How you choose to feed your baby shouldn’t be a decision that defines you as a mother. Unfortunately, the mainstream mommy culture can be pretty unforgiving when it comes to formula-feeding moms.

rare support for formula feeders

Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula-feed or a combination of both, the bottom line is that you are caring for your baby. Isn’t that what really matters?

Journalist Suzanne Barston was unable to breastfeed her first child for a number of reasons, including nerve damage in one of her breasts, latching issues, allergies and severe postpartum depression. Upset by the lack of information available to mothers who formula feed their babies, Barston launched her blog site Fearless Formula Feeder with the hope that it would become a source of community and accurate information for all mothers.

Culture of acceptance

By using a variety of guest posts, essays on the breastfeeding vs. formula wars, factual analysis of studies and critiques of current affairs related to the issue, Fearless Formula Feeder strives to support all new parents. Barston’s goal is to stay away from judgments about any particular parenting choice, and to refrain from attacking breastfeeding mothers. Fans flock to her site in the thousands each day to catch up on the latest information and personal stories shared by readers.

Healthy nutrition for every stage >>

Anti-breast?

People might assume that a site encouraging formula feeding moms is anti-breastfeeding. Barston’s goal in starting her site was to do the opposite. “I advocate for breastfeeding wherever and whenever I can — I think it can be one of the most incredible, self-affirming acts a new mother can do,” says Barston. “There are a few women who’ve been reading my blog since they stopped breastfeeding their first children, and who are now breastfeeding subsequent kids. This makes me so incredibly proud and happy, because I feel like I have done my job. Women need to be encouraged no matter what feeding method they choose.”

Is the BFHI supportive of mothers?

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is being promoted as the best way to increase successful breastfeeding, and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and several government agencies. What started as a feel-good way to promote breastfeeding has become a sore point for Barston.

“I consider myself a breastfeeding advocate — I think women should be encouraged to breastfeed, and supported at every turn,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean they should be bullied or scared into it, and I do not find the BFHI supportive in the way its creators defend it to be.” Rather than being supportive of mothers, she feels that the initiative actually takes away choice. “There’s no reason why the BFHI couldn’t incorporate policies that encourage and support breastfeeding without taking the option away from parents who want to formula feed.” She does add that there is part of what BFHI is trying to do that she supports. “What I like about the initiative is that it stops medical staff from interfering in the processes of bonding and breastfeeding — which I don’t believe to be mutually exclusive.”

Reasons why you should hire a birth doula >>

Support for new book

Barston recently released her new book, Bottled Up: How the Way We Feed Babies Has Come to Define Motherhood, and Why It Shouldn’t, the first book in three decades that specifically addresses the needs and support that formula feeding parents need. Her book is part memoir, part social commentary and part popular science. Barston examines the politics and emotions involved in the ongoing battle of the bottle. She takes a well-researched approach to presenting her view of breastfeeding politics through her personal experiences and the encounters she has had through her blog.

In the end, we all need to feed our babies. How we choose to do that should not reflect on our ability to mother, but on our decision to do what’s best for our own children.

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For most parents, cuddling up at the end of a long day with your child after they have had a bath to read a bedtime story is one of the best times of the day. But what if the following day's event has your child wound up and anxious, full of questions and doubt? A peaceful night's rest is highly unlikely for either of you. On these occasions, we recommend heading to your local library or bookstore in search of assistance.

No matter the topic or theme, books help children prepare for some of life's scariest firsts.

Books help break down what to expect, describe first-time jitters and present realistic scenarios that children can identify with, and because they are children's books, they are non-threatening, use language that is easy to understand and are often beautifully illustrated.

Best of all, books encourage an open dialogue with your child and provide a point of reference for parents who might not normally have the right words to address the situation.

It's not just about reading the books

According to Ingrid Kellaghan, child-development expert and founder of Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago, "The National Association for the Education of Young Children advises that reading books that feature simple text, illustrations, and everyday situations engage young children and can prepare them for many of life's milestones. But it's not just reading the books; the NAEYC advises parents and caregivers to also discuss the books. While reading a story, pause and ask the children how a character in a story might feel or ask them to suggest ideas for solving the character's problems."

As parents it is our jobs to help our children adjust and embrace any given situation with comfort and ease and having a guideline is the perfect way to tame those butterflies and ease young worried minds.

