Rules for You

I was speaking with my lovely sister who has a brand new baby to snuggle and love, but like most first-time moms, is struggling to adjust to sleepless nights. I remember feeling resentful when bonding was so important, and needing sleep more than I ever had. But, of course when a new baby is at home everything in your life revolves around their schedule which means little to no sleep. And how to do you rectify that especially if you are an (amazing and devoted) breast feeding mother? To put it simply, you won't. You'll be tired. You'll wish you could implant milk jugs right onto your hubby and just get six hours straight through! However, until plastic surgon's figure that out, we're left with a few options.

1. Suck it up and deal, sleep when the baby sleeps and remember this too shall pass.

2. Supplement by pumping and either top baby off, or pass one feeding to your husband.

3. Introduce formula, it's harder to digest and keeps baby full a little longer.

Over the first years of my childrens' lives I tried all three, and I think they all work. It's most important to feel good about your decision and not just survive the early months, but thrive. Switch it up until you feel comfortable, it won't be the last time you use trial and error to get results! The best thing you can do for your baby is feel relaxed and rested, so forget the rules and give yourself permission to do what works for your family.