Prior to having a baby, I could easily kick my feet up, shut the blinds and pray for my migraine attacks to pass. However, I never understood how real parenthood was until I recently experienced a 10-day stretch of constant dizziness, light sensitivity and headaches.

You know that Nyquil commercial where the parents are sick and go ask their child if they can take the day off? I relate to that commercial on a whole different level. I wanted to ask Declan if he was cool with just chilling and taking care of himself as I laid in bed for the day. (When he was a newborn that was almost doable. Haha.) But no, my 3-month-old needs me and whether I have a migraine or not, he’s my first priority.

So how do you cope when your head feels like it would feel better if it just fell off? I’m listing my 7 ways I have learned to cope with a VM attack while being present for my little dude.

Refrain From Holding Your Baby Unless You Have To

I talked about this during my postpartum journey. If you’re feeling dizzy, there are alternatives to being present with your baby without the risk of falling while holding them – whether that’s utilizing your swing, bouncy chair, etc. You can read more of my go-to’s here.

Declan is now 3 months, so he’s started playing more on his mat with his toys and enjoys tummy time. If he was laying down, you’d find me laying down right next to him with my head upright so I didn’t make my dizziness worse. But when I’m having an attack, I prefer to be laying on my side.

Continue To Sleep When The Baby Sleeps

This has always been a tip for new moms in their little ones first few weeks of life when no one is sleeping, but it’s also a great tip for moms with chronic migraine. Maybe I wasn’t able to sleep in Declan’s 30-60-minute naps, but I definitely shut my blinds and relaxed in the dark.

Wear Light Blocking Lenses

If you’ve been following me, you know that I am a HUGE advocate for some blue light blocking glasses. Light is my worst trigger, and they are the only way I can survive when I’m having an attack.  I wear migraine glasses and have both the “everyday” lens and the “episodic” lens. I use the episodic on my bad days. I highly recommend them if you want to feel as normal as possible during an attack.

Make Mealtime Easy

You’re already trying to power through the day with your baby while having a migraine attack, so doing more than that just isn’t an option. My girl, Alicia, a.k.a “The Dizzy Cook,” provided these easy weeknight meals, but if that’s still too much work, don’t feel guilty if you just need to order in. If you’re sensitive or on the HYH diet, make sure to be aware of what is in the food you’re ordering.

Obviously, I stay away from the Chinese food that’s loaded with MSG but have been lucky enough that I have fresh food options near me. Plus, during COVID, you’re helping small businesses.

When In Doubt, Rely On Your Rescue Meds

I’m currently breastfeeding, so when I saw my neurologist at my last visit, I was curious what would be okay to take during an attack. In the past I took valium as a rescue medication, but the drug tends to stay in your system longer and can be passed to your baby.

Now, I’ve been prescribed Ativan which has a shorter half-life and will be out of your system in 12 hours. So if I put the baby down at 7 p.m. I am okay to feed him again at 7 a.m. This is why it’s important to have a supply of breast milk on hand.

You Do You, Once The Baby Is Down For The Night

If you survived the day without calling in reinforcements like family or your spouse, you’re one strong mama. And one strong mama deserves some self-care. Normally, I’d suggest a glass of sauv blanc, but that is counterintuitive.

For me, once Declan was down, I would draw a warm bubble bath with eucalyptus, turn off the lights, light a few candles and listen to my “chillaxin” playlist. Once I had a moment to breathe, it was off to bed early so that I could get enough sleep before he wakes me up at 4 a.m.

Bury The Mom Guilt And Escape When You Need To

Sometimes your “at home migraine tool kit” isn’t enough. My attacks have been so severe lately that I’ve stepped up my game and have been scheduling a massage. The spa near me is taking the right precautions during COVID, and it’s much needed. Apparently, my neck, shoulders and head have had a lot of knots from holding the baby, which could be adding to my migraine pain. Who would have thought carrying a baby around would do that to you?

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At the end of the day, having migraine sucks. It sucks more when you have a little person who relies on you. However, the most interesting thing I have learned from this is that while I am feeling like I just stepped off the swings, it’s much easier to power through when you have a baby. Before, I just had to feel great for me, but now, I need to be my best self for both of us.

It’s amazing what being a mom can do to you and how it changes your threshold when it comes to pain. I hope this list helps my fellow moms with chronic vestibular migraine and if you have any other great tips, feel free to leave them in the comments.

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