@Gingersnap. Stating the current AAP views isn't an opinion. And I will do anything I can in counseling my patients to safely sleep- why?because I care about safe sleep and my patients. Also, because as a medical professional if I said yes it was ok for you to sleep that way and something happened I could lose my medical license. Evidence based medicine would disagree with bed sharing. Yes, this is a common practice and there are ways to make it safer. However, it isn't just the US that recommends these sleeping practices. Have you read about the sleeping box in Finland? And unfortunately babies do die from unsafe sleep so dismissing that as unlikely isn't fair to first time mothers to hear either. I won't argue- I just want first time mothers to know that this isn't something recommended by the AAP. I have plenty of friends who bed share, but they know that I would never recommend it.
The way you presented it was condescending and insulting to those of us who have SAFELY bed shared. I'm not going to try to change your opinion, as that would be futile. I think you were rude, you don't care, and that's that. @scottipino Also, I inherently stated that it has to be done safely.
I think the issue is that we're not patients seeking medical opinions here, we're a bunch of moms chatting. I don't really have a horse in this race. I'm pretty sure safe bed sharing will be impossible for me because I sleep on Pillow Mountain with three blankets or I don't sleep at all. I truly believe there are ways for those who chose it to maximize its safety and that's a good discussion, as are the pros and cons. I just think it's going to be a long 7-8 months if we jump into mommy war territory already.
FTR I actually plan to purchase and use (barring reflux issues) a Finnish-style baby box. I think they're neat and will work for us. I just don't claim that's the only way to go.
I think everybody appreciates a professional opinion, @scottipino, but the "I would never risk my baby's life for my sleep deprivation" came off judgey and holier-than-thou. At least to me. As moms, we all have to make risk assessments and balance quality of life for everyone with actual risk.
I don't bedshare because I can't sleep that way. But even as a non-cosleeper, the judge mental tone rubbed me the wrong way.
Honestly @scottipino I don't know how you thought "I would never risk my baby's life for my sleep deprivation- it's temporary." would go over. Just because you've seen instances where it hasn't gone well, doesn't mean that it can't. Insinuating that moms are willing to risk their child's life for sleep is low.
BFP #1: DD born on 08.25.12
BFP #2: 09/08/15 miscarried at 6w
BFP #3: DD2 born on 02.07.17
I get not everyone will want to bed share but your statement was so rude. We bed shared the first five months and it was the only way any of us slept. oh and I also let her cry it out after that so I'm totes the mom of the year.
But back to advice and not judgement. Breastfeeding is painful the first couple of weeks. Definitely get help from a LC to help find a good latch if that's the route you want to go. If not, do not feel bad about formula. As long as your baby is fed and happy then you're doing a good job.
@scottipino I did not see your comments as insulting or judgemental.We should allow each other different opinions and to sell our viewpoints on things without being stamped rude. Reading context into written word can happen, though What I got out of your comment that you don't think the benefit is worth the risk, and you would never do it. I don't see in what you wrote that you judge all people with a different opinion as unsafe. You mention friends that cosleep.
I did learn about ASSB from the safely cosleeping discussion, so there's a silver lining to this hate chain I guess.
Don't be afraid to call the pediatrician as many times as you need to. If you have a good one, they will understand that new parents have tons questions and concerns.
This is a random one but during pregnancy, my doctors have always advised me to lay on my left side as much as I can and to try not to cross my legs or feet too much. The not crossing my ankles is the hardest thing for me to do for some reason haha this might have only been told to me though because I tend to have issues with poor circulation. I think it's supposed to help with blood flow.
@Xstatic3333 I too have been looking into the Finnish style baby box. I think it's an awesome idea. Were you looking at the Baby Box Co or is there another one you like? I haven't done a ton of research on it yet but plan on doing more before I buy it.
Have any STM used one of these baby boxes and if so what did you think?
Me: 33 | DH: 34 Married: October, 19, 2015 EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17 EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20 EDD 11/24/23 (Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
@Xstatic3333 I too have been looking into the Finnish style baby box. I think it's an awesome idea. Were you looking at the Baby Box Co or is there another one you like? I haven't done a ton of research on it yet but plan on doing more before I buy it.
Have any STM used one of these baby boxes and if so what did you think?
