It would be very difficult for me to enter all of this information into my phone every time I fed or changed my baby.  Caring for a newborn is exhausting, not to mention caring for a new baby with siblings.  Breastfeeding a newborn and sleeping when the baby sleeps blurs time into a haze.  These apps encourage breastfeeding moms to keep track of which breast to use by checking their iphone.  Mothers can check their Android to find out when to change their baby’s diaper and when to put them to sleep!

I have another idea for these parents purchasing these apps and it is completely free!  I know this could be very new and controversial for some but, here it is:  Look At Your Baby!  A baby is designed to let his/her parents know when they need something.

A mother’s breasts let her know when she needs to feed her baby by leaking, letting-down, and getting heavier.  A baby has feeding cues that all parents should learn and follow.  These early feeding cues are:  turning their head and opening their mouth wide, sucking on their fists, making sucking movements and sounds, and  increased alertness or physical activity.

Checking a baby’s diaper is quicker than checking a phone.  Babies sleep when they want to sleep, and babies know when eat.  Schedules may work for formula fed babies, but breastfed babies make their own schedules which change over time.

I think many women have trouble trusting their bodies and instincts when they have a baby.  I’m not sure if these apps help a woman trust herself or not.  Maybe mothers of multiples or babies with health issues may benefit from such apps, but for the full-term healthy baby, I don’t see much use.

I am sure that I am getting old.  I do enjoy my iphone and it’s many apps, but these specific baby monitoring apps seem pretty useless to me.  The days and weeks a mother and her baby spend together getting to know each other are magical.  I would much rather use my iphone to take pictures of my little bundle.

I guess the first place to start is in the baby’s nursery.  With my firstborn, I was very excited to decorate my baby’s bedroom.  From cribs and changing tables to blankets and diaper pales.  After my baby arrived, sadly most of these items went unused.  I loved sharing sleep with my baby and I did so until she was ready for her own bed.  I often changed diapers on my bed and on the floor of my living room.  That changing table did not see much action.  I made curtains that I was able to incorporate into her room up until she was about eight. The glider was nice and was probably the most used piece of furniture that I purchased.  The diaper organizer and the wipey warmer were never used at all.  The high chair worked for about the second half of the first year for most of my kids.  Some kids will use it longer.

The second place I spent a lot of money was on baby clothes.  These were so fun to buy and of course I used them a lot.  I probably could have bought less newborn and more 3-6 month clothes with my first baby.  Since those newborn sizes just don’t last very long.  Handing down clothes to siblings, family and friends is always nice.

Breastfeeding moms are a huge target for new baby merchandise.  Don’t be tricked into thinking your nursing relationship will be any better as long as you purchase their products.  The nursing pillow, I never liked.  But I know many moms that loved their nursing pillows.  I think regular pillows do the trick.  Nursing clothes are a toss up for me.  I purchased and used a lot more with my first baby.  When I nurse, I pull my shirt down rather than up, so I purchase shirts that are v-necks or button ups so I can easily access my breast without showing any of my tummy or back.  Some women love their nursing clothes and whatever makes you feel comfortable nursing in public is probably worth it.  Nursing bras are very popular.  I honestly have never found one that I like, so I don’t own very many.  My favorite bra is like the shelf bra in some tank tops.  Some companies refer to them as sleeping bras, but these work everyday for me.  They are comfortable and stretch easily as I pull them down under my breast to nurse.  Nursing pads are usually needed by most nursing moms, at least in the beginning.  They make disposables and cloth.  Both work great and you just have to decide which one you are more comfortable with.  Remember to change wet breast pads often.  A breast pump is really only needed if you are having problems in the beginning, plan on leaving your baby with someone else or you are planning to go back to work.  During my first pregnancy, I was sure that I needed bottles.  There are so many types to choose from so it was very confusing.  I had no idea that a baby could be exclusively breastfed and then transition straight to a cup along with solids.  Those initial bottles went unused.

A soft baby carrier is essential for me.  Wearing your baby just makes life easier.  It is so nice to tuck your baby into a carrier and get housework done, help other children with homework, run errands and so on.  I would recommend  a carrier to all new mothers.  Keeping your baby close keeps him happy and gives you freedom.  I love nursing in my sling and traveling with it as well.  I can bring two or three on a trip and never miss my stroller. Learning to use a new carrier can take time.  I recommend buying one from someone that can teach you how to use it.  You can also look for babywearing groups in your local area.  There are also demonstrations online for many carriers.

Ah, the stroller!  This is always an assumed need.  I love that my stroller can carry so many things while I wear my baby.  But sometimes, at places like amusement parks, I like to lay my baby down when he is asleep and rest my body for a bit.  My husband loves to buy a stroller every time I get pregnant.  He gets very excited researching the latest one and making the big purchase!  My older kids love to push their brother in the stroller as well.

Of course a car seat is required!  There are so many to choose from.  I recommend that you do your research and find the safest one in your price zone.  Installing the car seat properly is the most important step to keeping your baby safe. Find a local car seat inspection site online or contact your local police department.

Cloth diapers are making a huge comeback!  These can have an initial investment, but pay off down the road. There are many to choose from and can save a lot of money not to mention saving the environment.

