You Will Sleep Again: A Letter of Encouragement to New Parents

Dear Newborn Parent,

I know you're exhausted. I know it feels like you will never sleep again. But I promise you, you will sleep again. And when you do, it will be the most glorious feeling in the world. Visualize it and let that soak in for a minute.

Believe me.I’ve been there. As a pediatrician, I've worked with countless new parents who have shared their sleep-deprived struggles with me. But I've also been there as a mother. I remember those early days with my own children, feeling like I was in a constant state of exhaustion. It's a feeling that's hard to describe, but I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about.

I want you to know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even a little bit crazy. Lack of sleep can make you feel like you're losing your mind. Woosah. I promise you, you're not alone. Every new parent goes through this, and somehow, we all survive.

I remember one particularly sleep-deprived night with my first child. I stumbled out of bed for a late-night feeding and, in my grogginess, grabbed what I thought was a bottle of water from the nightstand. I took a big gulp, only to realize that it was a bottle of freshly pumped breast milk. I remember hot tears streaming down my face as I poured that breast milk down the drain. Looking back, it's kind of funny. But in the moment, it was just another reminder of how exhausted I was.

But enough about me. Let's talk about you. I want to offer you some words of encouragement and some tips for getting through those long, sleepless nights.

First of all, it's important to remember that this phase won't last forever! Newborns need to eat frequently, which means you'll be up multiple times throughout the night. But as they grow and their stomachs can hold more, they'll start sleeping for longer stretches. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.

In the meantime, here are some tips for getting through those long nights:

1. Rest when you can. When your baby is sleeping, try to catch some z's yourself. It can be tempting to use that time to do chores or catch up on work, but your sleep is just as important as your baby's.
   

2. Take turns with your partner. If you have a partner who can help with feedings, take turns so that you both get some sleep.
   

3. Create a relaxing environment. Keep the lights dim and the noise level low during nighttime feedings to help your baby and yourself to fall back asleep more easily.
   

4. Ask for help. If you have family or friends who can help you during the day, take advantage of it. Even a few hours of rest can make a big difference.
   

5. Remember that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Being a new parent is tough, and lack of sleep can make it even tougher. Don't be afraid to reach out to other parents, support groups, or healthcare providers for support and guidance.
   

Lastly, I want to remind you to be kind to yourself. You're doing the best you can, and that's all your baby needs. You will get through this, and you will sleep again. And when you do, it will be the best feeling in the world.

Hang in there, tired parent. You've got this.

Sincerely,

Dr. G

P.S. This is dedicated to all of my tired newborn parents out there but an extra dedication to a newborn parent couple that is near and dear to my heart.