Happy baby, happy mom
Published: 11/10/2012 4:21 PM
Last Modified: 11/12/2012 8:13 AM
Now that my maternity leave is over and my husband has resumed his share of the parenting duties, his number one complaint is “she doesn’t like me!”
Usually coupled with “she doesn’t sleep like that when I watch her,” or “she doesn’t cry like this when you have her,” I can only roll my eyes and say “duh.”
First of all, I’m her mom. Not only did she have nine months to bond with me before she even laid eyes on her dad, but also, I’m a walking milk factory. I rock.
Secondly, she’s spent the past six weeks plastered against me. My daughter’s arm was broken during delivery and dear old Dad was afraid to hold her until the arm was completely healed. Even after the splint came off, he pretty much limited his contact with her to Eskimo kisses, diaper changes and cuddling with her long enough for me to take a shower. She’s used to me, so naturally she’s a little more at ease with me than she is with him.
And finally, I do whatever it takes to keep my baby happy. After all, a happy baby makes a happy mom. My husband likes to follow rules and routines. I like to sleep. So, my routine is built around my babies mood, not what some doctor says. If she wants to sleep for four hours, who am I to wake her up for a two hour feeding? He still hasn’t figured out how to get things done while watching her and of course he’s too cool to wear the baby sling I bought -- she loves that thing!
I keep trying to share my awesome mom secrets with my husband, but he insists on doing things his way, so I guess it’s his problem. In the meantime, I’ll continue my reign as the favorite parent. Here are a few of my “happy baby, happy mom” tips.
As a breastfeeding mom, I understand that sometimes my baby uses me as a pacifier and I’m totally OK with that! Sometimes when I want to take a cat nap, I reward Rosie with some bonus nursing time. Everybody wins!
Nothing is more important than sleep. So I never wake my baby up when she’s sleeping. Not to eat, not to bathe, not even to change a diaper. Sleep trumps everything.
Speaking of dirty diapers. They make those things extra absorbent for a reason. If you need time to nap, groom or do housework, there’s nothing wrong with letting your baby sit in a dirty diaper for a little while. If it doesn’t bother them, it shouldn’t bother you.
I know the experts say to let them cry, but who can sleep when there’s a crying baby in the house? If my baby’s crying, I’m doing whatever it takes to calm her down!
It’s also good to multitask. I’ve learned to do everything one handed, while holding my baby. That includes cooking, cleaning, grooming, eating, using the potty and taking a shower.
Written by
June Straight
Staff Writer
