you can get back to basics. There’s your flex!
- You have been driving for four hours, which is your baby son’s
normal time between feedings. Your baby is still asleep and you have
another forty minutes to travel. As a parent in control, you may choose to
awaken your baby and feed him (pull over first!) or wait until you get to
your destination. - You just fed your baby daughter and dropped her off at the church
nursery or with your baby-sitter. You are planning to return within an
hour and a half. Should you leave a bottle of breast milk or formula just
in case? Most certainly, yes. Baby-sitters and nursery workers provide a
valuable service to young parents. Because their care extends to other
children, they should not be obligated to follow your routine exactly as
you do. If your baby fusses, you will want the caretaker to have the option
of offering a bottle (even though it will have been less than three hours).
It won’t throw your child off her routine to receive early feedings a few
times each week.
Most of your day will be fairly routine and predictable. But there will
be times when you may need more flexibility due to unusual
circumstances. Your life will be less tense if you consider the context of
each situation and respond appropriately for the benefit of everyone.
Right parental responses often determine whether a child is a blessing to
others or a source of discomfort.
Sample Schedule
Below, we have provided a sample schedule for phase one which can be
personalized for you and your baby. This sample schedule can begin after
two weeks. Just remember the general rule: feed every 2½ to 3 hours
from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. Then baby
needs a waketime followed by a nap. The various activities listed
alongside the waketimes are suggestions. This work sheet is based on
eight feedings in a 24-hour period and is a guide for your first six to eight
weeks. Don’t be afraid to add an extra feeding if you think your baby
needs it.