Just in the last week, I've talked to 2 pregnant women in our small group, 2 at Josh's work, 2 at my work, and that's just who I can think of right now. So, to celebrate Noah's 8-week birthday, I thought I'd pass along the tips I've found most valuable over the past weeks, while I still remember them (you know what they say about nursing leaking brain cells).
1. The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer -- I've read a lot of books about infant care, but Tracy Hogg's my favorite. After reading her book on infants and her book on toddlers, I really feel like I've been better able to read Noah's body language and respond in ways that nurture our relationship while laying good groundwork for the future (though I have yet to see if that proves true). I'm tempted to expound, but that would be silly, since you can just read this book!
2. "Normal" is much broader than it appears. Doctors and books can make it sound like your infant will eat 4oz every 3 hours for 30 minutes and poop after each feeding. Noah eats 2-5oz every 2-5 hours for 8-20 minutes and poops from time to time. Since his irregularity scared me, I talked to a lot of moms (including our pediatrician) and I quickly discovered that a baby's habits have to be pretty extreme to cause problems (indicated by their weight), and even then, those problems are usually easy to address/reverse. So don't sweat it. Your baby will get what s/he needs. S/he won't starve or pop from not pooping. Relax and follow his/her lead.
3. Pumping takes time to ramp up. The first time I pumped, I got 2oz in about 2 minutes. The second time, I got 0.5oz in 5 minutes. Gradually, by pumping at the same time every day, I've been able to get about 2oz at a time. After 4 weeks of pumping, I'm able to get 2oz after I feed Noah in the morning and about 2oz after his last feeding at night. However, if you're having trouble getting enough, try pumping some (maybe 1oz) before you feed the baby, since the baby is more likely to be able to get every last drop out of you than a machine. Eventually your supply will increase and you'll be able to pump after feedings (though sometimes I still pump a little before because I've found it's hard for Noah to latch on when I'm really full).
4. Diapers leak. Even in this high-tech age, we still have not perfected the art of “containment.” You can’t prevent leakage--we’ve tried several brands--so just make sure to take extra diapers, wipes, and clothes wherever you go.
5. Pre-fab baby books and digital cameras are the bomb. The books tell you exactly what to write, where, and when so you don’t have to be creative on 5 hours of sleep. And the cameras allow you to take as many pictures as you want every day. We store the pics on our computer in folders by date and back them up on CD. That way, I never feel guilty that I should be spending hours on scrapbooks to capture memories of Noah’s development. (Don’t get me wrong. Scrapbooks are gorgeous for those who enjoy making them. But there are alternatives for those of us who don’t.)
6. Start as you mean to go on – sort-of. I do think we have avoided some chronic problems by not establishing certain bad habits early.
For example, Noah was sleeping in his crib by day 5, and we didn’t make a habit of rocking or nursing him to sleep. Both have been huge blessings, because now when I see he’s ready for a nap or bedtime, I can just take him into the nursery, lay him in his crib (awake), and leave. He’s content to fall asleep on his own. That said, there’s nothing better than holding him against my chest in our big, comfy rocking chair as he slumbers. I’ve decided (also with the advice of more experienced moms) that it’s ok to do that sometimes. I think the key is to enjoy those special moments when we break from the usual routine but not let them become the routine. It’s the essence of grace-based parenting (the subject a future post, so stay tuned).
7. Take naps whenever you can. Everyone told me to do it, but it takes a lot of discipline to actually go to bed in the middle of the day. The temptation to clean, straighten, read, write, call, etc is almost overwhelming. Yet, I’ve found that the tenor of these first precious months with our child is heavily impacted by how many naps I’ve squeezed in. In fact, I think I’ll follow my own advice right now.
‘Night.
1. The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer -- I've read a lot of books about infant care, but Tracy Hogg's my favorite. After reading her book on infants and her book on toddlers, I really feel like I've been better able to read Noah's body language and respond in ways that nurture our relationship while laying good groundwork for the future (though I have yet to see if that proves true). I'm tempted to expound, but that would be silly, since you can just read this book!
2. "Normal" is much broader than it appears. Doctors and books can make it sound like your infant will eat 4oz every 3 hours for 30 minutes and poop after each feeding. Noah eats 2-5oz every 2-5 hours for 8-20 minutes and poops from time to time. Since his irregularity scared me, I talked to a lot of moms (including our pediatrician) and I quickly discovered that a baby's habits have to be pretty extreme to cause problems (indicated by their weight), and even then, those problems are usually easy to address/reverse. So don't sweat it. Your baby will get what s/he needs. S/he won't starve or pop from not pooping. Relax and follow his/her lead.
3. Pumping takes time to ramp up. The first time I pumped, I got 2oz in about 2 minutes. The second time, I got 0.5oz in 5 minutes. Gradually, by pumping at the same time every day, I've been able to get about 2oz at a time. After 4 weeks of pumping, I'm able to get 2oz after I feed Noah in the morning and about 2oz after his last feeding at night. However, if you're having trouble getting enough, try pumping some (maybe 1oz) before you feed the baby, since the baby is more likely to be able to get every last drop out of you than a machine. Eventually your supply will increase and you'll be able to pump after feedings (though sometimes I still pump a little before because I've found it's hard for Noah to latch on when I'm really full).
4. Diapers leak. Even in this high-tech age, we still have not perfected the art of “containment.” You can’t prevent leakage--we’ve tried several brands--so just make sure to take extra diapers, wipes, and clothes wherever you go.
5. Pre-fab baby books and digital cameras are the bomb. The books tell you exactly what to write, where, and when so you don’t have to be creative on 5 hours of sleep. And the cameras allow you to take as many pictures as you want every day. We store the pics on our computer in folders by date and back them up on CD. That way, I never feel guilty that I should be spending hours on scrapbooks to capture memories of Noah’s development. (Don’t get me wrong. Scrapbooks are gorgeous for those who enjoy making them. But there are alternatives for those of us who don’t.)
6. Start as you mean to go on – sort-of. I do think we have avoided some chronic problems by not establishing certain bad habits early.
For example, Noah was sleeping in his crib by day 5, and we didn’t make a habit of rocking or nursing him to sleep. Both have been huge blessings, because now when I see he’s ready for a nap or bedtime, I can just take him into the nursery, lay him in his crib (awake), and leave. He’s content to fall asleep on his own. That said, there’s nothing better than holding him against my chest in our big, comfy rocking chair as he slumbers. I’ve decided (also with the advice of more experienced moms) that it’s ok to do that sometimes. I think the key is to enjoy those special moments when we break from the usual routine but not let them become the routine. It’s the essence of grace-based parenting (the subject a future post, so stay tuned).7. Take naps whenever you can. Everyone told me to do it, but it takes a lot of discipline to actually go to bed in the middle of the day. The temptation to clean, straighten, read, write, call, etc is almost overwhelming. Yet, I’ve found that the tenor of these first precious months with our child is heavily impacted by how many naps I’ve squeezed in. In fact, I think I’ll follow my own advice right now.
‘Night.
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