Good morning all & happy Monday! I hope all you mommies out there had a great weekend & are rested for the week! If not? I feel your tiredness---I do have a 3 week old you know? :) even though my little prince is an excellent sleeper & gives us about 5 hours of sleep a night, he still is a newborn & very needy throughout the day. There is nothing more he loves than resting on his mama bears chest. And really...how can I not just lay there all day and let him?? :) However, it does make for a tired mama!
This week I wanted to talk a little bit about our routine in feeding & soothing. Remember, this is just what we are doing. I'm not here to preach or demand you all do the same. This is just what's working for our family so far.
Breastfeeding: I am exclusively using breast milk. I guess I can't say exclusively breastfeeding because we give him bottles of breast milk, but we are not using formula at this time. I am breastfeeding Logan to the "3" schedule. This means every 3 hours during the day & I'm willing to also do this at night but Logan usually likes to skip a turn, & we are ok with that! What this looks like for feeding
During these feedings Logan will only eat from 1 breast for up to 20 minutes, depending on how he is feeling. Lately it's been 7-10 minutes. Seems he is getting lots of fats & protein from the fore milk & not interested in much else--he's full quicker. I try to burp or change him & let him latch on the same breast again for a few extra minutes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I always burp him. Our son has a terrible stomach---if you all know me personally, you know he gets it from me probably! I have the worst intestinal system. I mean, do you know anyone who has been getting a colonoscopy since they were 20 years old? My belly is a mess!! And my sons is also! Poor little guy. Burping is really important & he always lets out a big one!
So our "3" schedule usually ends up looking like this...
This schedule has worked for us so far. The 9pm & 4am will usually have a bottle. Depending on how many ounces he eats & daddy's schedule. Mom doesn't give the bottle, only daddy. So if daddy isn't home at 9pm, Logan will breastfeed & then take the bottle at 4am (during daddy's shift). I try to give him 1 bottle a day. So, on to talking bottles.
I am currently using the slow flow, wide nipple Tommee Tippee bottles. I really like these bottles & they imitate the breast well. I started giving Logan the bottle at 2 weeks old. Many will disagree with this but whatever works for your family. We are very big on sharing duties with Logan & also allowing other people in his life as well. Because I introduced the bottle early, my mom was able to feed Logan while she was here in Germany & bond with Logan in a special way because she was able to feed him also. The bottle in our house right now is minimal. Logan still feeds with me 90% of the day. I love that time I have with him & I know he is in heaven too! Because I know how special it is, I want my husband to be able to share a piece of that too.
We also are a busy family. In between games, traveling, & Logan's first flight which isn't too far away....it was important for us to be able to feed him on the go. Logan will also be with a caregiver sometimes & she needs to be able to feed him also.
I want to be able to give him my milk for a while, so I generally will pump 1-2 times a day on each breast & store it. If I know we are going on an outing, I will pump right before we leave & take that bottle with us (that way it's already room temperature & good for 5 hours).
Some people worry about nipple confusion or Logan no longer wanting my breast but preferring the bottle because it is easier for him to feed. We have not experienced any nipple confusion. Logan is feeding from me, using the bottle, & the pacifier. He is very aware of which is which & I think our methods have helped him with that.
Mommy---gives him the boob! All the time, all day, yummy yummy!
Daddy & family: give him the bottle (1-2x per day)
Everyone: gives the pacifier for soothing, when he gets sleepy or fussy.
We make sure & not give him the paci when he is hungry, that's not what the paci is for. We make sure & let mommy feed him when he is hungry & I am with him. If I am away or daddy is there, it is skin to skin bottle feeding & I do not interfere. It seems our little one likes this routine & understands our roles.
---I am using the "soothie" pacifiers which are recommended for newborns. He loves it.
Logan has never dropped weight
Born: 7.8 pounds
Week 1: 7.11 pounds
Week 2: 8.2 pounds
Week 3: 8.12 pounds
He is eating plenty, sleeping plenty, & growing plenty! I know lots of mamas have different opinions when it comes to bottles, pacifiers, & breastfeeding....but so far, all 3 have worked very well for our family & are very helpful, convenient, & smooth for our lifestyle.
I love that my husband & family & friends can all be involved in Logan's development. I get 1 on 1 time with Logan all day to feed & play & that's our special bond. It is nice to share a small piece of that joy with the ones we love the most.
Do what works for your family & your lifestyle. This is just a schedule of what works for us. I hope it helps someone else :)
I would love to hear your feeding routines!
Love,
Morgan
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