SheKnows recommendations

No child's bookshelf should be without a title or two from The Berenstain Bears series, which has been around for over 50 years. This delightful series created by Stan and Jan Berenstain covers dozens of issues our children face every day, including: Bullying, greediness, bad manners, poor sportsmanship, visiting the doctor and dentist for the first time, online safety and childhood obesity.

Some of our other family favorites suitable for children ages 3-8 include:

• School readiness: The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing
• Introducing a new puppy to the family: Muddypaws by Moira Butterfield
• Potty training: Potty Animals: What to Know When You've Gotta Go! by Hope Vestergaard; Prince of the Potty by Nora Gaydos
• First sleepovers/separation anxiety: Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber; The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• Introducing a new baby to a sibling: The New Baby by Mercer Meyer; I'm a Big Brother / I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole
• Coping with divorce: Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown

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Teaching children to think positively

On November 6, 2012, the entire nation will watch as we choose the next president of the United States of America. There's no reason why your kids can't watch with you as the states turn red and blue on the broadcasts as the results roll in.

Watch the votes roll in!

Make Election Day a family-friendly event and use it as an opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of voting.

Stars, stripes and decorations

Considering 4th of July is still months away, it could be challenging to find patriotic party supplies, unless you have one of those amazing party supply super stores nearby! Oriental Trading Company is a great resource for everything that sparkles red, white and blue, from decorations to fun hats to mini-American flags. And, they ship quickly, so there is still time to place an order and have it arrive by November 6.

If you're aiming to keep things a little more low-key, red, white and blue balloons go a long way to transform your home into a patriotic palace. Or, get your kids involved in the decorating action, having them make American flags to hang around the house. Having a party where everyone attending is voting for the same candidate? You can go crazy decorating with Obama or Romney swag — both have campaign logos that are fun and could easily be recreated at home to be used as window decorations. The most important decoration you'll need at an Election Day party is a television to watch as the numbers roll in from across the nation!

These 4th of July crafts for kids can easily double as Election Day party decorations! >>

Politically awesome games and activities

Traditional party games have never been as fun as they are on Election Day and it's so easy to adapt games that your friends and the kids already know into Election Day versions. Instead of "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," try "Pin the Beard on Abe Lincoln." A favorite like "Duck, Duck, Goose" can become "Governor, Governor, President."

Take things out of the ballot box and create your own mini-mock election at the party! Pick two kiddos to run for president, including funny hats for speeches, debates on issues about whether chocolate or vanilla ice cream is better and a vote at the end of the night to "elect" the president of the party. Not only will it be fun and a great way to kill the time between election results, it's a good chance to teach your kids about the basics of the election process.

Make it fun for the adult guests too! Before they arrive or just as they walk in the door, have them write a list that predicts the order that the state results will be announced. Or, make it even easier with having them guess which states will turn red on the screen and which will turn blue.

Keeping it in the purple zone

Even though presidential elections are all about politics, when throwing a kid-friendly Election Day party, it's best to leave politics aside, as to not turn the party into the fourth debate where both candidates went off script and said what they really wanted to. There's nothing wrong with rooting for your candidate at the party, but warn your adult guests that any potentially heated political discussions are off-limits. We suggest putting a sign on the door that reminds guests that your house is a "purple zone" — where red and blue come together to have fun on Election Day.

More on the election

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How do you talk to your kids about the presidential election — and mudslinging?
Election 2012: What moms should know

One of the hottest celeb moms also has some Obama gear for your kiddos. Beyonce and mom introduce Obama-inspired baby clothes >>

Take a little break from the hard-hitting political decisions and vote in the SheKnows Parenting Awards of 2012 >>

We understand if you'd rather keep your own political opinions from your kids. After all, they can't vote yet, let alone choose which political candidate they prefer . Instead of a shirt that endorses one side or the other, let them show a little patriotic pride this election day focusing on the good old red, white and blue, reminding us that no matter who your choice for president is this year, we're all American.

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Dinner together benefits the whole family

Families that practice good communication — whether it be in a vehicle or at the dinner table — are more likely to have children that are substance- free, notes the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. But the family dinner ritual brings with it many other benefits, including the opportunity for kids to learn social skills.

For the modern family, a nightly dinnertime — where everyone is in attendance — may be impractical or even impossible, but that doesn't mean the idea should be abandoned altogether. The point is not what's served, but rather engaging children in meaningful conversation and establishing dinnertime as a family routine.

