Okay, I realize it's a bit early for some of us to think about another baby, but what have you already decided you will do differently next time around?
Or, moms of 2+ kiddos, what did you change for subsequent babies that made life easier?
So far, I know I need to make a better effort to get LO2 on a bottle. I was a little lazy about pumping and a lot paranoid about my BM supply, so I avoided bottles. Boy, do I regret that now since I can't leave DD for more than an hour.
Re: What will you do differently?
I will start pumping earlier to build a supply! Struggling with my supply was so hard on us. I would also try to harder to stick to a sleep schedule. DD started STTN on her own and we were doing really well until around daylight savings time. Her sleeping schedule has been so wacky she even began waking up for 2 or 3 feedings. I just figured it was an early growth spurt. We are just starting to get DD back on a normal schedule.
This is funny, because I think I'm just planning to skip the bottle next time! I know I said it in a different post, but, seriously, look into a cup
I will plan to bed share, since that's working great this time, but next time I'll skip the guilt.
I will plan to take at least 6 months off of work or might SAH full time. I am in the process of reapplying for my old job because they wouldn't approve an extended, unpaid, leave. Next time I'll just plan for it.
I will probably need to use carriers more in the beginning, because I'll have another LO running around!
I also think I'd like to deliver in a birth center. I had a good L&D experience, but I didn't like staying at the hospital afterwards. At a local birth center, they arrange for you to do the newborn screenings/checks at home.
I'm gonna have to agree with this one.
Definitely this! We rocked DS1 to sleep for a year. He would not go to sleep on his own and still woke up 1-2 times per night for a bottle until I finally ended it when he turned 1. With DS2, I put him down when he shows signs that he's tired and he puts himself to sleep within about 5 minutes and sleeps through the night with no wake-ups (I'm knocking on wood now).
This. DH and I HATED staying in the hospital for two days; they would not let us leave.
That's what I hated! They didn't want to discharge LO on time because she'd lost more than 10% of her body weight and this was very upsetting to me, being 2 days PP and all. Well, she was fine! I had to go to multiple LC visits, weight checks, etc, all to say that there was nothing wrong. At all. Yes, I'm glad they're cautious because it's better to catch something right away, but being told I couldn't go home really threw me and made me feel there was something *very* wrong with my baby. Which there wasn't.
They also took her for her hearing test (MH went with) without telling me it could be up to 45 minutes, so I freaked out that something was wrong. They finally brought her back, screaming in hunger. She had to retake the hearing test, obviously, because they were just letting her cry through it!
Sorry about the rant- happy Thanksgiving! Also, I adore your sig pic.