Sleep: A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli. Reference The Free Dictionary.com
Really ? People still do this ?
Oh right, I’m pregnant and we have a toddler. Now I understand.
Let’s breakdown Sleep:
Single Person Sleep: Whenever you want, however long you want.
Married Couple Sleep : Whenever you want, however long you want, with your significant other.
Pregnant with First Child: Whenever you want, however long you want, nap time increases and early bed time starts. When someone tells you to sleep now (while pregnant), listen to them – they are not kidding.
Sleep as a Parent: When you get it, nap when they nap, tag team extra sleep.
Sleep with 1 toddler and pregnant: When you get it, nap when they nap, tag team extra sleep and pass out when physical exhaustion takes over your pregnant body (THIS IS ME).
Let me break down my sleep for you:
Pre-Pregnancy #2: Lilly started sleeping through the night at 18 months (Christmas 2011). I started sleeping through the night consistently 🙂
First Trimester (Spring 2012): I would pass out between 5:30pm – 7pm when my husband was home and would sleep until 6:30am. Now, that wasn’t a full night’s sleep as when you are pregnant and in your first trimester you get up to pee … a lot!
Second Trimester (Summer): A little less sleep needed but still early to be by 9pm, up at 6:30am.
Last night, clearly I was exhausted. Saï bathed Lilly at 7pm and I passed out in our bed at 7:20pm. Around 8pm, my husband came in and said “you should get in your pajama’s and go to bed for the night – your body needs it”. So I did. I slept from 7:20pm until 6:15am. Hit my snooze button on my phone 3 times and then got up completely refreshed.
Apparently, at 25 weeks pregnant I needed a little extra sleep. And I feel great this morning … we’ll see how the day progresses.
Third Trimester (Fall): Since I’m a few weeks away from this, my game plan will move back to “Pregnant with first Child” Stage. Sleep when I can, nap when our toddler naps and early to bed when needed. Wish me luck.
When baby #2 arrives in December (or November): sleep when I can.
What “stage” is your sleep at ?
When did your child start sleeping through the night?
If pregnant, are you sleeping at all? Or tossing and turning all night (like me)
What is your sleep advice for parents to be?
photo’s from google images.
Piper's Run 
I toss and turn (34 weeks preggers right now). Which is enough to wake me up. It’s painful because my pelvis is achy and it really hurts to move my leg muscles while laying down. If I have to go to the bathroom, forget it… I’m like a whale trying to get myself off the bed. But, at this point, I am able to fall back to sleep pretty easily.
I have the same pain at night. Rolling over is so painful….this I will not miss. However, all the belly kicks and punches I will 🙂
Hope you are feeling great, otherwise.
My only real complaint at the moment isn’t even pregnancy-related… allergies are kicking my butt today. 🙂
I always say I really haven’t slept in over 7 years 🙂 (oldest–twins–are almost 7). My mother in law, mother of 7, always tells me you NEVER catch up on sleep!!! Hope you are getting a little bit of rest thought 🙂
I guess as parents, we don’t get a full night’s sleep for many, many years. I feel like I can at least acknowledge when I need more sleep and go to bed early rather then getting to my “to do list”. It can wait but sleep is essential – even if it means going to bed when then do.