With Mother’s Day just behind us, it occurred to me that I might have some words of wisdom for new mothers. I have raised seven children, have six grandchildren and was a pediatric nurse for 10 years with another 15 in emergency medicine.

I observe many new mothers totally overwhelmed with their children and totally frenetic about what needs to be done for them. There is far too much information out there and new Moms trying to be perfect are absorbing far too much information. They are reading everything and I would guess not enjoying motherhood as much as is possible.

Babies need some basics. Warm, Dry, Well Fed and lots of Sleep. Babies should be asleep when they are done eating. I call it a “milk coma.” If they are awake at the end of a feeding, then they are still hungry. A well-fed baby will not have awake periods until 6-8 weeks. Think about how much growth and development a child has to do in the first year. Takes lots of food and sleep.

Over the course of 41 years the pendulum has swung many times in regards to childcare. When I had my first baby the only reference books were “Dr. Spock” and the “Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.” Early solids to waiting six months; schedules to non-schedules; whole milk at fifteen pounds to formula for a year. Bottom line is that they all grow up just fine.

One of the problems that I see for new Moms is that they do not have their parents, aunts and grandmothers around who can reinforce the ease of which babies can be. Take time and listen to their “words of wisdom.” Sift through the advice, but do listen because there may be some jewels that will help you.

I wrote a book called “Honey Bits” for my grandchildren’s parents. I have also given it to many others

Posted by Sandy

For a free copy of “Honey Bits” email info@eilerpr.com