New moms have questions, even if it’s your second (or third) kid! There will be things you experience that other moms or you have not experienced before and need to know answers for them. That is okay! Make sure you ask. We are all here to help each other!
1. Is green poop normal?
Yes, yes, yes! Green poop is normal. So is brown, yellow, and a yellow/brown/orange. The colors to be concerned with are black, white, and red. Those are not normal. Bowel movements are going to be scattered, but you should focus more on how many wet diapers your little one has a day. There should be six wet diapers a day.
2. Is it always bad to wake up a sleeping baby?
No! Sometimes you may need to. If your baby isn’t gaining weight, you will need to wake him up to eat at regular intervals. Waking your baby up to eat before you go to bed is a good way to get him to sleep longer, or at least long enough! This video is not only cute, but shows how to wake up your baby properly without startling him!
3. Can newborns really get their days and nights mixed up?
Yes! This can happen fairly easily. It is important that you get your little one in sunlight, especially in the morning so he knows when it’s light outside you’re up! Repeating that will ensure your little one knows when to be up and active and when to be asleep.
4. My baby doesn’t “sleep like a baby.” There is constant movement, is that normal?
That is normal! Babies will go through periods of constant movement while sleeping, but also sleep like a log for the next nap time! By about 6 months your baby should be sleeping more soundly without moving.
5. Do I need to sterilize the bottles after every single use?
Ideally, yes. Realistically, no. Parents are busy people. As much as you try, there will always be times where there are not any sterilized bottles ready when your child is hungry. That is okay! Using soap and water will suffice for those times.
6. Do I have to breastfeed for a full year? It’s been six months, and I’m not enjoying it.
It is ideal to breastfeed for a full year, exclusively for 6 months. Even though breastfeeding has many more benefits over formula, moms should stop breastfeeding if she isn’t enjoying it. On the other hand, a slow wean once your child turns one is fine if it brings you both joy to breastfeed.
7. If I drink wine do I need to “pump and dump?”
Yes. Alcohol gets into your breastmilk as soon as you drink it. and takes about two and a half to three and a half hours to get out of your system. If you drink wine right after breastfeeding you should be fine for the next feeding, but you can pump and dump to be on the safe side. If you find yourself stuck where your child needs to eat sooner than expected, feed him pre-pumped milk or formula. Then pump and dump so you’re ready for the next feeding.
Don’t worry if you have these questions. New moms always do! You will figure it out, we promise! It just takes a little bit of help to get you started. There is nothing wrong with that! These will help you to get a sense of how mom life is and how to really take it on full force. Don’t worry, we are all in this together! Dads, this post is for you too! Just maybe not the ones dealing with breastfeeding! We have your back, always. We’re cheering you on!
