Q+A: Chelsa Yin
New mom Chelsa Yin opens up about how her sleep has changed since becoming a parent. Learn about her top sleep tips and favorite products.
Every new parent knows that there is no such thing as a good night’s sleep. In fact, I bet new moms everywhere would agree that between late-night feedings, diaper changes, and breath checks (IYKYK), any sleep at all is almost impossible. So what's a new parent to do? We turned to Bedfully’s very own new mom, Chelsa Yin, to help us out with everything from tips to products that we hope will help you get some of those much-needed Z’s.
How has your sleep changed since you've become a mom?
Chelsa Yin:
Before I had Marley, I was lucky enough to be a great sleeper. Now, it’s all about sleep interval training. The weird thing that happens is you get used to the new sleep pattern. I always tell people I sleep with one eye open, just waiting for a cry or a movement or a deep sigh. Marley is now 10-months-old and is able to sleep through the night — words every mom prays to be able to say, so I count my blessings. There are still nights where she’s tossing and turning and something wakes her, but those kinds of sleepless nights have become few and far between. Overall, my sleep has become more fluid, changing often and forcing me to be my most adaptable self. I also allow myself to acknowledge that on the nights I get only a few hours, I am certainly not going to be capable of being my typical 100 percent self and that is okay.
How has your bedtime routine changed since becoming a mom?
Chelsa Yin:
I now have two routines — one for the baby and one for me. Marley has her last breastfeeding around 7:30 p.m. It is all about setting the mood: dim lights, a quiet room, soft voice, etc. She is fed in that setting and usually she dozes off right after finishing the bottle (hooray!) and then she goes into her sleep sack with a low light on and her sound machine (brown noise ocean waves is the preference). Once she goes down, I have a couple hours before I put myself down. A typical bedtime for me is 10:30 p.m. and I wake up between 5 and 6 a.m. I wash my face and put on a lotion, brush my teeth, put on pajamas and sneak into bed. It takes all of 10 minutes. When I give myself a couple extra minutes, I tend to lather up lotion and body oil on me in an attempt to get my belly back to some semblance of its former self.
What is the top tip you’ve learned about getting enough hours of sleep since becoming a mother?
Chelsa Yin:
Go to bed as soon as you can. I used to stay up and watch my favorite shows and “unwind” for a few hours on the nights I wasn’t out late for dinner, drinks, or checking out some form of entertainment. Now, the moment the house is in acceptable order, I try and rush to bed as you never know what that night’s sleep will look like.
What are some tips and tricks you've learned about middle of the night feedings?
Chelsa Yin:
I have learned to relish in the simple enjoyment of a middle of the night feeding, as opposed to complaining about them. If there is anything I have learned over the past nearly 2 years of this pandemic, it’s that time flies. Everyone cemented this in my brain too when I brought Marley home. It is true though. I knew it would go quickly and I spent the middle of the night in the dark, bonding with Marley. I am one of the lucky ones where breastfeeding happened very naturally, something I am thankful for every day. I used the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper. One side pulled down to scoop her up and I regularly used the breastfeed function that set off an alarm after 10 minutes in case I fell asleep while feeding her. It gave me a little relief knowing I could feed her with my eyes slightly closed. I also quickly learned that when she was hungry, snoozing never helped. The faster she was fed, the faster I could get back to sleep.
Understandably, you might not be getting at least 7 hours of sleep with a newborn. What were some ways you'd refresh yourself during the day?
Chelsa Yin:
Water, water, water, followed by coffee, coffee, coffee. Breastfeeding means you need to stay hydrated pretty much all throughout the day. I would always have a full glass of water on my bedside table. Then I would need that jolt of caffeine. I went to bed dreaming of that first cup of coffee the next morning. I also really love coconut water and it is a part of my daily intake. When I was feeling really tired, and looking it too, I would put some extra face oil on and a little bit of undereye concealer.
What was the best sleep advice you were given while pregnant?
Chelsa Yin:
Everyone told me to bank as much sleep as I could while pregnant, so I did. I have to say, looking back, I really appreciate all the “extra sleep” I saved up on.
What is the best sleep advice you'd give to expecting moms?
Chelsa Yin:
Your sleep has already been affected—whether by acid reflux, an aching back, restlessness—so start getting used to your flexible sleep schedule as best as possible by sleeping when you can. Also, get a body pillow. I loved mine and slept every night with it.
What are sleep-related products you think every new mom needs? And why?
Chelsa Yin:
Leachco Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow: I used this during pregnancy every single night and then I would prop it up under my legs after having Marley so my lower body stayed elevated (something else you learn quickly after delivering a baby — my lower body swelled to pretty much double my size and it was important to elevate!) Comfortable pajamas: This is entirely based on personal preference, but you must have pajamas that are comfortable and functional. I could barely open my eyes at night, much less fuss with anything more than a button or two when I needed to feed at night. I absolutely loved to sleep in the Lunya Silk top/pant set or Ekouaer Nightshirt, and let’s be honest, sometimes spent my entire morning in them as well. Homedics Soundspa Ultra Portable: I use this every single night. I love the ocean sound, but depending on your preference of ‘white,’ ‘pink’ or ‘brown’ noise you can choose from any number of settings. It also holds a battery charge for a few days so I can easily move it around in the room without it needing to be plugged in.
How do you decompress at night when the baby is sleeping?
Chelsa Yin:
I allow myself one glass of wine every single night. Most of the time when the baby is sleeping, I am able to get things done around the house—thoughtless tasks like washing dishes, folding laundry, etc. and all of this can be done with my one glass of wine in tow. I also always have music playing so throwing on a good playlist allows my mind to wander a bit.
Have you tried any new strategies for dozing off more easily?
Chelsa Yin:
Given my husband and I sleep in the same room as Marley, we have also adjusted to her sleep environment, and I have actually grown to love it. I am an avid believer in a sound machine now. I also set my thermostat to 72 and it keeps my room cool so I sleep well fully under the covers. Creating a comfortable and soothing sleep environment really elevates the sleep I do get and allows me to quickly fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow (I suggest the Saatva Latex Pillow).
What is one thing about sleep you wish you knew before having a baby?
Chelsa Yin:
It should never be taken for granted and it is definitely the most important need of every human. You quickly learn how sleep, or the lack thereof, affects your hormones, your mood, your memory, your everything. I always thought living in New York City for 15 years and staying out at all hours in my 20s prepped me for functioning as a mom in my late 30s without sleep, but you are never quite prepared for bearing the responsibility of another human’s life, especially one that needs you for everything with no sleep. But hey, as they say, it really is worth it.
