asked is when do you sleep? Great question. I started this career back in 2007 when my children were five and six years old, so as soon as they left for school, I would go to sleep until they needed to be picked up.
Here is my sleep secret to getting good sleep during the day to be healthy for my clients at night.
- As soon as you get home, prepare for bed.
- Blackout curtains.
- Clean Sheets and bedding.
- Sleep 7-9 hours daily
In most cases, as newborn care specialists, we have clients calling us during the day while we try to sleep, so you need to turn off your phone until it's time to wake up.
Over the years, my sleep has become an essential part of my day. As we take care of our clients and make a routine for our babies, we need a routine. Make sure you set everything around your daily routine.
Per my health coach, yes, I have my coach. She recommends a strict daily routine. Plan on time-blocking in your calendar everything.
- Sleep
- Grocery Shopping
- Client Calls
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Meal planning
My experience working as an NCS for over 14 years is how selfless we are for our clients. In most cases, we jump when a client calls because we understand postpartum depression and sleep issues parents are going through, but what needs to be discussed is our mental health and sleep.
If I could go back in time and learn about the most important thing, is we need to focus on our sleep to be the best Newborn Care Specialist for our clients.
I hope this helps you grow as a newborn care specialist and become the best in your career.
Written by
Summer Hartman