Nice! Honestly I'm kind of obsessed with the idea. I think it's so neat. I've looked at Baby Box Co but I think we're actually going to go with the Finnish Baby Box Co, which is more expensive but an awesome value for all it includes. We'll order in September once we learn the sex.
It will work well for us since we want to room-in but have a tiny bedroom. The baby will also be spending time at the grandmas' from pretty early on, and it will be so easy to bring it back and forth between locations. I figure if the baby can't lie flat due to reflux, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
Ladies, yes I am blunt. However, it is insulting to throw away research and say that because I did something it is safe. That argument gets thrown around all the time. I turned my car seat around at 1 year and my child was fine- it's totally safe. I let my child eat whole grapes and hotdogs and they didn't choke- it's fine. Bedsharing will never be 100% safe and shouldn't be advertised that way. Yes there are ways to make it SAFER but please don't ever say it is safe. The mother actually affected by an incident will disagree. It is rare- yes absolutely, but it happens. Enough that most pediatricians have seen it in real life- myself included. I have also seen the child choking on grapes and improperly restrained in their car seats. I joined this group not to be the medical person which is why it hasn't come up before. But realize that some of your advice isn't safe and shouldn't be advertised that way. I would be happy to leave the group but I have a feeling not everyone is as offended by my bluntness as others
If you had said "sleeping in the same bed is not recommended, and I wouldn't advise it as a Dr. Please be aware of the risks involved, as in suffocation, smothering etc" the reaction wouldn't have been half what it was. It was the approach, the insinuations that bed sharers were careless and selfish because "it's only temporary sleep deprivation", the holier than thou attitude. It really came off abrasive and condescending to many of us. I for one would love to have the opinions of a pediatrician in the group, and have no problem with opinions that are different from my own, just be aware of the way you present things. If people are saying "hey, that was rude" maybe take a step back and reevaluate the way you phrase your information and opinion. Or, a simple "hey, I didn't mean to insult anyone". @scottipino
I've been on vacation, so joining this party late. As a 3rd time mom, here are my best 2 pieces of advice:
1. Don't feel pressured to "enjoy every second." There will be times when you are sleep-deprived beyond belief or the baby has been crying for hours or you haven't had a moment to yourself in days or weeks -- it's OK to not be blissful during these times. Telling moms to enjoy every moment can make them feel like it's not OK to feel bad at times. It's okay and it's normal. Ask for help. Put the baby in a safe place for a few minutes (or an hour) and walk away - baby will be okay and you may need a breather. Personally, I read a whole bunch of stuff before my first was born and thought that my husband and I should be all bliss all the time, so I pressured both of us to feel that way, and it created some long-lasting resentment.
2. Do what's best for your family. Everyone has opinions. Sometimes they are just that. Listen to your doctor, do your own reading, take what your friends say with a grain of salt, and then see what works for you.
Me: 1979 * Husband: 1976 * Little girl: 2010 * Little guy: 2013 * MMC: 2016 * Last baby: EDD 2/11/17!
Along with becoming a mother comes the need for thick skin. The sooner you achieve that, the better off you will be, seriously. You're gonna get a shit ton of advice (obviously) throughout all the years of mothering and if you continuously get butt hurt over someone saying something you don't like or agree with, you're screwed and your life will be miserable. Some advice you'll take and love, other advice you'll accept and turn your head and eye roll, and that's fine, just don't live in absolute misery of letting every tiny thing that someone says effect you.
Don't be afraid to call the pediatrician as many times as you need to. If you have a good one, they will understand that new parents have tons questions and concerns.
This is a random one but during pregnancy, my doctors have always advised me to lay on my left side as much as I can and to try not to cross my legs or feet too much. The not crossing my ankles is the hardest thing for me to do for some reason haha this might have only been told to me though because I tend to have issues with poor circulation. I think it's supposed to help with blood flow.
While reading this I had my ankles crossed... I've been trying super hard to sleep on my left side, it is impossible.
We have two sleeping beauties in heaven. Jack gained his wings on 09/02/2016. Kali gained her wings on 07/28/2015. They will be forever missed.
+1 to not feeling the pressure to remember every second. A friend told me, "You'll never remember every moment but you'll remember that you tried to and that counts."
Also, it's okay to put the baby down in a safe place and walk away to calm yourself on particularly rough days or scream into a pillow.
