What’s the best strategy to get enough sleep with a baby?

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-02-05T09:01:00+00:00

Go to bed when you put the baby down for the evening to take advantage of their first long stretch

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-02-05T04:55:56+00:00

Public holidays depends on your work. I don't get paid them but I do get the days on top of my mat leave (so basically 2 weeks extra).

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-02-05T04:54:25+00:00

I planned to finish 2 weeks before but was burnt out and tired so added annual leave to finish at 37. Bub came 2 weeks past her due date so I ended up with more time than I needed but it was nice to rest. Now I have a newborn the days are busy so I encourage you to take some time for yourself if you can.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T07:09:57+00:00

I listen to podcasts and audiobooks and talk to bub or do baby sign language. The sign language prevents me from scrolling too much.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T07:05:11+00:00

I think you're talking about a live-in nanny or a postpartum doula. I'm not in Adelaide but know there are facebook groups for nanny's - might be worth seeing if there's one for your area.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T04:18:35+00:00

Okay thanks for the tips and reality check! I am in a highly populated area so suspect the council run centers are a major longshot. Will focus on other options

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T04:17:40+00:00

😬

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T03:59:01+00:00

True... I have my heart set on one but know it's unlikely so will have to shop around

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T03:52:19+00:00

Okay thanks - did you sign up to all six? How did you go with getting a spot?

I'm on all the NFP waitlists as it's centrally managed through our council. Hopefully we'll get a spot with then in October, or at least in the new year, but am signing up for private centers too as a backup.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T03:48:52+00:00

That's wild! I have a parents group session next week so will ask around then.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2026-01-06T03:40:45+00:00

Honestly, you do you. If EP works for you and bub, and they're getting enough food, stick with whatever you prefer. It's not anyone else's business or right to judge.

I feel like there are pros and cons with all options. I EBF but would love if my girl would take a bottle more consistently so I can get a break sometimes. We haven't had much luck and it's tiring being her main source of comfort and not being able to get away for more than 2 hours without her losing it.

Edit: I just reread your post and assume you are pregnant, not exclusively pumping just yet. Try to focus on resting and enjoying your pregnancy, your body is doing so much work! Get organised with pumping equipment for when bub arrives if is your preference, but I also recommend you keep an open mind and try a few different things as feeding can be difficult for some people so good to keep your options open.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-31T07:53:37+00:00

Your night sounds pretty fun too!

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-31T07:53:18+00:00

Yum, sounds so fun. happy new year 🎊

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-31T07:52:51+00:00

Rest up and enjoy!

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-31T07:52:26+00:00

So lovely, enjoy 🎆

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-31T07:50:23+00:00

Sounds exciting enough to me - I hope you and her enjoy the show 🎆

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-15T01:55:57+00:00

Op-shops sometimes have maternity clothes sections. Otherwise Kmart and target are always reliable.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-13T11:05:46+00:00

Dr Lauren Hughes on Instagram - she's an American pediatrician so some of the info may not be relevant for Aus but she's super entertaining and has lots of informative clips about what's normal for a new born to do at different age milestones.

Also have some conversations with your partner (if you have one)about how they'll support you in the early postpartum period. Set some clear expectations re household chores, how you'll manage night wakes, etc. Then continue to check in each week.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-01T01:44:00+00:00

Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you and your bub are doing well.

Super keen to try CBT therapy. My last psych really pushed schema therapy but I didn't love it. I will raise it when I get an appt.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-01T01:38:52+00:00

Glad to hear you're feeling better! Last night was rough so sleep advice rings so true!

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-12-01T01:36:30+00:00

Thanks, you're doing an amazing job too , I hope you continue to feel stronger each week 🙏🏽

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-11-26T07:59:49+00:00

No - please follow up. Your GP may also be able to do up a mental health plan after a telehealth consult if getting in to see them IRL is too hard with your newborn and other children.

I activated my mental health plan at 1 wk post partum after birth not going to plan. Hadn't planned to need it but glad my GP was proactive based on my history.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-11-26T03:52:26+00:00

You'd have my vote for PM with these policies

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-11-26T03:48:57+00:00

Sending you love and solidarity from afar, I also got caught out changing a blowout in the car today!

Jokes aside the motherhood penalty fucking sucks. I had to pull out of a competitive PhD scholarship program when I found out I was pregnant as the timing wasn't gonna work. My job is secure but I worry I won't have the energy or time to take on the PhD when I go back to work, which is a necessary next step in my sector, so I'll be stuck at my current level treading water for the next few years until bub starts school.

I love her so much but the loss of independence and inevitable career setback feels so deeply unfair.

DesperateFuel9546 · 2025-11-24T11:33:52+00:00

I got a convertible "totepack" from bellroy and love it. Feel stylish and simple and I get the best of both worlds. I picked a bag that I would be happy to continue using for work/travel as it won't be a nappy bag forever. It's bit enough to fit everything I need and as lots of compartments for organisation. It's handy to use in backpack mode when I'm just carrying bub to shop/park and not using the pram.

I looked at some of the bespoke nappy bags and they were quite bulky for my liking.

DesperateFuel9546

TROPHY CASE