[ara79]

Hey there mommas! I am looking into getting/reading a book that will help me know what to expect the 1st few days/weeks/months after having a baby. I don't want one that will make me feel pressured to follow a strict schedule, but one that makes suggestions about sleep/feeding patterns, etc. I also want a realistic aproach and an honest picture of how things can be. Make sense? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!!

[amsa]

I regularly consult "Your Baby's First Year Week by Week" It is great for milestones and what to think about and plan ahead for in quick easy to read pieces.

But as far as schedules. I really just let it happen but my ped told me a little trick that had G sleeping through the night almost since the night we brought him home. "Ghost Feedings" If he went to bed at 9 and I was ready to go down at 10:30or whenever I would just pick him up without talking or doing anything to make him alert and I would offer a feeding. It may not have been exactly 2-3 hrs. from his last but he took what he needed and we both got some extra sleep.

My best advice is no advice. I was told so many things that I started to over think (still do) and we just figured out what worked for us as a team and it has been fine.

Good Luck, you will do great. You were meant to do this.

[Kellileanne]

I loved the jenny mcarthy books--helarious but true!!!

[Dagny]

My favorite book is "Baby 411". It's basically like a handbook, or "user manual" for babies! I have other books too, but that is the one I refer to the most when I need quick answers.

If you end up struggling with sleep issues like I have, I highly recommend Marc Weisbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It helps you set up good sleep habits based on your child's age. It is SOOO true that a well-rested baby is a happy baby. I've read all the other sleep books, and this one was the most helpful.

[mondk]

"The Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg. Excellent book!

Blessings, Michelle

[megsc]

Ditto all above, especially Week by Week, and I really, really liked the Sleep Lady (can't remember author off hand) but I still look at it even though C is a champion sleeper and on a great schedule. Very realistic and the stories will make you feel like uber mom.

[kpxc]

I love What to Expect The First Year, I refer to it all the time

[keeppraying]

I like what to expect the first year too!!

[fossie]

Amy - I just got what to expect the first year and it seems pretty helpful. Also, don't know if you guys have Publix where you live but if so sign up for the Publix Baby club and they will send you a ton of coupons and a nice thick book on caring for your baby - I was surprised at the quality of the coupons.

[casb77]

Originally Posted by Dagny

My favorite book is "Baby 411". It's basically like a handbook, or "user manual" for babies! I have other books too, but that is the one I refer to the most when I need quick answers.

If you end up struggling with sleep issues like I have, I highly recommend Marc Weisbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It helps you set up good sleep habits based on your child's age. It is SOOO true that a well-rested baby is a happy baby. I've read all the other sleep books, and this one was the most helpful.

My sister-in-law swears by this book too. She's used it with all three of her kids and it works like a charm.

[ara79]

Thanks girls! I'll have to check some of those books out!

[Kellileanne]

Originally Posted by mondk

"The Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg. Excellent book!

Blessings, Michelle

This one is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!