The “sleep deprivation is a part of parenting” comment?

There has always been such a massive stigma around sleep deprivation for mothers… There is a mentality around sleep deprivation being the “norm” and that you should basically just suck it up because it doesn’t last forever.

Whilst sleep deprivation CAN and IS very normal and to be expected in those newborn days, it doesn’t have to go on for months or years. In fact, research shows that it is in everyone’s best interest when sleep deprivation ISN’T a normal part of your life. (Great news!!)

Prolonged chronic sleep deprivation can trigger feelings of anger, irritability, result in low immunity, cause us to resent/compare. Not to mention a massive component to post-natal depression and anxiety. And for your Bub, it can cause all these types of things. Shitty sleep might be COMMON, but it isn’t NORMAL or something you should just deal with.

Let’s STOP normalizing sleep deprivation (it’s not a badge of honor), beyond those first few months or sporadically throughout your child’s life and start encouraging Mama’s to reach out for help when they need it.

Reaching out for a little bit of sleep support and guidance doesn’t mean you want PERFECT sleep, but it just means you know you and your Bub BOTH deserve better QUALITY sleep.