Welcoming a brand new baby into the world is the most amazing experience. But, it also initiates a period of profound change and adjustment for new mamas. Sleep plays a pivotal role in the well-being of both babies and their mothers. Sleep and postpartum well-being go hand-in-hand!
Recent research has shed light on the massive impact of newborn sleep patterns and maternal fatigue on postpartum mental health, particularly in the context of postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA).
In this blog post, I’m going to be analyzing a study and article called, “Relationships Among Infant Sleep Patterns, Maternal Fatigue, and Development of Depressive Symptomatology” written by Cindy-Lee Dennis RN, Ph.D., and Lori Ross Ph.D. Click here to check out the study for yourself. This blog post will be broken up into the following sections:
Let’s jump into the study!
Understanding The Study
In an effort to understand the dynamics of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, researchers examined the relationships between newborn sleep patterns, maternal fatigue, and the onset of depressive symptoms in mothers who had no major depressive signs at one week postpartum. This population-based study followed 505 different women who provided assessments of their experiences at four and eight weeks postpartum.
The Importance of Sleep
Before we dive further into the key findings of the study, I NEED to express just how critical getting good sleep is. Sleep plays a critical role in both the physical and mental health of both mothers and infants.
Getting sleep is a necessity that is absolutely crucial for optimal functioning and overall well-being. Good sleep supports immune function, emotional regulation, cognitive performance, and physical health. On top of all of that, it is foundational for mental health, meaning it plays a crucial role in both mood regulation and stress management.
Key Findings
The study shows compelling correlations between newborn sleep patterns, maternal fatigue, and the emergence of depressive symptoms in mothers. Moms who experienced major depressive symptomatology at four and eight weeks postpartum reported several common findings:
- Increased frequency of their new baby’s crying spells
- Much more frequent disruptions to their own sleep, occurring three or more times between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am
- Getting less than six hours of sleep within a 24-hour period
- Perceived poor quality of their baby’s sleep
- The belief that their baby’s sleep pattern adversely affected their own sleep quality
The mothers in this study were assessed for depression and anxiety using The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The mothers with higher scores on the EPDS were more likely to report feeling tired frequently.
Each of these findings supports the fact that sleep deprivation and newborn sleep patterns play a pivotal role in the development of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.
Getting The Support You Need
At The Peaceful Sleeper, we are dedicated to supporting babies, mamas, and families through the critical postpartum period. With the most tuned-in, science-backed, and comprehensive approach to baby sleep, our content libraries and consultations will get you the great sleep you need and deserve!
Our Recommendations
1. Establish Healthy Sleep Habits
While your baby is still a newborn, there are plenty of things you can do to set the stage for optimal sleep. In the 0-4 Months Content Library, you’ll learn the fundamentals of healthy sleep and how to decipher your baby’s cues to best meet their needs. Parents who implement the principles from the newborn course get (on average) 6-8 hour stretches of sleep by six weeks!
In the 4-24 Months Content Library, you’ll learn how to get your baby to fall asleep independently, take predictable naps, and sleep through the night. It’s the most comprehensive and flexible course on the market!
And did you know that we have resources for toddlers too? Toddlers have strong wills and opinions – we want to honor that and work WITH them, not battle against our toddlers. In the 2-5 Years Content Library, you’ll learn how to eliminate power struggles, navigate big toddler emotions, and preserve sleep.
All of this to say, the better your baby sleeps, the more sleep you will get. The more sleep you get, the better you can show up for them in your parenting AND for yourself.
2. Seek Support
Your baby’s sleep needs are unique, and their support should be too. This is why we have plenty of options for one-on-one support. From quick phone consultations to troubleshooting all of your general sleep issues to full in-home white-glove service, we can walk you through the entire sleep learning process. Click here to book a consultation today!
3. Prioritize Self-Care
By self-care, I mean take care of YOU. I’ve said it maybe a million times…the best thing you can be for your little one(s) is well. You can show up as your best self for them when your needs are met!
Recap on Sleep And Postpartum Well-Being
It’s studies like this one whose findings highlight the intricate interplay between newborn sleep patterns and postpartum depression. I am committed to supporting families by providing resources, education, and support to promote healthy sleep for everyone in the family. Prioritizing sleep is NOT selfish – it’s essential for the health and well-being of the entire family!
I have the most amazing team of certified pediatric sleep consultants all around the country who can be in your corner supporting you through your unique sleep situation. Click here to grab a consultation with one of them!
Whether your little one is a newborn (0-4 Months Content Library), 4-24 months (4-24 Months Content Library), or a toddler (2-5 Years Content Library), we have the resources you need to get your family the sleep you all deserve!
Dennis, C.-L., & Ross, L. (2005). Relationships Among Infant Sleep Patterns, Maternal Fatigue, and Development of Depressive Symptomatology. Birth, 32(3), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0730-7659.2005.00368.x
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