​Are You a Sleep Deprived Supermom?

Benefits of Bedtime Routine

You know that moment when you walk into your infant’s room at 3:00 am, gently furious and already thinking about how much coffee you will need the next morning?! It’s like our bodies were created to survive on no sleep. You may look like a homeless person and can’t remember the last time you brushed your teeth, but it’s all worth when you get a little smile and your heart swells.

Let’s talk about how we (hopefully) can help that tiny person sleep a little better and regain a little sanity for mom. One thing that has worked wonders with my daughter is being consistent with her bed time schedule. For a newborn, who can't yet tell morning from evening, routines are especially helpful in establishing a circadian rhythm, an inborn biological clock that helps distinguish night from day. How do you do that? The idea is to lay a foundation so that over time, your baby will associate cues with sleep. Our bedtime routine  starts with a bath followed by a gentle (sometimes rushed) massage.

The Benefits of Massage

As a massage therapist, I have seen what massage can do for babies (and adults). I love using our Blue Chamomile lotion for the massage. This lotion is calming, soothing, relaxing, and creates a wonderfully peaceful environment for the baby. Our Lavender Baby Oil is a great option as well. This oil is particularly suitable for delicate, sensitive baby skin. Did you know that infant massage has numerous benefits? Here are just a few examples:

• It can easy tummy troubles and teething pains
• Boost muscle development
• Calm him/her when fussy
• Soothe him/her to sleep

There are a few things you should always remember. The weight of your hand is plenty of pressure for infant massage. Long slow strokes working towards the heart will increase blood flow and circulation.

After a massage and we are all ready for bed, I spray our Night Night Baby Lavender Mist in the air and over her crib. Scientific evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in babies (adults) suffering from sleep disorders. Remember, all our baby products are made with pure essential oil, so no harsh perfumes here!

Honestly, I was blessed with a child that loves to sleep. Thank goodness! But one thing I have learned... drink coffee. It’s the only way you will survive. I saw this quote the other day and thought it was very applicable. “Some days I do yoga and don’t yell at my kids. Some days I scream at them while eating cake over the kitchen sink. It’s called balance.”