What do you think: Is the family dinner still important? >>

Take a shortcut

If you're seriously strapped for time and energy, take advantage of readily available shortcuts such as take-out and frozen food. Frozen pizza with a salad becomes a feast when served on fancy dishes and colorful placemats, and you needn't sacrifice nutrition for the sake of convenience. Take-out roast chicken with veggies, pad thai and chicken burritos are all vitamin-packed dinner options.

Check out these family dinners that the kids can make >>

One creative family we know started this tradition years ago. Their children, who are now in high school and college, recall it fondly.

The premise: Eat like a Viking warrior — with your hands! No silverware is allowed.

The menu: Let each child take a turn selecting the evening's menu. Encourage them to pick foods that are fun to eat with the hands — the messier the better! Some ideas include spaghetti and ice cream.

Tips: Dress the part! Encourage your kids to make helmets and shields out of materials you have around the house. Cover the dining table or picnic area with a plastic tablecloth, for easy clean-up. Want to make this a movie night? Maybe you can watch How to Train Your Dragon!

This one is a Saturday night tradition at our house.

The premise: Just as it sounds.

The menu: Select food to go along with the theme of the evening's feature, or let each child pick his favorite menu . Some suggestions: "Lady and the Tramp" featuring spaghetti and meatballs or "Finding Nemo" featuring fish and chips.

Tips: Eat dinner first, then for a treat serve dessert in the family room while watching the movie.

The premise: Have foods for dinner that represent every main color of the rainbow — red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet.

The menu: Try baby carrots and sliced celery for an appetizer or as a side dish. A pasta dish with red sauce, with yellow squash or yellow bell peppers mixed in or on the side, can be the main course. Follow up with blueberry cobbler or another berry treat for dessert. As for the color violet, add a few drops each of red and blue food coloring to whipped cream for the dessert, or to ranch dressing to make a purple dip to serve along with the veggies.

The premise: Letting the kids get creative in the kitchen!

The menu: Let the kids help design the menu, crafted around an ethnic or seasonal theme. How about pizza night or garden and grilling? Assign each child an age-appropriate task: The youngest kids can tear up lettuce for a salad, your middle kids will love to roll out pie dough and older, more responsible kids can cut veggies and stir sauces with supervision.

Tips: Expect to get messy — play clothes and aprons are strongly suggested!

Family-friendly menus and recipes

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Celebrity mom Melissa Joan Hart

Maternity mortality matters

Melissa Joan Hart is known for her fun television and movie roles. From the quirky Clarissa in Clarissa Explains it All to the title character in her current series, Melissa & Joey. Now she's taking on an important new role: Spokeswoman for Merck for Mothers '“Once Upon A Birth” campaign.

Melissa Joan Hart wants to see a big decrease in maternal mortality rates around the world. The mother of three says that this is very important to her, especially since she just gave birth to her third son. "Eight-hundred women die in the world every day from pregnancies and childbirth and 90 percent of them are preventable. This is something that doesn’t need to be happening," says Hart.

She's teamed up with the "Once Upon a Birth" campaign by Merck for Mothers to spread the world about this important cause.

Merck for Mothers has made a 10-year, $500 million commitment to help reduce the rate of maternal mortality. Among the biggest threats to motherhood are hemorrhaging and preeclampsia, which are both preventable with good care, says Hart.

Motherhood, times three

Hart just gave birth to her third son, Tucker, in September. That made the campaign she's working on really hit even closer to home.

She and husband Mark Wilkerson are also parents to Mason, 6, and Braydon, 4. Hart says that the hardest thing about going from two children to three has been the balancing. "He’s still sleeping a lot," admits Hart, who makes it a priority to have fun with her older boys too. "Tucker gets dragged around from here to there."

And her older boys? They are smitten with their younger brother. Mason in particular "just loves to do everything," says Hart.

Organizing her busy life

She credits a little high-tech organization with keeping her family and work life running smoothly. "My secret is the calendar on my iPhone and setting alarms on that to make sure that I don’t forget things like picking up a present for the birthday party or remembering snacks for the soccer game," Hart says.

She also sets priorities for each day — sometimes time for each of the kids, sometimes work-related.

Hart will begin filming season three of her hit show Melissa & Joey soon — and when she does, the whole family is coming along. "We’re going to pick up the family and head back to California for a few months," says Hart.

In the past, Hart has gone out on her own, leaving her kids behind with her husband. However, she says that was really hard on her — although they traveled back and forth often to see each other. Now, with a new baby, Hart felt like it would be better for the family to just stick together.

"I am kind of excited that they are coming with me this time," says Hart, who is fortunate to have a husband in the music business who has the flexibility to travel with her for work. "Our careers allow us to be there for each other."

