The Biggest Lie About Motherhood: You Need to Sacrifice Sleep

Baby sleeping on his own

We’ve all heard it, haven’t we?

"Sleep now while you can, because once the baby comes, you’ll never sleep again.""Say goodbye to sleep — that’s just motherhood.""Being a tired mom is part of the job description."

These sayings get passed around almost like badges of honor, as if exhaustion is simply what it means to be a mom. And while there’s a grain of truth to them in the very beginning — newborns do need round-the-clock feeds and care — the idea that moms should live sleep-deprived for years is one of the biggest lies about motherhood.

Why We Believe This Lie

Motherhood is full of transitions, and sleep is one of the first things to shift. It’s true that in the early weeks and months, your baby’s tiny stomach means frequent feedings, unpredictable naps, and middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

But somewhere along the way, society normalized this early stage and stretched it into forever. Suddenly, sleep deprivation became the expectation, the “new normal” we should accept — even celebrate.

Here’s the problem: chronic sleep deprivation is not sustainable, healthy, or necessary.

What’s Actually True

Here’s what you need to know:

✨ It might take your baby a few weeks or months to connect sleep cycles.

✨ Your baby can learn to fall asleep independently (some just need more support to get there).

✨ Not all babies sleep 12 hours by 12 weeks — and that’s completely normal!

✨ It’s okay (and necessary) to prioritize your sleep.

✨ A well-rested baby is a healthier baby. Sleep is a big part of development and growth.

✨ It’s not selfish to do sleep training. Teaching your baby healthy sleep habits is a gift to the whole family.

✨ Both you and your baby deserve good sleep.

Why Sleep Matters for Moms

Sleep is not just “nice to have.” It’s essential. For moms, in particular, the effects of chronic sleep deprivation are significant:

• Mental health: Sleep loss is closely tied to postpartum depression and anxiety.

• Physical health: Lack of rest weakens your immune system, increases inflammation, and can even impact long-term health risks.

• Cognitive function: Sleep fuels focus, memory, and decision-making — skills you need both at home and at work.

• Emotional well-being: Rested moms are more patient, resilient, and able to regulate emotions.

  
  

When moms are constantly told to accept exhaustion, it not only hurts them, it impacts their families and their careers.

The Good News

Here’s the truth: there will come a point when your baby is ready to sleep independently — and you’ll feel ready to guide them. Gentle methods exist to help babies learn this important skill without leaving them to cry endlessly.

And when your baby learns to sleep well, the whole family benefits. More rest means more energy for play, more focus for work, and more joy in the everyday moments.

A New Narrative for Motherhood

Motherhood doesn’t have to equal exhaustion. You don’t have to wear tiredness like a badge of honor. You can rewrite the narrative.

Because the truth is: a well-rested mom isn’t selfish — she’s unstoppable.

💛 Have you ever been told that being a tired mom is “just the way it is”? Share your experience — I’d love to hear how sleep (or lack of it) has shaped your motherhood journey.

👉 And if you’re ready to change your story and finally work on your sleep, let’s talk. Schedule a call with me here and we’ll build a plan that works for your family.