My twins learned more and milk, but not much more than that in signing. My kids especially my daughter were pretty precocious talkers. So by like 14 months I was being told everything they needed with words.
STM+ confession. Reading some of these is terrifying thinking about going back to the baby days. I was kind of at that point of forgetting and thinking nothing but sunny thoughts about newborns. . . It is true, you can forget.
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
Don't cross your legs?? Damn, I'm in trouble lol. I just can't sit without crossing my legs...and sleeping on my left side? Forget about it. I sleep on my right side and that will have to do. I get so uncomfortable so fast on my left side
Kellymom has been such a great resource for all breastfeeding support and questions! I was so against co sleeping but fell asleep while nursing and almost dropped my baby off the bed one night (horrible mom guilt moment) that I decided we would co sleep from that moment on. He was only 3 weeks old. So we removed the big blankets and put him in the middle and it's going well for us. I've done a lot of reading about this issue bc my dr was so against it but it felt right. Anytime he woke up or wanted milk I was right there available quickly. We still co sleep and he's 14 months now. Though it's not as fun because he takes up so much room I still love our situation. Just a few weeks ago he started puking itmotn and I was right next to him to roll him over and be there for his first sickness. The biggest takeaway is co sleeping can be very safe if remove all extra pillows and blankets, the mother breastfeed, a does not smoke,has not been drinking, and does not take any medications that cause sleepiness. If a father is in the bed those apply to him as well. Also common sense is a good thing to have as well. If you are exhausted and know you are gonna sleep like a rock and you have any doubts about safety with baby and you together then choose a different set up at that moment. A pack and play or a co sleeper whatever have options available! Sorry I'm long winded lol!
My STM advice is sleep. Oh my gosh don't be proud. When you are in 3rd tri and tired and have the opportunity to nap- effing do it. When people tell you "sleep now!" it isn't them being mean or anything like that. Sleep, get all the sleep. When baby comes, sleep! You don't have to be super mom, take care of you. I truly believe one of the best preventives for PPD and PPA is sleep and rest.
DD1- Aug11 Angel Baby- June13, said goodbye Oct12 DD2- Aug13 DD3- due Feb17
@scottipino, We are all going to disagree about methods as time goes on. I personally have NO experience, so I appreciate hearing both sides to every argument. Please don't leave the group over this!
@Gingersnap, Thank you for sharing your perspective as well. My SIL has successfully bed shared also, so I know it is possible. Although now she is trying to get a 3 year old out of her bed.
I am a super light sleeper and am barely ok with DH in the bed, so I am planning to try a co-sleeper that has a wall or divider between my bed and baby's sleep space. The possibility of suffocation freaks me out, as I constantly move in my sleep and also sleep on pillow mountain...
As far as co sleeping goes, I didn't do it, I didn't feel comfortable with it since my H and I are such deep sleepers and our mattress is memory foam and we sleep with the dog and we use two huge blankets. But we sleep trained (oh the horror) so some people think I'm a terrible POS mom too, so I guess I've got my own problems. You honestly can't win these days. Every decision you make will be questioned and judged. Do your own research, talk with your doctor (honestly), and be the best mommy you can be to your child. That's all we can do.
@Jab3 yes, crossing legs is bad for circulation. Causes varicose veins. I have a hard time obeying that one, too. And sleeping on your left side is better because it's easier for the heart to pump blood.
As far as co sleeping goes, I didn't do it, I didn't feel comfortable with it since my H and I are such deep sleepers and our mattress is memory foam and we sleep with the dog and we use two huge blankets. But we sleep trained (oh the horror) so some people think I'm a terrible POS mom too, so I guess I've got my own problems. You honestly can't win these days. Every decision you make will be questioned and judged. Do your own research, talk with your doctor (honestly), and be the best mommy you can be to your child. That's all we can do.
I co-slept AND then sleep trained. I must be AWFUL! Seriously though, my kid nursed every 1.5 hours and that's what made us co sleep. I was still working and just couldn't function. By 8 months she was nursing every 3-4 hours, so we read Ferber and decided to try it. Worked like a DREAM. Got her in her own bed and only waking up once to nurse. FTR, I was firmly no bed sharing, no CIO before I had kids, then all of my parenting ideals went out the window.
Dude, if we didn't bed share one or both of us might have died. We tried EVERYTHING and if she wasn't in bed with us (she was right next to us in the bassinet, we were eye to eye, I kept my arm flung over the side) she would wake every 15 minutes. We did the 5 S's and it just.did.not.work. to keep her asleep.