Best parenting advice

Hart is the oldest of eight kids — mostly sisters — and says that really prepared her for motherhood. "With my first born, I had a lot of people telling me I was treating him like my third because I wasn’t too worried or scared," says Hart.

When Hart had her first son, her mom gave her what she says is the best advice she's ever been given. "She just reassured me that you are a great mother, you have great instincts and you just have to go with what’s right for you," says Hart.

Image credit: Starbux/WENN.com, Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

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Experts once thought that uncontrollable crying automatically meant colic. These days, though, we are well-educated on another culprit: Acid reflux, which can be a painful condition for kids.

"My mom talked a lot about my twin sister and me having colic as babies. When my son was born, she called his crying 'colic,' as well," says mom Hilary Hamblin. "After three months of nearly constant screaming, back arching, not sleeping and excessive spitting up, a friend mentioned these as symptoms of acid reflux. After some research online and a visit to our pediatrician, we started my son on Axid for acid reflux. Within 24 hours, he was a different, happier child."

For decades, it seems, moms have been made to feel guilty about holding their babies too much. Ignore the critics and repeat after us: You cannot spoil a baby by holding her. Really. It's true. "Babies who are held often and have their needs met right away are more likely to have higher self-images and learn they are respected and worthy," says Linda C. Donovan, RN, MHA, IBCLC. So, even if you keep hearing people tell you not to do it, rest assured that holding your baby is a good and natural thing.

Baby wipes are expensive and, for some sensitive bums, they can hurt. The good news? You really don't need to buy 'em.

"I know people will not believe this, but a 100 percent breastfed baby doesn't need baby wipes. Not at all. Breastfed baby feces are low in acid and bacteria, watery and wipe off easily; breastfed baby urine is dilute and noncorrosive," says Wendie A. Howland RN MN CRRN CCM CNLCP and the editor of the AANLCP Journal of Nurse Life Care Planning. "Wipe that baby butt with the damp cloth diaper you're taking off, re-wrap in a new clean cloth diaper, and you're both good to go. I did this for both of my babies, and neither of them ever had a rash once."

Formula feeding? You can still skip the commercial wipes in favor of a wash cloth and mild soap.

We love double-duty things, and this tip falls firmly into that category. "If you have a baby who sleeps long and hard, a maxi pad in the diaper is a great solution to soaked sheets and jammies," says Annie Ory, a certified life coach.

Not comfortable with that approach? That's OK. There are also lots of highly absorbant nighttime diapers now available from Huggies, Pampers, Seventh Generation and more.

Sterilizing all the baby doodads can be time-consuming if you do it the old-fashioned way in a pot with water. But guess what? It can be so much easier — and you don't need a pricey home sterilizer. Instead, toss everything in your dishwasher and run it on a short, hot cycle.

Up next: 5 More baby care tricks >>

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News flash: When cool air hits a baby's privates, he'll tend to pee. So open that diaper carefully so that you can catch the stream before it's all over you and the nursery. You can also cover Baby's privates with a washcloth, which will absorb the spray before it gets you.

They say that music can tame the savage beast. It also can calm a child down or, in the car, even put him to sleep. Slide in a CD and see how something that's soft and soothing can make everything a little more relaxed.

Look: Until your child can walk, she really doesn't need shoes. Socks? Absolutely! But not shoes. If you still put them on, be honest: It's about you, not her. Save the money until she really needs them.

It used to be that kids needed the necessary skill of juice-box drinking for when they hit school days. But these days, parents tend toward reusable bottles for school drinks. So, just make sure your child is well versed on using reusables — and he'll be just fine.

Have an early riser? That can be super tough. And if yours is really little, you might not be able to explain sleeping in to her. So, make it a little harder to wake up by hanging blackout curtains in Baby's room. Close them at bedtime. You won't be sorry. For older children, teach them that they can't get up until a certain time. It will save your sanity.

More baby secrets revealed

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Tamera Mowry

Tamera Mowry-Housley is literally due any minute, however the 34-year-old Tamera & Tia star looks gorgeous and glowing as she sits in the sand with her husband Adam Housley.

The actress has looked chic throughout her pregnancy, and she continues to dress to impress in this Sleeveless Ruffle Front Maternity Maxi Dress in abstract print from A Pea in the Pod .

