By: Rasha Abdul Majeed

My favourite moments are those most dreaded by other parents: the late night feedings. I have re-wired my mind to look forward to those quiet cherished times when my son and I can be totally alone forming our bond, creating our story, learning about one another. I have come to understand that this time can be precious in acquiring important tidbits about him, his mannerisms, his likes and dislikes. I also came to understand that through these times -away from everybody's well-meaning advice and meddling- I can see my growing confidence in myself as a mother. I have learnt not to tend to every move and sound our new roommate makes... little did I know that babies -even when sound asleep- are noisy creatures. You only learn this when you take time to study, observe and keep the wakings to the mindful moment. Remind yourself gently that these inconvenient sleepless hours will soon be over and bring yourself to engage your senses fully to a beautiful fleeting experience.

I have re-wired my mind to look forward to those quiet cherished times when my son and I can be totally alone forming our bond, creating our story, learning about one another.

Waking up several times into the night early on in your role as a parent to a newborn (whether for breast or bottle feeding) can strip down even the most pleasant of personalities into a raging beast. It has been cited as the most compromising of all parental duties and features in many conversations as a common complaint. Sleeplessness leads to thinned patience, foul moods and decisions made in the fog of grogginess, favouring expediency over efficiency. I became that beast and instead of enjoying motherhood, I was being resentful of a role so exalted by others. I decided to change my approach. If I could not control my baby's constant need for feeding throughout the night,  I was going to look for a way to restore my robbed expectation of ah moments. I began a simple ritual.

I started looking at the feedings in a different light; a time for me too. It wasn't just nursing a crying baby, it was nourishing my son. It wasn't just silencing my son's cries for food, it became my meditation time.

I started looking at the feedings in a different light; a time for me too. It wasn't just nursing a crying baby, it was nourishing my son. It wasn't just silencing my son's cries for food, it became my meditation time. I started focusing on the sounds he made, his breath, his facial movements, my breath and my own facial expressions. Even in the dim of the evening light, I could see a new conversation unfolding lending more meaning. What were previously perceived as my interrupted nights became quickly the anticipated rendezvous with my little one reserving all his growing personality traits for me in these daily exclusive sessions.

Tips you may find useful:

• Create a space where you have all you need in one place handy.

I created a small efficient station: A bassinette that has a tray underneath to hold diapers, wipes, tissues, creams and a change of clothes all within my arms reach. An added plus is that was on wheels making it mobile around the house. Remember to have a huge bottle of water to keep you hydrated, breast feeding makes you thirsty.

• Invest in a nursing cushion so that you are comfortable holding the baby without straining your back (the brestfriend is usually recommended and used by most lactation consultants).

Some parents opt for a chair. I liked the convenience of being in my warm bed and not having to worry about carrying a baby whilst still groggy with sleep and being on unsteady feet or sleep-numbed hands.

• You may want to keep a log.

Write entries occasionally to take note of the best or memorable moment activity, sound, gesture of the night before. It does not have to be a daily routine.  (enough to keep you rooted in the positive movement). Get a pretty journal and a great pen to encourage you to write down.  My favourite were the gentle sighs my son made, or the little hands clasping , or his finger holding mine fast, or even staring into one another's eyes for as long as he has them open and smiling...

• Add sensory delights.

soft soothing night light, or natural organic smells like lavender or rose water. My go-to was orange blossom. I use it after his bath. I also had it in my drinking water bottle to keep breath fresh on your baby's face.