A NEW mum has revealed how she was banned from discussing how much sleep she had been getting during a parenting support session.
Writing for Australian publication Kidspot, she explained she had been excited to attend the group and share tips with other mums on how to cope with sleep deprivation.
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With 15 other parents in the support group, the mum revealed that at the beginning of the session, the Maternal Child Health Nurse had shown some videos before speaking briefly about where to go to get help regarding lack of sleep.
But the mum explained she was keen to talk to other parents in person to share advice and support.
“Finally, we were asked if we had any questions. I threw my hand up… ‘So how is everyone going throughout the night? I’d love to chat about how many times are we all getting up, how our babies are sleeping, and to share any advice!'” She wrote.
“The room went completely silent. I felt like I had just offended absolutely everyone. Did I say something wrong? Am I that sleep deprived that no words actually came out and I just imagined saying it?”
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After a few moments, the nurse leading the session explained that they don’t talk about sleep deprivation at that particular group.
“We don’t want anyone to get upset and that is why we don’t talk about it. It could be upsetting for one mum if their baby isn’t sleeping through but another baby is,” she said.
Feeling upset and embarrassed, the mum explained she was confused, hoping it was just “a one off”.
“I thought mums’ groups, or parents’ groups are supposed to be a place where we can go to connect with other people in the same or similar situation as us,” she wrote.
“I hope this is only a one-off because I truly believe we need to feel safe to talk about anything through such a challenging and life-changing time.”
She also revealed that after the nurse had left the room, some other mums approached to explain they wished they could have spoken about the issue too.
“Thank goodness I wasn’t the only one!… We are independent, kind, loving women, and we need a safe space to support and watch each other thrive.”
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