Congratulations! Welcome to the world of parenthood, where much is to be discovered\u2014both about yourself and your new little one. While I can’t promise smooth sailing, I can say that it will be the most unforgettable ride you’ll ever take.<\/p>\n
Sleep for you, as the parent, becomes a precious commodity once baby arrives. This is why we always say, \u201cSleep when your baby sleeps!\u201d In the first few months of life, it’s common for babies to wake up at least 2 to 3 times a night to feed. By 4 to 5 months, some babies may be able to go a 5 to 6 hour stretch at night, but until then, expect to be perpetually tired!<\/p>\n
Learn more about infant sleep patterns here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Good news: it\u2019s ok to stay sane with some coffee as a new parent!\u00a0While it\u2019s best to limit it to a cup or two of caffeinated coffee per day, you aren\u2019t stuck with decaf only.<\/p>\n Find out more about what\u2019s safe while breastfeeding<\/a>.<\/p>\n You’ll find that \u201cthe most consistent thing about a baby is their inconsistency.\u201d Learn to take it day by day, as your baby will continue to change and develop. Try to enjoy each stage because your baby won\u2019t be the same age tomorrow. I promise, one day you\u2019ll truly miss this!<\/p>\n I know it\u2019s been said before, but I\u2019ll say it again: \u201cTreasure each moment \u2013 for the days are long, but the years are short.\u201d<\/p>\n Some babies develop a fever after receiving their vaccines. If this happens, it\u2019s ok to give children\u2019s acetaminophen (be sure to follow the directions on the package), but avoid children\u2019s ibuprofen until after 6 months of age.<\/p>\n This is the time to reach out. There\u2019s only one of you, and your baby has needs around the clock. Find trusted help to carry the load. Delegate others to get groceries, care for your baby while you rest, and handle other household tasks.<\/p>\n There will be times when your baby will cry and cry; you try rocking her, holding her, and feeding her, but to no avail. Someone even deemed one of these maddening stages the Period of Purple Crying<\/a>!<\/p>\n New parents might struggle to take a break when their baby is crying, but I want to give you permission to step back when you need to. This is important not just for you, but for your baby as well; they need you rested and supported, too.<\/p>\n It might be your mother who says, \u201cGive the baby some water!\u201d or a stranger who comments about the way you’re dressing your baby out in the cold. Either way, you get to choose whether it’s worth considering or simply letting it go. If you want to research it further, you can always check out these credible \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n This can be your family, your friends, or your neighbors. It\u2019s wonderful to have a group that supports you, celebrates your wins, and walks with you through the challenges.<\/p>\n While I don\u2019t wish this on anyone, the reality is that your baby will get sick. When it happens, trust your instinct. Don\u2019t second-guess yourself and fear that you’ll be \u201cthat parent\u201d seeking help for every little concern. We’re here as pediatricians to support you, and the happiest visits are the ones when we can reassure you that your baby is well!<\/p>\n A common theme you may feel throughout your parenting journey is, \u201cAm I doing it right?\u201d or, \u201cDo I have what it takes to be a good parent?\u201d Let me remind you that you DO<\/em>. There will always be someone you know who seems to have it all together, whose baby sleeps through the night at 3 months, or whose breast milk supply never runs dry. Don\u2019t let comparison steal your joy. You are<\/em> good enough.<\/p>\n A final word:<\/p>\nCoffee is okay while breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
Enjoy the present<\/h3>\n
Give children\u2019s acetaminophen for fevers less than 6 months old<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help<\/h3>\n
Take moments for yourself<\/h3>\n
Take unsolicited advice with a grain of salt<\/h3>\n
Find your people<\/h3>\n
Trust your instincts<\/h3>\n
You are good enough!<\/h3>\n