A fascinating article in the British newspaper The Times, by Rosemary Bennett, deals with the issue of sleep deprivation in mothers during the early months of motherhood.

The article says "that new mothers should listen to the advice of their own mothers, who were generally happy to let their babies cry for a while before going to investigate".   It explains how the widespread use of devices such as baby monitors are leading to a significant decrease in sleep for the mothers of today versus the mothers of the previous generation.

Not surprisingly Rosemary Bennett was also "critical of fathers who, according to the research, are still getting a full night’s sleep in the early months": this needs no further discussion!

The article contained some useful guidance for young mothers on sleep patterns, for both new parents and babies.  A summary of the key points made in the article are as follows:

• "Relax. Sleep is a learnt behaviour that must be nurtured. An anxious approach will increase the potential of problem behaviour"
• "Avoid rigid routines. They can reduce a more instinctive management of the sleep pattern"
• "Understand how babies sleep. They sleep in cycles like adults but will go through cycles at different times. That means parents are often woken in the middle of their deep sleep stage, so suffer profound sleep deprivation. Checking can wake the baby so a night-waking problem can develop"
• "Trust your instincts. Do not become overwhelmed and confused by conflicting advice"

The full article can be found at http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article2441898.ece

Dr Tanya Byron is author of Your Child, Your Way which can be purchased at www.amazon.com.