Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
Especially egregious crap when most of the evidence did pushing breastfeeding is pseudoscience.
Breastfeeding is best, but only slightly and only for a few specific reasons. It doesn't increase IQ, decrease asthma risk, etc. It may decrease risk of some communicable illnesses, but that is about it.
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What? No...let's scale it back there. Almost every healthcare provider I have spoken to says that breastfeeding is the best option. LITERALLY every OB/GYN I have spoken to says that breastfeeding is preferred, and that you should try it first before moving to formula. It isn't about shaming anyone, it's just the best option for BOTH baby and mom, and is actually the easiest when it comes to logistics of feeding a child. Nurses will often keep trying to get the mom to breastfeed for immunity reasons, but also because new mom's often have trouble with the process of breastfeeding, and many want to give up right away so they keep trying while being encouraging (most of the time) so that mom's give breastfeeding a really good shot before doing something else.
As for advice: I reference The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy.......DON'T PANIC.
Trust your instincts. If it seems like the right thing to do, it likely is fine. Everyone has different styles of parenting, and you have to be authentic to yourself. As long as what you're doing isn't dangerous...go for it.
Sleep whenever and wherever you can. Purchase quick meditation guides for sleep so you can quickly fall asleep when you need to. Buy eye masks and ear plugs for those times you are sleeping in the middle of the day with a lot of noise around. The more rested you are, the more you can parent effectively. It also keeps tension down between partners.
Don't be reluctant to ask for help or time away from the baby. EVERYONE needs downtime, and if you don't get a little now and then you will explode or fall apart. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your little one and each other. Plan time for yourself when you can.
Do all the little things that your partner usually does. She has a LOT on her plate, so you can be the hero by taking care of any cleaning, cooking, shopping, errands...whatever she normally takes care of (not trying to be sexist by saying those as examples BTW). Just make sure she can focus on the baby, and that she also has an opportunity for down time of her own. Take 1-2 of the feeding/changing shifts at night so she can get a little more rest in a row.
Just know that whatever phase the baby is in, whether it's good or bad, know that it will change in 2 weeks and you will have a new situation to consider. It won't stay bad for very long, and it won't be good forever either. Be prepared for things to change overnight.