The Hidden Cost of Motherhood: 700 Hours of Lost Sleep

As a doctor of Chinese medicine and Childbirth Educator, I'm always fascinated by the insights of fellow health professionals like Oscar Serrallach, Author of The Postnatal Depletion Cure.

Written by: Melinda Webb

Recently, I've been reflecting on Dr. Oscar Serrallach's compelling research about new mothers and sleep deprivation. His findings are both eye-opening and deeply relevant to the work we do here at Beattie Street Health. 

After hearing Oscar speak recently and following up with a conversation, his passion and depth of information on life as a parent is a testament to his book ‘The Postnatal Depletion Cure’ published in 2018 and is a must-read for all new and current parents, grandparents and care providers.  

Dr. Serrallach's research reveals a startling fact: in the first year of a baby's life, a mother loses an average of 700 hours of sleep. That's nearly an entire month of sleep gone! As someone who works closely with new mothers, I can attest to the profound impact this has on a woman's overall health and wellbeing.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this sleep deficit can significantly disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. Sleep is a Yin activity - it's restorative, cooling, and nurturing. When we don't get enough sleep, our Yin becomes depleted, leading to a range of issues including, night sweats, fatigue, irritability, and even physical and mental health problems.

But it's not just about the quantity of sleep lost. The fragmented nature of a new mother's sleep can be just as challenging. Frequent night wakings to feed or comfort the baby disrupts the natural sleep cycles, preventing mothers from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep that are so crucial for physical and mental recovery.

In our Calmbirth classes, we often discuss the importance of preparation for postpartum life. Understanding this potential for significant sleep loss allows expectant parents to plan and put support systems in place. It's about creating a village of support - be it family, friends, or professional help - to allow new mothers opportunities to rest and recover.

At Beattie Street Health, we offer various tools to help new mothers and parents navigate this challenging time:

 1. Mother Warming

A traditional Chinese medicine method of care is recommended postpartum, the changes for both mother and baby are beneficial, and you're rebuilding the foundations of your body, combining both acupuncture and moxibustion. This treatment is done in the 4th Trimester - the month and onwards after birth, it is essential for rebuilding your body. Booking a treatment with Melinda or Charlie is a great way to restore the mind and body.

2. Supplementation

Naturopathic advice to support the body's healing and energy levels, knowing what supplements to take and when it is great to get professional advice, rather than grabbing something off the supermarket or chemist shelf that will do very little to create the change to how you feel. Seek help to restore your sleep patterns, boost energy levels, and support overall postpartum recovery. Michelle Campbell, Naturpath has a world of wisdom for new parents to help support the changes.

3. Massage 

We offer pre and postnatal massage, for stress relief and relaxation: helping to reduce stress hormones like cortisol while boosting feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This promotes deep relaxation, improving sleep quality.  You can have a beautiful An Mo - Heart Opening Massage to connect, replenish and restore.

Remember, while this sleep loss is significant, it's also temporary. With the right support and strategies, new mothers can navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger. It's all part of the incredible journey of motherhood - a journey we're honoured to support here at Beattie Street Health Studio.

If you're an expectant or new mother feeling concerned about sleep, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Let's work together to create a plan that supports your wellbeing during this transformative time. 

After all, a well-rested mother is better equipped to care for her little one and herself.