There is no tired like "new parent" tired. It is a bone-deep fog.
Many Catholic parents agonize over sleep training. Is it selfish to want them to sleep? Is 'Cry It Out' un-Christian? Should I be suffering more?
Here is a balanced, grace-filled perspective.
1. Sleep is Holy
God rested on the seventh day. Jesus slept in the boat during the storm. Sleep is necessary for virtue. It is hard to be patient, kind, and charitable (the fruits of the Spirit) when you are running on 2 hours of sleep. Prioritizing sleep for your baby (and yourself) is prudent, not selfish.
2. There is No Dogma on "Cry It Out"
The Church does not have an official teaching on Ferber vs. Co-Sleeping. You are free to choose the method that works for your family's mental health and temperament.
3. The Spirituality of the Night Watch
When you are awake at 3 AM, realize you are part of a monastic tradition. Monks wake up in the middle of the night to pray (Matins/Vigils). The baby crying is your "bell."
- Don't just sit there angry. Pray.
- Pray for parents who are awake in hospitals tonight.
- Pray for those who have no one to hold them.
- Offering up that 3 AM feeding is a powerful sacrifice.
4. Prayer to Our Lady of Good Rest
Mary, you rocked Jesus to sleep in the stable. You know the exhaustion of motherhood. Wrap your mantle around my little one. Bring them peace and sleep. And grant me the rest I need to serve your Son tomorrow. Amen.
5. Patron Saints
- St. Joseph: He protected the sleep of the Holy Family.
- The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus: Early Christians who slept for centuries (we wish!).
You are doing holy work, even in the dark. Hang in there. Listen to calming Rosaries on MyPrayerTower while you rock the baby.