Babies needs, what about crying related to feedings?

Many things have come up in the last month, as friends care for their babies. Yes babies have bad days, don't we all? Besides needing to be fed, changed and napped, they can  be gassy, teething, and many other things, but a hard day Lord willing is the exception not the rule :-)

I have been asked "how can I tell if a baby is in pain from gas?" Babies, even happy ones, when gassy will have a tight belly, bring their legs up or kick. They maybe happier upright or on their stomachs than laying flat. Feeding should be a happy time so if they are unhappy after eating they may need to burp.

During feedings some babies need to be put upright and patted often. Sucking is a comfort for gas unless the baby is sucking more into their bellies, creating more pain. The action of sucking helps with digestion. Most babies get mad when you interrupt their feeding for a burp, but it is best for them. One way to deal with this is to use a pacifier. Many children do not take pacifiers at first, but if it is offered as an alternative often, many will take it eventually and they will feel better.

I didn't want my first baby to have a pacifier, I told the nurses in the hospital, but changed my mind when I learned they are a tool and can be used wisely. I love comforting babies, but my job is to help them develop their own comforting skills, pacifiers can help. Some reasons I didn't want my kids to have them came from seeing a baby not be able to interact without it, or an older child that had to take it out of their mouth to talk.

So after my husband and I discussed it we decided the pacifier would be for when young ones were being fed, in bed, swing, car seat and stroller then as they got older only for nap and bed time. Out of 5 I only had one that had a harder time giving it up at 18 months, but necessity is the mother of invention and when I got an idea it only took a week for him to be quietly weened. Praise God, so much easier than getting the bottle away from the first child at 14 months.

Some Mom's say "my baby gets burped between breasts or every 2 ounces isn't that enough?" For some babies yes, for others no, their digestive systems are different and they need more help. So burping more often is very beneficial.

When you can tell a baby is gassy there are many things that may help:  patting their back firmly, rubbing their belly, laying them on their stomachs, or sides, rocking, by someone or in a swing, a warm compress on the belly or an ounce of warm water with or without mint.

When my second child was born she cried alot the first 6 weeks, and I needed to care for my other child, home and husband. So she spent alot of time in the swing, I'm glad she was happy and I didn't cater to her. At that time I was encouraged by an older mom, to go longer between feedings and feed her longer each time. If I had her today I would do shorter feeding, more burping, less time between feedings and warm water. I learned from that and have helped mine and others babies have a less painful first six weeks :-) Living and learning that's what God intended.

Happy babies.

Can you spoil a brand new baby?  I really don't know but I never want to find out, so I think it's important not to hold a baby 24-7. Let's face it, if we are willing to read blogs about children, our children are not going to be neglected. At the same time, many parents are saying how hard it is to have a new born. New born babies sleep 16-17 hours in a 24 hour period, 2 hours or more at a time. My suggestion to new Moms is to nap when the baby does, especially in the first few weeks while recovering from childbirth. After that, nap time is for making the house a place a husband wants to come home to, as well as a couple break times for naps, Bible reading, and relaxation for Mom.

Beyond feeding, burping, and changing babies, they need time to grow, play, and watch you take care of all God has graciously given you, this will bless your husband too, God gave you him first :-). "But" you say, "what if I'm doing the dishes and the baby cries?" finish your dishes, if the baby is in ear-shot, talk to them soothingly and encourage them that you will be with them soon. Babies are pretty tough and even if they can't hear you, they will be okay for 10 minutes or so. You are instilling trust and security in your baby, and giving them the opportunity to develop their own comforting skills and maybe exercise their lungs a little.

I'm not saying I never hold, played with, or talked to babies unless they have a need, no one who loves babies has to be told to interact with them. We want to, but, it is dangerous for the baby to control our lives. God gives us this great blessing of bringing up children to be pleasing to Him. If we teach them patience early on, they will continue to develop it throughout their lives.

I have so much more to say, but that is enough for now. Next time I will talk more how babies communicate. God has equipped us to teach our babies so many wonderful things from the very beginning, as well as take care of other responsibilities He has given us.

Re-Start: This is me :-)

So I started this blog a long time ago and never came back. I am starting over and plan on visiting once a week. We'll see how it goes.
I'm a "middle aged" Mom with one girl, now married, and 4 boys still at home. The youngest is almost 15. I love the Lord and want Him to get all the glory for everything in my life. I have a degree in special education and have taken care of children of all ages and abilities since I was 12.
I'm not big on the blogging idea. Why would I think anyone wants to know every detail and thought of my life? I don't. However, God has given me so many opportunities to learn and I want to pass on what I learn.
I also want to make sure I am making the most of the time God has given me on this earth and help others do the same. So I don't want to be on the computer too much or give anyone an excuse to be away from their God given responsibilities.
I am blogging because I have people ask me questions about what to do  to in certain situations with their little ones. I figure since that since God has brought those people to me that I might as well let more than the few know the answer that I believe is in line with God's will and works best.
I do like to give advice, the Lord is working on me only to give it when asked and to think before I talk. I figure blogging will help with that learning process.: