Guest Author - Jacqueline Geller

The first few weeks are over. The company has diminished to a trickle and Mom is now with baby mostly on her own. With any luck, one or more grandparent lives nearby or Mom’s mate has some family leave time that can be devoted to establishing the family circle.

Breastfeeding Moms are on a two to two and one half hour schedule 24 hours a day. That lasts for a few weeks, when baby experiences a growth spurt. Mom then feels that the child is permanently attached to her breast, which is exhausting. During these times, if baby is sleeping, Mom should be doing the same so that she can have the energy to take care of baby’s needs.

If Moms want to do so, keeping the bassinette in the same room as Mom during the night lessens the steps she must take to bring Baby in to nurse. As Baby sleeps more during the night, she can be moved to her own room.

Cooking, cleaning and other chores should be assumed by someone else. This is not the time to worry about an immaculate house or toys scattered on the floor. If no one is available to assist and funds are available, the best investment that a Mom can make at this time is to hire someone to handle household chores.

Moms and babies form a solid bond during these months. Failure to do this causes a myriad of problems later in life, so while Baby needs to learn that instant gratification is not always going to happen, Baby DOES need to know that she is unequivocally safe, that needs will be met and cuddles will be provided often, both by Mom and other important people.

It is crucial that Mom cuddle Baby closely, whether breast or bottle feeding. The closeness is comforting for both and is necessary for Baby’s emotional development. Propping a bottle up in the crib is not only dangerous, but deprives the child of that nurturing bond that suckling closely to Mom provides.

If Mom has problems napping while Baby naps, she should at least lie down nearby so that she gets a bit of time to relax. Playing soft music during these times will soothe both Mom and Baby.

If Baby fusses in the bassinette a bit, it is okay and encouraged to let that happen. Mom may not be able to sleep, but it is important for Baby to learn to soothe herself independently, so that good sleep patterns are formed early on.

As the weeks pass, Baby will go to a better sleep schedule and Mom may get several uninterrupted hours of sleep per night. What bliss!!!!