DD1- Aug11 Angel Baby- June13, said goodbye Oct12 DD2- Aug13 DD3- due Feb17
As far as co sleeping goes, I didn't do it, I didn't feel comfortable with it since my H and I are such deep sleepers and our mattress is memory foam and we sleep with the dog and we use two huge blankets. But we sleep trained (oh the horror) so some people think I'm a terrible POS mom too, so I guess I've got my own problems. You honestly can't win these days. Every decision you make will be questioned and judged. Do your own research, talk with your doctor (honestly), and be the best mommy you can be to your child. That's all we can do.
I co-slept AND then sleep trained. I must be AWFUL! Seriously though, my kid nursed every 1.5 hours and that's what made us co sleep. I was still working and just couldn't function. By 8 months she was nursing every 3-4 hours, so we read Ferber and decided to try it. Worked like a DREAM. Got her in her own bed and only waking up once to nurse. FTR, I was firmly no bed sharing, no CIO before I had kids, then all of my parenting ideals went out the window.
Yes we did Ferber! Best thing ever! Or worst thing ever according to some. We are some cold heartless bishes. (Insert eye roll) my guy was not a bad newborn eater and I was on leave for two months so by then he was doing a 5 hour and then a 3 hour stretch so I wasn't being tortured, and was getting enough sleep to function at least. At least until the 4 month regression, that's when shit got real.
The 5 S's actually worked really well with DS and I'm hoping to hell they work with this LO.
Double quote- double the fun! The 5 S's worked really well and she stayed asleep as long as she was in someone's arm or in our bed. It got to the point that I would nurse her to sleep in our bed and slink away. But if I tried putting her in her crib- Dafuq mom?
DD1- Aug11 Angel Baby- June13, said goodbye Oct12 DD2- Aug13 DD3- due Feb17
We did a modified Ferber at 6 months. Before that DD literally only napped if I was holding her. It was so hard especially since I work from home so I had to work while holding her and run around like a crazy person during her awake time to get stuff done, then hold her to sleep again. Anyway, we did Ferber but I never left her room. I stayed in sight or rubbing her back the whole time. It took 14 minutes at the very longest, and she would cry longer than that in my arms some days. All that to say, whatever works for you (within reason) for the first few months, safely do it! Everyone told me I was ruining her by holding her for naps. But she is the best sleeper now, we never had much of a sleep regression, and she was STTN 10-12 hours from 6 weeks on. The first few months is about surviving so do what you need to and you can always fix "bad habits" later.
@Gingersnap Same. I had a bassinet in the room and tried so hard to constantly use it, because I was terrified of co-sleeping. Then one night while sitting up nursing my son, I fell asleep. I startled myself awake as I almost dropped him out of my chair, and I realized that co-sleeping was going to be the answer. I still used the bassinet as I could, but it didn't always happen. This time around I will be doing some Ferber once baby hits a certain age, because my 2yo still sleeps in bed with us and he's at that point where he's kicking me in my face.
On another note, suggestions for transitioning a kid to sleep in their own bed? We finally weaned his mid-night nursing last month, but he's still waking up in the middle of the night to find his pacifier and then go back to sleep. Thoughts??
I know others have mentioned this time and again, but don't be afraid to do what you need to get things done. DD wouldn't sleep unless she was in the dark, swaddled, had a paci, sound machine on, with a slight angle to help with acid reflux. I thought for sure I'd be swaddling her until she was in college or some shit. We sleep trained and worked her out of swaddle by 8mo or so and out of paci by a year and a half or two. I always thought to myself "I'm not gonna do this next kid.", but looking back, it would've been hell to try to go through life without those things that helped.
Another, don't be expecting things to go the way you want. Point in case, when I gave birth, I wanted to go med-free as long as I could. I got induced. Pitocin contractions are a bitch and I just couldn't take it. You just have to roll with the punches and sometimes throw all your plans out the window. Also, I wanted DD in our room in a PnP. At about 3w, we realized she was happier in her crib and slept way longer. I was crushed. I wanted to have my baby with me and not in her room, but there was no way a crib would fit in there. It sucks, but sometimes what you want or are expecting completely change. In the end, it always works out though one way or another
BFP #1: DD born on 08.25.12
BFP #2: 09/08/15 miscarried at 6w
BFP #3: DD2 born on 02.07.17
I agree with everyone. My first pregnancy I was 100% sure I would take all the meds for childbirth, she'd be in her crib in her own room after a week, and so on. Well, I went med-free, co-slept for 4 YEARS, baby wore, and cloth diapered. Sometimes your kid has different plans for you, or sometimes you realize you are a different mother than you thought you'd be. Just stay open to all possibilities to make things work!
