How do you survive?!

Question

My husband and I are planning on ttc for our first in January!
We’re both really excited to start a family, but I’m terrified about the newborn phase.
I don’t do well with a lack of sleep and am so nervous for the whole never getting any sleep thing.
My sister said my niece was up every 1-2 hours for the first 5 months and she never got more than 4 hours of sleep a night.
I’m going to be a mess if that’s the case! 
I’m prone to depression and have an anxiety disorder and am terrified that with the lack of sleep my mental health will be really bad.
I’m scared that I’ll be a terrible mom.
Help!

Answer

You won’t be a terrible mother. You’re not the only person who has those same concerns and they have plenty of children. You just adapt and survive for the, I would say the first year. It’s the hardest (most rewarding) experience. I’m not going to lie, it’s hard. I’m pregnant with baby #2 and I’m absolutely dreading the newborn stage. I hate it. I absolutely hate it. But, it’s worth it. Good luck mama. Don’t let your fears stop you from doing something incredible.

Answer

As someone who is diagnosed Bipolar and depends on sleep to have regulated moods (along with my meds) I was in the EXACT place you were when my daughter was born. Fortunately (or rather unfortunately) during pregnancy your sleep becomes worse and you start waking up every 2-3 hours 🤣 so your body starts preparing you for baby’s schedule. You just have to sleep when you can and make sure you have help! Even if it’s just an hour someone holds the baby while you nap. Your body adjusts and so does your mind.

Answer

It's hard but oh so rewarding. It came naturally once baby was here ... I just did and didn't think twice and before I knew it he was a toddler and I wanted to experience that phase all over again.

Answer

In the same boat but I’m currently 11+1 weeks. It’s scary to think about it but your body oddly prepares you for it. I get up several times a night already and have issues sleeping because I’m uncomfortable and I mean it’s not great but I am adjusting. You also will have the support of your husband( I hope) who can dramatically increase your amount of sleep if you switch off and the love you feel will make it all worth it. I also go to weekly therapy to work through things and create skills so when I do feel like I’m spiraling I’ve practiced different skills to keep me afloat.

Answer

So, my husband and I were actually just talking about this the other day! I remember when my first was born, I was dreading the sleeplessness, and looking back on it, it really wasn't that bad. I quit working after my son was born, so I would get up with him Sunday-Thursday and my husband would take Friday and Saturday nights. I never napped during the day, and I am a crabby bitch when I don't get enough sleep, but I honestly think that people tend to make it out to be worse than it is, especially once baby is sleeping more and you get used to getting back in a normal sleep schedule.

Answer

To me the newborn stage is the easiest lol but relax it will come naturally to you when it happens and you will be so in love that it wont even matter. You may be one of the few who gets amazing sleep who knows :) dont stress it

Answer

Do you have any family or close friends nearby who could offer support when you need it? Even if it’s just watching baby for a few hours while you rest. 
You may also look into having a doula. The one we talked to said she offered support before, during, and after birth up to 6 weeks. She said she would support parents however they needed whether it was cooking a meal, cleaning house, holding baby so we could shower, or even spending the night to get up with baby if that’s what we needed. I am not sure if this is practice for all doulas, so it’s something to definitely ask.

How do you survive?!

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