Baby books are essential!  The new eighth edition of “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” , by  La Leche League International is a must read for all new moms!  Another great book is “Breastfeeding Made Simple”, by Nancy Mohrbacher.  All of the the books by Dr. Sears, Dr. Jay Gordon and Dr. Jack Newman are amazing!

You will be amazed at how your newborn depends so much on you and not really the things in your house. Your arms and your family members arms are the perfect place for your newborn baby.  Your milk is everything your baby needs to eat and your love makes him feel safe and secure.

My mother had died when I was in college from breast cancer.  I knew that I had been breastfed, but I did not know for how long or how my mother had felt about it.  While I was pregnant, I read everything that I could about pregnancy and child birth.

I took a Lamaze class at my local hospital and decided to sign up for all of the prenatal classes that were offered.  I did the CPR and CPR infant classes and then the breastfeeding class.  It seemed to me that breastfeeding would just come naturally to me and my baby.  Well that class really opened up my eyes!  I’m not sure that I really appreciated the differences between breast milk and formula. This breastfeeding class taught me all about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.  I had no idea that I could skip using a bottle entirely!  I learned about the benefits my body would receive from breastfeeding and was convinced.  The fact that I could lower my chances of breast cancer and the chances for my daughter was probably the most convincing reason for me to breastfeed exclusively.

While I was in the hospital, I learned that I had to be my baby’s advocate in the hospital.  The nurses tried to convince me that my little bundle had to have sugar water just after the birth.  I refused!  I insisted on rooming-in with my baby, even thought the nurses tried to take her.

After I got home with my baby, I learned that I could sleep with my baby safely next to me.  Sharing sleep with her felt so good.  I got the rest that I needed and I comforted my baby at the same time!

As she got older, I learned that I could stand up for what I believed in.  I learned how to respond and to let go of the “comments” other people made about my parenting choices.  I learned to trust my own instincts.

I learned how to nurse in public.  I learned that I was out there helping to make breastfeeding “normal” and “acceptable”.

I learned that babies don’t have to eat rice cereal and store bought baby food.  I enjoyed making my own food for her and I allowed her to learn about food by feeding herself.

I learned that babies can breastfeed for years and still be normal!  It is funny to me now that people don’t mind seeing a four year old with a pacifier or a bottle, but are disgusted by a breastfeeding four year old.  I learned that when the need is met, the child can wean themselves.

I now have four children.  Each one has taught me new things.  Each child is different.  I feel like I have come a long way since that first pregnancy. Just when I thought I knew it all, I found out how much I never knew.

The sooner the baby gets to the breast after birth, the better! Most newborns are eager to nurse during the first hour after birth. The length and difficulty of the birth and medications used during birth can affect your newborn. Some babies are very sleepy and need to be stimulated in order to breastfeed. Other babies are ready and latch right on. The first days with your newborn are very special, try not to miss a minute of it. A healthy newborn does not need any water or supplements. Your breasts have everything this little one needs. Colostrum is the precious first milk that comes in for your baby. It contains important nutrients and antibodies in the exact amounts that your bundle needs. Between the second and sixth day after birth, your milk will come in. Keeping mother and baby together during this time is important. Nursing on demand and watching your baby (not the clock), will help your milk supply and avoid engorgement. During these first two weeks, it is best to nurse your baby at least every two hours. Artificial nipples of any kind are not recommended until breastfeeding is going well and your milk supply has been established (around four to six weeks). Weight loss of five to seven percent of birth weight is considered normal during the first three to four days.

If things are going well, you will notice that your newborn is very satisfied when he comes off the breast or falls asleep at the breast. Most babies gain back their birth weight by two weeks of age. Many babies have a satisfied, milk-drunk face when they complete a feeding. One or two wet diapers a day are normal for the exclusively breastfed baby during the first two days after birth. Pain is a sign that something is wrong.  Do not wait to get help from a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

In the first few days, many newborns like to breastfeed often.  It is normal for a newborn to want to nurse every hour.  You will know that your newborn is getting enough milk by looking to see if the baby is filling out, gaining weight, active and alert, and wetting at least six disposable diapers a day. Frequent bowel movements also indicate that the baby is getting enough milk.  Most breastfed babies gain about six ounces a week.

Some mothers mistakenly think their baby has diarrhea because breastfed babies have stool that is loose and mustardy.  This is completely normal but is very different from a formula fed baby.

Sharing sleep is a great way to meet your baby’s needs and get the sleep you need.  Whether it is at night or during the day, sleeping when your baby sleeps can help you feel more rested.

If you wait until your baby is crying to pick him up and start nursing, it may be very difficult to get him latched on. There are early hunger cues that you can look out for such as;  baby turning his head to the side and opening his mouth, putting his hands in his mouth, making sucking noises, or rooting for your breast. These behaviors indicate a need for your breast.  The more you put your baby to your breast, the milk you will make.  It is all based on a supply and demand basis.

Newborns love to be close to mommy! Wearing your baby in a sling can help comfort your baby and stimulate your milk supply. You can even learn to nurse while wearing your baby!

Don’t forget to have someone take some pictures of you breastfeeding your little one, you will want to remember these moments later! This newborn time can seem demanding, but be assured that it will be over before you know it! Life with a newborn is magical, enjoy it!