When baby is...
First two weeks of life - baby eats, sleeps, and poops
Let him eat and sleep as much as he wants.
Don't attempt to put him in a swing, bouncy, or anything of the kind.
Take any help you can get.
It is better to have a sane mother who supplements when needed, than an insane mother who nurses all the time. If mom needs a brake pump or give the baby formula. Pumping is less painful than a baby who has not learned how to latch properly but still ensures the baby is getting the good stuff : ) Bottles with slow flow nipples work great.
A BreastFriend pillow is a life saver especially during the first couple weeks of nursing.
Listen to all the advice even when they contradict each other. Then find what works for you and baby.
My baby's pediatrician told me never to wake a sleeping baby. I think that works for the most part with an exception being after the schedule is made, see 4-5 weeks old.
Most importantly, know that you are a good mother even when things don't go as you expected.
GRIPE water may not be needed right away but it works when needed : )
2-4 weeks old - baby eats, sleeps, poops, and begins to use his eyes
The swing and bouncy may be introduced. If baby doesn't like it at first, try it again tomorrow. My baby is five weeks old and likes them but only for five to ten minutes once a day.
4-5 weeks old - baby now begins to be awake a lot more and resists sleep at times
Begin a schedule. Lay the baby down. Do what you need to for him to sleep at night and takes naps three times a day. During a growth spurt the schedule will be set aside. Let the baby eat and sleep more often during those times.
Example schedule thanks to a good friend, Carrie : )
Sleep 7 pm - 7 am (change him and feed when he wakes up, then put him down again)
Nap 1 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Nap 2 12 PM - 1:30 PM
Nap 3 3 PM - 4 PM
(remember the schedule should be made by you and baby - follow his lead for naps, then stick with it)
Exception to never waking a sleeping baby:
Once a schedule is in place and the baby is not going through a growth spurt, only let the baby sleep at most 1/2 hour past his scheduled time. If he sleeps longer, it could throw the entire schedule off. Trust me, it's not pleasant : (
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1 comment:
It's so good that you are documenting this! After a few months, you tend to forget the detailed stuff from the first few weeks. I agree with you about listening to all the advice then picking what works for you. Mommys have a lot of wisdom, but our babies could be different as night and day. I am glad that you found that the gripe water works! We still use it from time to time for hiccups.
JT is lucky to have a Mommy like you!
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