Reply to Veteran moms: Tell us what the first month is like...

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[quote=Anonymous]The first 6 weeks were pretty tough for me between 24/7 nursing, engorgement issues, the witching hours (around our dinner time), and feeling like I could barely get out of the house some days. But by 6 weeks, it was SO much better.

My biggest pieces of advice -

1. Split the night feedings with your DH, at least while he's home. So, if you can try to pump once per day (when your supply is greatest, usually in the morning), follow this schedule: You feed baby and go to bed around 8 or 9. DH stays up and does next feeding around 11 or 12.  Then he goes to sleep too and you wake up for following feeding (around 2 or 3) and he keeps sleeping until you both wake up for the day. I know some people will tell you this messed with your supply, but to me sleep is so important. And I never had supply issues because of this.

2. When feeding/changing baby at night, don't talk to him and turn on minimal lighting (nightlight is best) so he knows night time is for sleeping and not playing. During the day, open the blinds and let natural sunlight in. I know the night interaction sounds mean, but it's for the best.

3. Don't believe everything you read or everything you're told. I was so obssessed with following all the "rules" that I made myself crazy. Babies don't read parenting books and well-meaning parents tend to exaggerate things like how early their baby was sleeping through the night. Once I let go and did what worked for us, things went a lot smoother.

4. Remember that everything during this stage is temporary. There is no such thing as a bad habit and your aren't setting yourself up for lifelong issues if baby only sleeps in the swing or on you for a while, or loves his pacifier, etc. It can all be changed down the road.

5. Good luck!
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