Baby Sleep: What’s Normal & Baby Sleep Schedules
Show Notes:
[1:11] Our reviewer of the week is morganstep13, and she says: “5 stars! I love this podcast! I’m not pregnant or a mom yet, but I still love listening to this podcast, and I find it really helpful to know this information so I can be fully educated when I do become pregnant! I love how you give lots of perspective and your voice is so soothing, haha! Keep up the great work!”
I am fully aware that my voice is not soothing, but thank you! 😅 I am so impressed whenever I hear about women who are not mothers yet, but they listen to the podcast! If you want to hear about a specific topic, send them my way! Send me an email at [email protected]. 💜
For many mamas, baby's sleep can be a huge worry and cause us to second-guess every choice we make. We'll talk about what's "normal" and how to anticipate your baby's needs.
[2:24] If you haven’t heard yet, I am in the process of creating a postpartum course! We are scripting as we speak! 🥳 Whether you are pregnant or have already had your baby, there is so much information packed into the postpartum course!
[2:57] Let’s talk about baby sleep. 😴 What’s considered normal? I'll give info about baby sleep schedules, wake windows, co-sleeping, etc.
[3:10] When it comes to baby sleep, newborns’ breathing patterns are so different! I know moms constantly worry about their babies because it can be hard to tell if your baby is breathing just by looking at them. (I used to put my finger under my baby’s nose or rest my hand on his chest to check!) Breathing can be rapid, and then they pause breathing (😰), and then it can slow.
[5:00] I’ve linked some information regarding SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I wanted to know about the numbers, how often it happens, what causes it, etc.
[6:25] How can we practice safe sleep? What are the things that you can do and can control? We go over a list of guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reference when you want to put your baby in a safe place to sleep. 💤
[10:40] I share a few things to keep in mind regarding baby sleep from one mom to another. There will be a ton of information that you get as a mom. 🤯 People are opinionated and mostly mean well, but you will have to decide what is best for you and your baby!
[12:48] It is okay to need a break! It is okay to have your own space to sleep, shower, or get things done. It’s also okay to carry your baby around with you at all times (attachment parenting). Your intuition will tell you what’s right for you and your baby. 🤱🏼
[13:31] Add in postpartum affirmations, meditations, and prayer to your daily routine. “I am a good mother.” “I have the ability to take care of my baby exactly in the way that they need.” 🥰
[14:10] If you ever feel concerned about your baby, talk to your pediatrician! (Don’t forget that you can find a new pediatrician if you need to. You want someone who is supportive of the decisions you make!) Ask alllll the questions! 👩🏼⚕️
[15:52] I share my experience of not giving one of my children a certain vaccine and how unsupportive my pediatrician was. (Spoiler alert: we found a new one.) 🤨
[16:37] I’ll outline the differences between co-sleeping and bed sharing. There are many benefits to both! 🛏
[17:32] The number one benefit of co-sleeping is breastfeeding establishment. I remember learning about a study that talks about baby’s brain wave patterns matching mom’s! 🧠 (If you know which study I’m talking about, please send me an email!)
[18:52] I loved sleeping with my babies! There is less waking during the night, and the biggest perk: all the snuggles and sweet baby smells! 😍
[21:17] There are some risks that you should also be aware of. ⚠️ I want you to know that it is normal and natural to want to be near your baby. There will always be judgment no matter what you do. So do what is right for you and your baby!
[22:55] As a mother, it is normal to question every choice we make. But you should also trust your mother’s intuition. You’re not going to spoil your baby by keeping them close! 💕
[24:37] Take a break when you need it, and ask your partner for help! Sometimes you need to put your baby down in a safe place and take a minute to yourself! ⏰
[26:15] Baby wake windows will be more natural when they’re close to you! Following the rhythm and cues from your baby will naturally establish a pattern. 🗓
[27:19] Here’s a pro tip from one mom to another: make noise around your baby while they sleep! Run the vacuum, play music, let your other kids run around, etc. 📢 You can also use white noise machines or fans!
[28:45] I used to have panic attacks about my baby being woken up. I’m still giving the mail man side-eye, you guys! 😒
[29:00] A question I get asked a lot is: “Should I wake my baby to nurse?” 🤔 This is a big question and very personal. La Leche League has an article that shows waking a baby to nurse can decrease your breastmilk supply. 👎🏼
[30:56] How do I know if my baby is getting enough? Crying is a LATE cue! Look for early cues like eyes fluttering, mouth movements like nursing, bring their fist towards their mouth, etc. 👶🏻
[32:30] Make sure they have enough poop and wet diapers. 💩 Those are great indicators that baby is getting enough. Babies nurse to self-soothe so keep that in mind. It’s not always about food production and eating.
I can’t wait to get this postpartum course into your hands! This is just a small snippet of the information that will be in the course! 💜
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