"We can feel connected to the other tired mothers that are also awake."
For many mums and dads, nighttime chaos is just part and parcel of parenthood, as a mummy blogger's viral video shows.
Mum-of-three Melanie Darnell filmed her bed overnight to show just how much disruption there is in her house between bedtime and sunrise.
The video shows her being joined by two of her children in bed during the night, with her youngest breastfeeding intermittently throughout.
In her caption, Melanie says that in spite of the disruption, she finds it profoundly satisfying to be able to meet her baby's needs every night.
"During these moments let’s think of all of the other parents that are up with their babies at the very same middle-of-the night moment and take comfort in the thought of each of us cradling our babies in the dark of our homes, together in shared experience.
"Rather than feeling isolated and exhausted, we can feel connected to the other tired mothers that are also awake."
She also reminds fellow mums that it
will get better and to be grateful for their kids, despite their haywire sleep routines.
"To all of the tired mothers out there, breathe in and breathe out," she wrote.
"These days are intense but short lived. Both you and baby will be sleeping more soundly before long. For now, cuddle your babies, nurse them and love them no matter what time the clock says.
"The baby you rock tonight someday may have the opportunity to be gazing at the stars while holding a sweet baby of her own. She will be thinking of, and appreciating, you."