Oh, and you won't ruin their sleep habits for life. At age 6 she is STILL sleeping from 7pm-7am every night with no problem at all. Loves her sleep and is fine alone
My kids are 5 and 7 and we have had a kid in our bed every night for like a week. They do not start there but are nocturnal wanderers. It's crap with my current insomnia, but we have been a whatever it takes to sleep family. Also, going from 2 adults, sometimes two babies and a 70 pound dog in a full size bed to a King sized bed was the best thing we ever did.
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
Everything you think about how you parent or what methods you'll use for this and that most likely won't happen for one reason or another. My advice is to chill. The more relaxed you are about changes in the flow the easier it'll be to ride the waves. Oh and get your bitch face prepared for when people are telling you what you're doing is wrong. You'll use it a lot and you want to make sure it's perfect when you need to pull it out.
Our daycare does some of the baby sign language. I found it helpful for the kids letting me know when they were done eating or wanted more. But they were both over a year old before they started. That's the extent we got into with it.
I read a bunch of posts about nighttime care. My husband is a nighthawk and I can do early morning. With our littles, we have slept in different rooms. He cares for baby for "first shift" til like 1 or 2 or so as he would normally be up anyways. I would go to bed as early as I could and sleep until little one needed feeding. Then I would have them for the wee hours while he got some sleep. Our tag team approach has worked well for us. I found the hardest nights for me would be the ones that babe needed an 11:30 feed and I needed sleep. DD wouldn't take a bottle and only ever wanted Mama. Don't be embarrassed about doing things the way you know it works for your family. Everyone will tell you what works for them but all babies are different and all parents are different. Do what works for you. Oh and babies seem to sense when you are panicky and upset. They feel it in your tense muscles and all of that. Try to relax and go with the flow. I found it helps keep the peace.
Re: Ask a STM 8/3
I'm not going to try to change your opinion, as that would be futile.
I think you were rude, you don't care, and that's that.
@scottipino
Also, I inherently stated that it has to be done safely.
FTR I actually plan to purchase and use (barring reflux issues) a Finnish-style baby box. I think they're neat and will work for us. I just don't claim that's the only way to go.
There is a way to present an opinion without insulting others.
I don't bedshare because I can't sleep that way. But even as a non-cosleeper, the judge mental tone rubbed me the wrong way.
I did learn about ASSB from the safely cosleeping discussion, so there's a silver lining to this hate chain I guess.
Married: 10/10
EDD: 8/27/16 MMC 1/16
Rainbow Boy: 2/04/17
TTC: 4/18 BFP: 1/2/19
EDD: 9/6/19
This is a random one but during pregnancy, my doctors have always advised me to lay on my left side as much as I can and to try not to cross my legs or feet too much. The not crossing my ankles is the hardest thing for me to do for some reason haha this might have only been told to me though because I tend to have issues with poor circulation. I think it's supposed to help with blood flow.
Have any STM used one of these baby boxes and if so what did you think?
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
It will work well for us since we want to room-in but have a tiny bedroom. The baby will also be spending time at the grandmas' from pretty early on, and it will be so easy to bring it back and forth between locations. I figure if the baby can't lie flat due to reflux, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
Please be aware of the risks involved, as in suffocation, smothering etc" the reaction wouldn't have been half what it was.
It was the approach, the insinuations that bed sharers were careless and selfish because "it's only temporary sleep deprivation", the holier than thou attitude. It really came off abrasive and condescending to many of us.
I for one would love to have the opinions of a pediatrician in the group, and have no problem with opinions that are different from my own, just be aware of the way you present things.
If people are saying "hey, that was rude" maybe take a step back and reevaluate the way you phrase your information and opinion.
Or, a simple "hey, I didn't mean to insult anyone".
