four), governing the clock and feeding times? During the first week to ten
days of your baby’s life work on getting a full feeding at each feeding. Do
not think about the clock, think about a full tummy. Focusing on full
feedings during these early days will help your baby transition naturally
into a predictable 2½- to 3-hour routine within two weeks. After that
time, the clock becomes an aid in helping you plan your day. After ten
days, a daily routine for most new mothers will be a continual repeat of a
2½- to 3-hour cycle from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of
the next. Feeding times and sleep times initially will be more constant
than waketimes. That again is due to the natural sleepiness of your baby
in the early postpartum days. As you move beyond the first week,
waketimes will gradually become more predictable and constant.
Both baby and mom need to achieve a few basic goals during this
phase. For the breast-feeding mother, the establishment of stable milk
production is the main objective. For baby, it is learning how to nurse.
For both, it is working toward the establishment and stabilization of
hunger metabolism and sleep/wake cycles.
One caution for new parents is to stay mindful of your newborn’s
sleepiness. Many newborns in the early weeks have a tendency to fall
asleep at the breast without taking a full feeding. This can quickly lead to
the bad habit of “snack feeding.” You must work to keep your baby
awake until a full feeding is achieved. Rub his toes, change his diaper,
share your deepest thoughts. Baby is a good listener and will enjoy the
sound of your voice. Truly strive to keep him awake until after the
feeding period is completed. Remember, exerting the extra energy will
pay off soon enough. Plus, it’s a health issue. Babies who love snacking
at the breast receive the low calorie foremilk and not the hindmilk rich in
calories.
General Guidelines
Don’t underestimate the following seven guidelines. Although simple,
they will bring order to your life and make you a confident, more
competent parent.