 “I can now say that I am down to the wire. I seriously feel like I have been pregnant forever. Almost 10 months to be exact! Thirty-nine weeks in and no baby yet. 'This has now become a waiting game,' my OB told me,” Mowry writes on her blog for People.

“Oh, what fun. If I have yet to learn patience, my son is in the process of teaching me now. I have learned that I am not in control and that he will decide when he comes,” she continues. “However, I have not been as receptive as I want to be to his timing. If I am completely honest… at this stage, I want this baby out!”

Hang in there, Tamera! We can’t wait to hear the baby name of your baby boy!

Next up: Teen Mom 2 Leah Messer

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Leah Messer

Teen Mom 2 Leah Messer Calvert is pregnant with her third child with her new husband Jeremy Calvert. The mom, who was put in the spotlight after showcasing her life on the MTV reality show after getting pregnant with her now 2-year-old twins Ali and Aleeah, was excited to announce the baby news.

“Jeremy and I are excited to be adding a new addition to our family,“ Calvert told Us Weekly. “Being a teen mom was difficult, but I'm older and in a different place now — married to Jeremy and excited for our family to grow.“

Messer was recently spotted out showing off her small baby bump at a West Virginia playground, where she wore jeans and a T-shirt that revealed her growing midsection.

Next up: Ian Ziering and his pregnant wife at the pumpkin patch

Photo: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Ian Ziering and Erin Ludwig

Ian Ziering and his pregnant wife Erin Ludwig were spotted with their 18-month-old daughter Mia at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Los Angeles. The 90210 star and his wife are expecting their second child together.

“I feel blessed, having a family is something that I’ve always wanted,” the actor tells People. “Having a second child is the realization of a dream come true.”

Ludwig is reportedly in her second trimester, however not quite showing yet as she pairs a black tunic top with leggings and flats.

Next up: Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey spotted out with their adorable kids

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Camila Alves

Camila Alves shows off her baby bump in a black dress with a sheer skirt as she enjoys the day with her husband, Matthew McConaughey, and their two kids Levi, 4, and Vida, 2.

Alves, 30, is expecting their third child together and recently said this pregnancy has been difficult.

“This [pregnancy] has been a little different. Anything you can feel in a pregnancy, I'm feeling in this one. So put it all in the pile, that's how I'm feeling,” she said.

She may not be feeling great, but she always looks chic and polished. She said that her hubby, however, likes her when she looks natural. "He likes as simple as possible. Less makeup, less everything,” she said.

Next up: The Mentalist star Amanda Righetti in an Isabella Oliver dress

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Amanda Righetti

The Mentalist star Amanda Righetti looked chic in a black bump-hugging gown at the CBS 100 Episode Celebration of The Mentalist.

Righetti, who has also appeared in The O.C. is expecting her first child sometime this winter with her husband Jordan Alan.

Love her look? Righetti is wearing the Isabella Oliver Ruched Midi Dress paired with black heels and a chic clutch.

The 29-year-old actress is one of eight siblings — so she is undoubtedly ready for a full house!

From Megan Fox to Shakira, check out more pregnancy celebrities here >>

Photos: WENN unless otherwise noted

Cameron Garriepy wanted to see her novel published. But with the odds against her and without a publisher, how could she make it happen?

A novel path to
being an author

Garriepy turned to crowd-sourcing, launching an Indiegogo fundraiser to raise money to self-publish her novel, Buck's Landing. Now, the book's out and she's ramped up for a great launch.

Many people dream of becoming authors. For Cameron Garriepy, a mother of one, that dream is becoming a reality. The Massachusetts mom's new novel, Buck's Landing, is now available on the Kindle and will be available in paperback soon.

The book is a romance set in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Sofia Buck returns home to temporarily run the family business after her father dies. Silas Wilde leaves behind Manhattan and an unhappy legal career to live more simply, running a shop in the beach town. They find each other — but can their love survive their different goals?

Loves romances

Garriepy's love of romance novels goes back to when she would read whatever books her mom brought home from the library — along with her own selections. She adores the strong characters and intriguing plots of authors like Nora Roberts and Susan Wiggs.

She jokes that she wrote her first romance novel in the eighth grade — but really, it's true. Using her school friends for inspiration, she crafted a story. That was followed by much writing in her teens and college years. But then she stopped. As a 20-something young professional, Garriepy moved away from her writing.

Then, about three years ago, she became immersed in the online writing world and discovered the Red Dress Club , a writing group online where writers discuss the craft. "It sort of became the time. I’ve always said I should try writing one of those [romance novels]," says Garriepy.