@scottipino
I've been on vacation, so joining this party late. As a 3rd time mom, here are my best 2 pieces of advice:
1. Don't feel pressured to "enjoy every second." There will be times when you are sleep-deprived beyond belief or the baby has been crying for hours or you haven't had a moment to yourself in days or weeks -- it's OK to not be blissful during these times. Telling moms to enjoy every moment can make them feel like it's not OK to feel bad at times. It's okay and it's normal. Ask for help. Put the baby in a safe place for a few minutes (or an hour) and walk away - baby will be okay and you may need a breather. Personally, I read a whole bunch of stuff before my first was born and thought that my husband and I should be all bliss all the time, so I pressured both of us to feel that way, and it created some long-lasting resentment.
2. Do what's best for your family. Everyone has opinions. Sometimes they are just that. Listen to your doctor, do your own reading, take what your friends say with a grain of salt, and then see what works for you.
Jack gained his wings on 09/02/2016.
Kali gained her wings on 07/28/2015.
They will be forever missed.
Also, it's okay to put the baby down in a safe place and walk away to calm yourself on particularly rough days or scream into a pillow.
Wine is absolutely considered a survival tool.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
STM+ confession. Reading some of these is terrifying thinking about going back to the baby days. I was kind of at that point of forgetting and thinking nothing but sunny thoughts about newborns. . . It is true, you can forget.
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
@Gingersnap, Thank you for sharing your perspective as well. My SIL has successfully bed shared also, so I know it is possible. Although now she is trying to get a 3 year old out of her bed.
I am a super light sleeper and am barely ok with DH in the bed, so I am planning to try a co-sleeper that has a wall or divider between my bed and baby's sleep space. The possibility of suffocation freaks me out, as I constantly move in my sleep and also sleep on pillow mountain...
And sleeping on your left side is better because it's easier for the heart to pump blood.
I must be AWFUL!
Seriously though, my kid nursed every 1.5 hours and that's what made us co sleep. I was still working and just couldn't function.
By 8 months she was nursing every 3-4 hours, so we read Ferber and decided to try it.
Worked like a DREAM. Got her in her own bed and only waking up once to nurse.
FTR, I was firmly no bed sharing, no CIO before I had kids, then all of my parenting ideals went out the window.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
Anyway, we did Ferber but I never left her room. I stayed in sight or rubbing her back the whole time. It took 14 minutes at the very longest, and she would cry longer than that in my arms some days.
All that to say, whatever works for you (within reason) for the first few months, safely do it! Everyone told me I was ruining her by holding her for naps. But she is the best sleeper now, we never had much of a sleep regression, and she was STTN 10-12 hours from 6 weeks on. The first few months is about surviving so do what you need to and you can always fix "bad habits" later.
Same. I had a bassinet in the room and tried so hard to constantly use it, because I was terrified of co-sleeping. Then one night while sitting up nursing my son, I fell asleep. I startled myself awake as I almost dropped him out of my chair, and I realized that co-sleeping was going to be the answer. I still used the bassinet as I could, but it didn't always happen. This time around I will be doing some Ferber once baby hits a certain age, because my 2yo still sleeps in bed with us and he's at that point where he's kicking me in my face.
On another note, suggestions for transitioning a kid to sleep in their own bed? We finally weaned his mid-night nursing last month, but he's still waking up in the middle of the night to find his pacifier and then go back to sleep. Thoughts??
Edited because words are hard.
Another, don't be expecting things to go the way you want. Point in case, when I gave birth, I wanted to go med-free as long as I could. I got induced. Pitocin contractions are a bitch and I just couldn't take it. You just have to roll with the punches and sometimes throw all your plans out the window. Also, I wanted DD in our room in a PnP. At about 3w, we realized she was happier in her crib and slept way longer. I was crushed. I wanted to have my baby with me and not in her room, but there was no way a crib would fit in there. It sucks, but sometimes what you want or are expecting completely change. In the end, it always works out though one way or another
Oh, and you won't ruin their sleep habits for life. At age 6 she is STILL sleeping from 7pm-7am every night with no problem at all. Loves her sleep and is fine alone
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
Don't be embarrassed about doing things the way you know it works for your family. Everyone will tell you what works for them but all babies are different and all parents are different. Do what works for you.
Oh and babies seem to sense when you are panicky and upset. They feel it in your tense muscles and all of that. Try to relax and go with the flow. I found it helps keep the peace.