Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 11
As you near the 3-month mark, we will talk about baby staying awake throughout the day and how you can get a little bit more ‘you’ time each day.
What’s Going On With Baby
Are you noticing that your almost 3-month-old is staying awake for more extended periods of time? This is because they are starting to develop more distinct sleep patterns. Sleep is consolidated into longer stretches at night (yay for you!), and baby is taking more predictable daytime naps. This results in baby having more prolonged periods of wakefulness during the day. Here are some other reasons why baby might be staying awake longer:
Growing curiosity. Babies become more curious the older they get, which can keep them awake longer.
Increased interaction. Babies love social interactions, so they may stay awake to enjoy more social moments.
Developmental milestones. Controlling their head and tracking objects with their eyes can lead to alertness and exploration.
Feeding changes. As baby grows, they tend to space out their feedings since they eat more in one feeding and don’t need to feed as often.
Sleep regression. It’s normal for baby to experience a sleep regression around 3 to 4 months, leading to increased daytime wakefulness.
What’s Going On With Mom
Now that baby is beginning to stay awake for an extended period of time and not take as many naps, you might be feeling like you’re getting less quiet time to yourself. Even though baby is awake, you don’t need to be with them for every moment. Instead, we encourage you to take some time to yourself while baby is doing their tummy time, sitting in a bouncer, or playing in another safe space. You can keep your eye on baby while getting some alone time. Here are some ideas:
Reading a book
Making a meal
Having a “play date” with a friend with a baby
Enjoying a hobby (I used to take my babies on a run in my jogging stroller)
Getting much-needed house chores done
This will help your baby become a little more independent, especially if they have difficulty being away from you. Meanwhile, your mental and emotional health will thank you.
What’s Going On With Partner
As your baby becomes more social, playtime with them is even more fun for you and Mom. If you’re not quite sure how to play with your baby when they’re so young, here are some ideas:
Sing a song (Ben would make up silly songs that he still sings to this day!)
Play gently on an instrument
Play peek-a-boo
Tickle them
Use their favorite stuffed animal to “talk” and play
Make silly faces or noises
Every baby is different, so it is fun to experiment and see what your particular child likes and dislikes when it comes to playtime. As they grow, these preferences will probably change.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
If you haven't already, I highly recommend writing out your birth story. You will definitely forget some of the details and it's so special to get to share the story with your child as they grow up. Also, if you had a difficult birth, it's really therapeutic to write it out. Here's my first birth story, which was a difficult and traumatic birth (don't read this if it will be difficult for you 💕).
