One of the things I have learned as a new mom is that unsolicited parenting advice is unavoidable. But it’s interesting to me where that advice usually comes from. It usually comes from the older generation. They love to tell you how they raised their children, and how their way was the best way. For example, “You should be putting that baby on their stomach to sleep. That’s how my children slept and they didn’t get flat heads.” Except that recent studies have proven that it contributes to SIDS and the new safe sleep position for babies is on their back. So much has changed, and so much has been learned in the past 20 years. Plus, I have a hard time remembering what the first week home with a newborn was like, how do they remember what it was like years and years ago? The best advice I have found has come from my fellow new mommy friends. And they are in the thick of it, just like me, so they understand and know what it is like. They also never tell me how to parent, but if I have a question, they are more then happy to offer their opinion without pushing their way of doing things on me.
(Braxton and Blair on our weekend trip to Fort Worth!)
Which brings me to the next topic….Milestones. When Braxton was born, I was obsessed with making sure he was hitting all the Milestones. But after talking with our pediatrician, my sister (a physical therapist), and other mommy friends, I’ve realized that every baby really is different and they all do things at different times. And that’s ok. When my son turned 6 months old he wasn’t sleeping through the night, rolling over, or crawling yet. And that’s ok. But some people (i.e. the older generation) didn’t think it was ok. And they tell you it’s not ok. And it makes you feel like a horrible parent. And it also brings out your “mama bear” and you want to tell them to mind their own business. But instead you politely just say “thank you for your concern.” Every baby is different. They reach Milestones at different times. Some early (doesn’t mean they will be the next Sheldon Cooper), some right on time, and some late (doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them.) So don’t worry if your baby doesn’t reach a Milestone when they are “supposed to.” By the way, Braxton rolled over for the first time this week, and now he won’t stop rolling over. Babies do things on their own time.
(A non Braxton related picture! With my best friends in Fort Worth for Baby Titus’ Baby Shower. Braxton can’t wait to meet his new best friend!)
Teething…Braxton has his first two teeth! His bottom two middle teeth broke through on Sunday. He’s been a lot fussier then normal and now we know why. Poor baby was in pain. We tried giving him infant Tylenol, but he hates the taste of it and projectile vomits every time we try to give it to him. Even when we mix it in his baby food. So luckily since he’s over 6 months old we can give him Ibuprofen. And he will tolerate that mixed with his purees. Which has helped with his pain. I just hope they finish coming in soon! The pain of his gnawing on me with those sharp teeth while breastfeeding isn’t fun either.
(Our little family. Sweet Braxton did amazing on our trip to Fort Worth considering he was getting his first two teeth during this time!)
And lastly…Sleep Training. I know it’s important. And after 6 plus months of only sleeping an hour or two at a time, I would love to get a good night’s sleep again too. But sleep training isn’t easy. And I feel bad doing it while he’s teething. Plus the fact that we’re scared to do the “cry it out” method in case it traumatizes him. I know that sounds ridiculous. But he’s such a happy baby during the day. He has such an amazing personality. And we don’t want anything to change that. So I ask my fellow new mommas, do any of ya’ll have a sleep training technique that doesn’t involve letting them cry it out? If so, I am all ears to hear it!
(Don’t forget to vote for Braxton for the Gerber Baby Photo Search! Details in the last post!)