Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 3
By week 3, you may be experiencing night sweats (more on that below) and considering giving baby a pacifier if you haven’t already.
What’s Going On With Baby
Your little one is getting more familiar and comfortable with sleeping, hopefully. Setting up a sleep routine for baby now will help them sleep well independently for months to come. To foster good habits for baby’s sleep, here are some things you can do:
Day/night confusion. Help baby not to get their days and nights confused by ensuring their room is dark at night and light during the day.
Wake windows. Watch your baby for sleepy cues and put him down before he gets too fussy.
Routine. A relaxing routine before bed can help prepare them for sleep (e.g., a warm bath, bedtime story, etc.).
Dim lights. Dimming the lights before bedtime will help relax your baby and make them sleepy.
Sleep sack or swaddle. Swaddling your baby or having them wear a sleep sack can keep them comfortable and help them sleep longer.
White noise. Playing white noise for baby can be a way to soothe them and keep them asleep for a more extended period of time.
Lay down when drowsy. Laying baby down when drowsy but not yet asleep can help them fall asleep independently.
If you are considering using a pacifier, know it is completely fine as long as it doesn’t replace a feeding. You don’t want to attempt to soothe your baby with a pacifier if they cry because they are hungry. You can't spoil your baby - feed them when they're hungry!
What’s Going On With Mom
If you’re breastfeeding, you may be dealing with breast and nipple tenderness in addition to swelling. This phase will pass, and soon enough, you can nurse your baby without feeling discomfort. Some other postpartum symptoms you might be experiencing include postpartum BO and night sweats. Postpartum body odor is typically associated with hormonal changes and sweating (hence night sweats). Here are reasons why postpartum night sweats may occur:
Hormonal changes. Hormone levels dropping can lead to hot flashes and night sweats.
Body fluid shifts. Excess fluid is shed after childbirth through urination and sweating.
Breastfeeding. Oxytocin from breastfeeding can contribute to night sweats.
To help with night sweats, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool at night with light bedding and moisture-wicking pajamas, and adjust your room temperature.
What’s Going On With Partner
If you notice that Mom is breastfeeding baby constantly, know this is normal. It’s also quite time-consuming and demanding of Mom. To help support Mom while she is breastfeeding, here are some things that you can do:
Encourage and praise her
Be patient during long nursing sessions
Offer to help burping baby
Offer Mom water and snacks
Help with positioning and keeping Mom comfortable
Supporting Mom when breastfeeding will help her feel loved, cared for, and not alone!
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
It's not developmental for newborns to sleep through the night, but there are some things you can do to help set good habits for when they're ready. Read the blog for more!
