It’s hard to call anything a routine nowadays, but here I am, trying to get into a routine with my 3 week old baby.

Are you a new mama or a mama-to-be? Do you feel overwhelmed with wanting to put your newborn baby on a routine? If this is you, then read on!

Understand The First Two Weeks are Hard

The first 2 weeks are the hardest with a newborn. I said it with my first and I say it again now. When you’re trying to adjust to less sleep, figure out who your baby is, re-learn breastfeeding, and coming off some crazy hormones, it can make it some of the hardest days of your life. I want to remind myself that if I have another child, getting through the first 2 weeks will mean I can get through almost anything. I had another moment around day 9 where I thought, “how in the world did I endure and do this breastfeeding thing last time?” Then, like a miracle, the next couple of days was a turning point!

Combat the Baby Blues

I have endured and overcome the sad and scary baby blues a lot faster this time. That is because I have forced myself to get out of the house. I am trying to feel as normal as possible by doing my everyday things. The worst days for baby blues were days 4-10.

I am so blessed to have my husband home with me for the summer. He has helped tremendously with the toddler and the dog. I think I may have lost my sanity if he wasn’t helping do simple tasks like taking the dog out in the morning and fixing the toddler breakfast. Now he doesn’t have to do a lot for me, but it is nice to have an extra set of hands to help!!

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can be a challenge in the first few days to weeks of life, but there’s no doubt it’s worth it and is the best possible nutrition for babies.

In fact, the World Health Organization recommends to breast feed until 2 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast milk for the first six months and continuing to supplement with foods throughout the 1st year.

When starting out breastfeeding, it is important to note that breastfeeding on demand is the best route to take. Babies are born with instincts to know when they need to feed. Your routine may look like every 3 hours some days, but other times you may need to feed baby for longer and more often.

Nursing can be for things other than just nutrition. In fact, many babies need to nurse for comfort. So offer the breast often in order to establish a good breastfeeding relationship. Don’t worry about spoiling the baby, it’s about comfort and nutrition.

Skin-to-skin or Kangaroo Care can also be very beneficial to comforting baby. This means baby’s belly to your belly. Skin-to-skin is a great way to bond with your baby and makes him or her feel safe in the mommy environment they were used to in the womb.

Need a little more breastfeeding help? I’m actually an IBCLC and I help breastfeeding moms as my job! Check out my page!

My Routine:

Breastfeeding Support

Weekly, I go to a breastfeeding support group on Wednesdays. I thoroughly enjoy getting together with some ladies in the same season of life, struggling through the same things I am. Thus, I strongly encourage you to join a support group of some kind in order to have people in your life to ask questions and simply get to know.

Do you want to know more about breastfeeding? Check out my post about which must-have items will help you survive the first month!

I also have a FREE e-guide, to boost your Milk Supply. Click here to access!

Understanding Night and Day

Trying to keep the nighttime routine the same is important in order to help my baby know it’s sleep time. However, I do have to occasionally change a diaper mid-nursing session or let him cluster feed if he needs it that night. So far, though, the routine seems to work for him.

Sometimes Things Go Awry

Let me also say stick to the routine as best as possible, but don’t be upset if your shopping trip goes long, or need to spend some time with friends one night and it puts a kink in the normal routine. Just know it will get back on or close to schedule tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to nurse on demand wherever you are when baby is hungry. Invest in a good nursing cover for these times if you want to be more modest.

Soak up the Baby Snuggles

It’s such a hard balance in this season of life, between wanting to soak up every moment to being ready to get back to a full night’s sleep. I know I will want this time back, no matter how much exhaustion and frustration. If you are struggling in this season of life, remember it is only a short time and the years go by fast. You are not alone mama, none of us are. That’s why I’m not afraid to talk to friends and women who are going through or have been through this! I hope if you are reading this and struggling that you will find your people to help encourage you and work through the days with you.

Let me know what you have on your infant’s schedule. Do you follow a routine like me? What have been your biggest struggles of becoming a mama, or becoming a mama again?

Don’t forget about the FREE Milk Boosting Ultimate Guide! Click Here!