Questions I Asked Google Once My Baby Arrived.

As do all mothers and fathers do, I took to google to ask tons of questions once Lyla arrived. I started to write them down and store them in notes for a blog post. I’m sure I missed lots of them as most of these questions were asked during a 2am feeding, but here’s most of them! I think as new mamas we feel so alone. We are exhausted and having your first baby is a whirlwind. Your nurses and doctors just send you home with a little human assuming you are completely fit to keep that little human alive. And you are. No matter what thoughts or feelings you may have. You are exactly who that baby needs. But along the way we undoubtedly have questions, here’s some of mine! Please keep in mind I am not a doctor so if your concerned about anything, contact your pediatrician!

• How much should my newborn eat?

  Just a tiny bit, they will usually stop eating once they are full.

• Why can’t my baby burp?

  Keep trying and start a probiotic if needed!

• How to help a gassy baby?

  Probiotic, Mycelon, or Windi’s by Fridababy!

• Why is my baby super congested at night?

  This is mainly because of tiny airways. Fridababy nasal spray and nose sucker help. As long as they can eat comfortably they are fine with some congestion.

• When can babies start hold their own bottle? 
  I still don’t know haha but they will eventually!

• Is it okay to stop breastfeeding?

  Yes, of course. Think it through and make the decision with your family, if that’s what best for YOU, then go for it!

• How to relieve breast pain (fullness)?

  Breast ice packs, comfortable bras, a little pumping to relieve pressure, ibuprofen if needed.

• Why don’t I feel happy while breastfeeding?

  We don’t all feel a certain happiness while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is hard and that’s okay. It’s something both you and your baby are new at and both learning together. You got it! And if it’s something you want to stop, start discussing other options with your partner and pediatrician. Your baby is only this little for such a short time and you should enjoy every second!

• Why does pumping hurt?
  The flanges on your pump could potentially be too small or the sucking motion on the pump might be a little too strong. G did all the research for me and told me it shouldn’t hurt. I got a little pain once my nipples got a little raw from feeding. You can use nipple cream to help after pumping and feedings.

• When does the 3 hour feeding cycle stop?

  Ask your pediatrician, but mine said I can let my baby sleep as long as she wanted once she reached her birth weight again. Of course by then she had gotten use to a 3 hour cycle.

• When can I let my baby sleep as long as they want?

  Same as above, but talk to your pediatrician first.

• When is it okay to give a baby a pacifier? 

  This is your decision. Some say if your trying to figure out breastfeeding you want to avoid any artificial sucking items like a bottle or pacifier.

• Should there still be pain with a nipple shield on? 

  Potentially, my pain level dropped a ton with a nipple shield. But if you’re nipples are a little raw already it may hurt until they heal up. Again, continue to use nipple cream and try to air out as much as possible and comfortable, soft bras.

• How to get rid of a herniated belly button on a baby?

  Just wait it out. Our pediatrician kept tells us to wait it out.

• Will my baby’s belly button go back in?

  My baby had a herniated belly button and it stuck out like crazy, by about 3 months it was gone and looking completely normal.

• Will my baby ever get use to diaper changes? 

  I was getting frustrated because she cried at every diaper change. Now I can say she eventually somewhat got use to it, once I started using the pacifier during a diaper change she calmed a ton. I never used a wipe warmer so I’m sure the cold wipe shocked her a bit.

• Why hasn’t my baby pooped all day?

  Our pediatrician said as long as they are peeing, it’s totally fine not to poop all day, but if you’re concerned try a windi by Fridababy, they may be a bit backed up>

• Why doesn’t my baby like bath time?

  Who knows! I love bath time, why wouldn’t she? Maybe try during your baby’s calmest time of the day. Try different temperatures, and maybe start with sponge baths, or even taking a shower or bath with them.

• How to stop milk flow?

  Try pumping less and less. Ice packs. I even tried the cabbage leaves.

• How long does it take to stop producing milk?
  It took me about a week.

• Why does my baby have a flat spot on her head?

  So much time sleeping on their back. I was very concerned about this. I wanted to avoid the baby helmet if possible. Our pediatrician really wasn’t concern. I bought a baby pillow and used it everywhere, but it didn’t really help. Once she could hold her head up a little better it’s easier to hold her a different way and get pressure off of her head.

• How to fix a baby’s flat spot?
  Carry them in a baby sling and do as much tummy time as to get them off of the back of their head. Once they are able to hold their head up a little better it’s easier to hold them in different ways. Lyla’s flat spot has corrected itself a lot by 4 months.

• Why is my baby spitting up clear liquid?

  It happens, my pediatrician wasn’t concerned at all, as long as she was still comfortable.

• How much spit up is normal?

  A good amount or a little spit-up is totally normal as long as baby is comfortable. If baby is crying and looks in pain while spitting up then there’s a little concern. We switched Lyla’s formula up 3 times and settled on a much more sensitive brand and she seems to be doing great.

I’m sure I had tons of more questions for google during Lyla’s first few months of life, but these are the ones I kept track of. Hope it helps someone in someway! Don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions :)