Newborn Baby Sleep, Feeding and your own Rest

Remember, you can’t spoil your newborn baby, so hold her as much as you’d like. Newborns sleep a lot, but only in spurts. She may sleep solid for an hour, wake up for fifteen minutes, and go right back to sleep again. She’ll probably eat at least every two to three hours. Your pediatrician will instruct you as to how often to feed her, but most doctors agree that you need to feed on demand.

If you are breastfeeding, and you haven’t quite gotten the hang of it yet, don’t let anyone make you feel inadequate. If you are uncomfortable feeding your baby around visitors, this would be a great time to excuse yourself for a much needed rest for you and your baby. Your visitors will probably excuse themselves and leave. If you do continue to have problems breastfeeding, you can contact a lactation specialist. Your ob-gyn or pediatrician should be able to help you find one. If you are feeding your baby formula, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about not breastfeeding. It is also important to listen to your doctor’s advice on what type of formula to give your baby. Whatever method you choose to feed your baby is a personal choice that should only be discussed between you, your spouse, and your doctor. It is nobody else’s business. Finally, try to find time to relax and do something you enjoy. This may be as simple as taking a long bath, reading a magazine, or watching a favorite movie. If you are a more relaxed person, you will be better able to cope with all of life’s unexpected stresses. Susie McGee Previous page: Surviving new parenthood.