It’s 2:47 a.m.
You’ve fed, rocked, changed, rocked again, and still — your baby’s eyes are wide open. You love this tiny human with every ounce of your being, but right now you’d trade your soul for three hours of uninterrupted sleep.
And then comes the guilt: “Why am I frustrated? Why can’t I just enjoy this stage?”
Let’s be real. Sleep deprivation is brutal. It messes with your brain, your mood, and your confidence. And it’s okay if you don’t feel endlessly grateful in the middle of the night.
You are still a loving parent. You are still enough.
The Honest Truth About Sleep and Babies
Babies aren’t built to sleep through the night—not yet. Their little bodies need frequent feedings, comfort, and reassurance that the world is safe. That doesn’t make you—or them—broken. It makes you both beautifully human.
At Yellow Brick Road, we often remind parents that nighttime struggles are just one part of the story. During the day, we see your babies thriving: smiling at teachers, reaching milestones, learning trust. That’s what matters most.
One mom at our Ankeny school said, “I told my son’s teacher I was so tired I cried brushing my teeth. She hugged me and said, ‘You don’t need to be a supermom. You just need to be here.’”
That’s the power of community—you’re not in this alone.
Why Resentment Happens (and Why It Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Love Your Child)
Resentment is just exhaustion wearing a different name. It happens when you give everything and your cup stays empty. The fix isn’t shame—it’s support.
You might resent the crying, the constant waking, the loss of “you time.” That’s okay. Parenting asks a lot of your body, your time, and your heart.
You can love your baby fiercely and still long for sleep. Both things can be true.
How to Cope (Without Losing Yourself)
- Ask for help, early and often.
Let your partner, family, or friends handle a feeding, a nap, or a chore. You are not meant to do this alone. If you feel like you have no one, let us be your village. - Reclaim small moments.
A shower. A walk. A quiet cup of coffee while your baby naps. Those are victories. - Talk about it.
Your childcare team is part of your support system. Tell your Family Liaison or teacher when nights are rough—we’ll adjust daytime naps and routines to help your baby regulate better. - Let go of guilt.
You’re allowed to want rest. You’re allowed to want space. That doesn’t make you ungrateful—it makes you human.
How Yellow Brick Road Supports You
When you hand your baby to our teachers in the morning after a sleepless night, we know what it means. It means you’ve given everything—and you’re trusting us to carry the next part of the day.
Our Nurturing and Positivity values guide us to care not just for your baby, but for you. Whether it’s sending you a sweet Kangarootime photo mid-morning or letting you know your baby napped well, we want you to feel peace.
Because when you walk out the door exhausted but supported, we know we’re doing our job right.
Final Thought
You don’t have to love every moment of motherhood to be a good mom. You just have to keep showing up—and you are.
One day, you’ll sleep again. But for now, let us help you rest knowing your baby is loved, safe, and cared for by a team that sees both of you.