Spit-up On My Shoulder

Great tip for expectant parents from mom, Terri Strack: Purchase an eye mask to use in the hospital and when you get home. Hospital staff often have to come in and check you while you’re sleeping. When they turn on the light, it can wake you up and ruin the sleep you desperately need. It also can be hard to relax in the hospital.

Terri found in recent hospital stays (she is fighting leukemia) that putting on the mask helped her relax and sleep through staff interruptions. She does advise that it takes about 20 minutes to relax once you put the mask on, so don’t expect instant results.

Once you’re home, you can also use the mask for rest/sleep during the day when your baby naps. Most of us are not use to sleeping during the day and the light can keep you awake. Give the mask a try and see if you get more rest.

Sometimes new moms are afraid to wear the mask while they are watching their baby. Don’t worry. Your ears will alert you when your baby is awake. There’s something I call “Mom Ears” that happens the second you give birth. You can suddenly hear every dang sound in the house, even if you don’t want to!, because nature has programmed you to be on alert for your baby’s cry. Trust your ears to signal you when your baby needs you.

I also think it would be fun to wear the mask since you can pretend you’re one of those glamorous stars in old movies. Who do you want to be? Bette Davis? Ava Gardner? Katherine Hepburn? You pick!

Thank you again to Terri for this idea. My thoughts are with her and her family. She has been so brave since being diagnosed in December, and is fighting hard to beat the leukemia. Go Terri!