These past 3 months have been life changing. Obviously. But I didn't exactly know what I was in for. Not saying I was clueless-- I did help raise my brothers and sisters, babysat loads of babies, and definitely did my reading. When we took Myer home, I did everything I was used to; everything I've done with taking care of babies. Everything that worked for them. I learned fast that M isn't like everyone else. I had to get to know my baby and what makes him a happy baby. It was a great wake-up call, and I learned loads. So here are my tips in these 3 measly months I've had with motherhood:
*Each baby is unique. Don't compare when other babies are sleeping through the night, sitting up first, smiling, etc. Each baby develops at their own pace. I have to tell myself this still when I see facebook updates about babies sleeping 8 hour nights. We get 5-6 and I'll take what I can get.
*Laugh. One day, I kid you not, M spit up on me so I changed pants. Then he spit up again so I changed shirts. Then he pooped all over me. This happened all within 1 hour mind you, and all I could do was laugh. He felt better and that's all a mommy can ask for.
*Sleep. Everyone gave me the advice, "When baby sleeps, you sleep." And I did this the first few weeks. Then I thought I could handle life without naps. Oh so wrong. When you are well rested, you are more patient and a better mom. I am not a good nap-taker (never have been) but I force myself to lay down for at least one 30 minute nap every day. Life is so much better when I do.
*Be Flexible. I am a scheduled person and at first M was on a every 3 hour feeding schedule. Loved it. Then he jumped to every 2 hours. I thought I could push him to keep his every 3 hours because that is what I was used to...wrong again. I made him more upset and myself doing this. I didn't realize he was going through a growth spurt and was hungry more often. Oh. So then I thought he would go back to every 3 hours...nope. I finally gave up to keeping my schedule and just fed him whenever he woke up. Now, he wakes up happier and goes down for naps easier. Duh.
I'm sure I will learn more as time goes on, but I need to remember to keep in tune with Myer. I know him best. It's amazing how I can distinguish his "tired" to the "in pain" to the "scared" cries. Mom's Intuition is real. Another great gift to help learning mom's like me on their way.
