Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 8
The end of this week will mark 2 months! Has time flown or what?
What’s Going On With Baby
At 8 weeks, your little one’s head is probably lifting and looking around as far as they can see. Ensuring they have adequate tummy time each day will help their neck muscles strengthen even more in addition to other benefits:
Strengthening shoulder muscles
Developing core muscles
Preventing flat head syndrome
Enhancing motor skills
Visual and cognitive development
Tummy time also allows babies to explore various textures, surfaces and objects around them. Colorful and enticing toys can be placed near baby for them to look at. Babies also love looking at a mirror!
What’s Going On With Mom
Have you begun pumping exclusively or occasionally to build up a stash of breastmilk for future use? You may be following a pumping schedule. If you’re not, you can start implementing this structure into your days, as there are benefits like signaling to your body that it’s time to produce more milk. Here are some pumping tips:
Pumping to entirely empty breasts signals your body to produce more milk
Milk supply is highest in the morning, so this may be the best time of day to pump
Pump for about 15-20 minutes per session or until breasts feel empty
A double electric pump can save time.
To increase your milk supply, we recommend double electric pumps over wearable pumps. Wearable pumps are not as powerful and can even cause your milk supply to dip if you use them exclusively.
Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet to support milk production is essential. Having a glass of water and a snack nearby is also helpful.
What’s Going On With Partner
Last week, we discussed ways to bond with your little one. Let’s be honest—babies are kind of boring, so it’s okay if you do not feel attached to them at first. But soon enough, their little personalities will begin to shine through, and you won’t be able to get enough playtime. Reading to your baby might seem pointless, but there are many benefits, including working on:
Language development
Cognitive development
Listening skills
Sensory stimulation (placing baby’s hands on board books with textures)
Comfort
Reading books with an animated voice can be fun for your little one. As your baby grows, they may prefer one book over another.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
If you want more details on how to pump breastmilk at home or at work, check this guide out! We include this resource as a free bonus inside of our class Breastfeeding Made Simple. It's never too late to learn about breastfeeding and pumping. Sign up below!
