What Every Newborn Parent Wants To Know...
As a Metro Detroit Newborn Photographer, as well as a mama to two beautiful daughters, I get to see/hold/work with a lot of newborn babies. While tenderly holding your newborn babe, I also get to talk to the proud new parents and hear how the life transition is going as a new parent, listen to what has surprised them the most, what’s the hardest parent of newborn life and so on.
But there’s one thing that nearly every newborn parent wants to know.
Are we doing this right?
Yes, yes you are doing this right. Babies don’t come with manuals, and if this is your first baby, then it’s all completely new territory to you. If baby is fed, dressed and has on a dry diaper, you are in fact doing this right. Please read that again.
Let’s talk about specifics that so many of my newborn parents/clients mention to me.
Drumroll for the number one topic of “Are we doing this right?” please….
FEEDING YOUR BABY!
Feeding your baby is HARD, I don’t care what anyone says. It’s a topic that new moms don’t know the struggles about until they are suddenly sleep deprived, healing from delivery and in the thick of it. I’m going to lay it all out there, and please don’t let this scare you. Yes, feeding your newborn is an around-the-clock job for a few months. Your newborn will eat every 2-3 hours, which if we break that down into a 24 hour period then they’ll eat about 8 times in 24 hours. The good news? Those feeding times (breast and bottle) truly are precious bonding moments. You’ll love the feedings and cuddles, even when you’re half asleep for a feed. Also, those late night feeds won’t last forever, keep that in mind when you need some encouragement.
Common questions I hear from mamas on feeding:
-Is my baby getting fed enough?
-How do I know how much baby is getting from my breasts?
-Am I producing enough?
-Will introducing a pacifier harm baby’s latch for nursing?
-How often should I pump?
-Am I a terrible mother because I’m not producing enough milk for my baby?
-How can I produce more milk?!
-THIS IS SO HARD.
-How often should I pump?
-Is formula making my baby gassy?
-I don’t want to breastfeed but my MIL says it’s best for the baby.
-Can I drink if I’m breastfeeding?
I absolutely love talking to my clients about feeding because it was something I struggled with for both of my babies, and I remember feeling so upset about it. Overall, what I remind all the new parents about regarding feeding is…
A fed baby is a fed baby.
Want to try breastfeeding? Try it. See how it goes. Maybe you have an amazing supply and baby latches wonderfully. Are you struggling with breastfeeding with a low supply? It’s ok to supplement (a fed baby is a fed baby). You don’t have to completely give up if you don’t want to, you have options! You could breastfeed and then bottle feed to top baby off, or pump and feed baby that milk first then supplement. None of the above is working? Formula is perfectly healthy for the baby! Repeat after me, a fed baby is a fed baby. Maybe you’re absolutely exhausted and need Dad to do a nighttime feeding - it’s ok. Let’s all say it together - a fed baby is a fed baby!
If you’re looking to get help with feeding struggles, a lactation consultant can work wonders, or services from Metro Detroit Doula Services (they provide post-partum care and assistance, amongst other services!) or a doula local to you. Don’t be afraid or intimidated to reach out!
What are your thoughts? How was your feeding journey with your babies?
xo,
Chelsie
NOTE: I am not a doctor - if you have concerns over your baby, please seek medical help from your doctor.
Chelsie Maurer is a professional photographer specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Child and Family sessions in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. Her photography studio is located Downtown Utica, Michigan.