After many starts and stops, the story of Buck's Landing just came to her. She was on vacation at Hampton Beach with her husband's family — and that became the setting of her first published novel.

"The two main characters sort of walked off the boardwalk and sat down next to me," says Garriepy. "I literally started the book while I was on vacation."

Stealing moments off the beach and writing when she could, the story just poured out onto the page.

Crowd-sourcing the funding

Garriepy took a nontraditional road to publishing. Through the crowd-sourcing site Indiegogo, she funded the costs of a professional editor, some printing and marketing costs. "The whole thing still when I stop and think about it just amazes me," says Garriepy.

Her project was fully funded in about 26 hours, because some of her friends made it their mission to help make it happen and because Garriepy reached out to her network too. "I went out and begged for help. I reached out to the community of people I know through writing," says Garriepy.

For Garriepy, with the book just releasing, the adventure is just beginning.

Finding time to write

So, when does Garriepy find time to work on her fiction? She says that she writes in the evening and also in the afternoons while her son plays with Legos. She also takes notes on her iPhone while sitting in traffic — basically whenever she can fit it in.

"Someday I would like to have a door I can close. But kindergarten is coming and I will be sad [my son is] in school all day," says Garriepy.

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The end of daylight saving time can set even the steadiest routines into a tailspin as nighttime comes sooner and bedtimes are tested. A few simple tips can help your family adjust to the time change and minimize clock confusion!

Fall back, stay on track

Remember when falling back an hour meant staying out later before curfew hit, or squeezing in one more round when you were out with friends?

Now it means figuring out how to set your kids’ internal clocks back an hour earlier than they’re used to, while maintaining a routine and dodging bedtime crankiness. Of course, falling back has one benefit that every parent appreciates: One more hour of precious sleep!

Slowly transition bedtimes

One trick to help your children adjust to their new sleep schedule is to gradually push bedtime back, by 10–15 minutes, each day for a week or so before the time switch. If you find your children are resisting sleeping earlier, consider stacking the deck in your favor by lining up activities during the day that tend to tire them out and allow them to soak in a little extra sun now that daytime will be shorter. Take a family walk after dinner, squeeze in extra playtime at the park, or pencil in some physical play like playing catch or practicing soccer goals, so they can expend more energy. Just make sure to take on the extra activity well before you start settling down and getting ready for bedtime.

Cold turkey… with a side of patience

Some families opt to tackle the end of daylight saving time cold turkey, just like they might handle bedtime or naps after traveling cross-country to a new time zone. If that’s your style, put your kids to bed whenever bedtime always was, regardless of the time change.

While your child might feel like they have an hour left to kill, if bedtime is eight o’clock, continue with your regular bedtime routine and have the kids in bed at eight o’clock, as usual. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’ll always fall straight to sleep, but at least the expectation is set and eventually, they’ll fall in line.

Dr. Mom, Melissa Arca, M.D., says, “The first week is often a challenge but everyone soon catches on, particularly because the sleep-wake cycle will ultimately catch up in a few days.”

Consistency is key

Whether you opt for cold turkey or try and sneak up on the daylight saving time transition, make sure you maintain your bedtime routines. If you always started your routine an hour early so you could fit in bath time and storytelling, keep those activities consistent to help signal to your child that bedtime is imminent, regardless of the time change.

“Whichever method you choose, just remember to stay consistent with your bedtime routines,” Arca says. “Sure, your children may initially balk at the new earlier bedtime, but in no time, it will be the new normal.”

More on child routines

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First things first: Get yourself together. ”Before trying any of these tips, the mom or dad must be in a calm frame of mind. If you are not, take some moments to get yourself there: Deep breaths, a little meditation, some self-talk, a hot cup of tea... ” says author and therapist Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, Ed.S., LMFT.

”If you are stressed or your thoughts are elsewhere, you will have trouble soothing your fussy baby. It is important to be in the moment and to relax with your child,” O’Neill says.

Now that you’re calm and collected, try the following:

There is a reason that swaddling blankets are so popular and hospital nurses love doing it with a standard receiving blanket: Swaddling works. It makes a baby feel safe, warm and loved. And that can totally counteract a moment of fussiness.

Not sure how to swaddle on your own? Yes, it’s tricky, but these days there are so many simple options for easy swaddling like The Miracle Blanket .

Whether it’s in a rocking chair or walking nestled in your arms, swaying and rocking is a time-tested solution for soothing babies to sleep. The simple, easy motion is comforting to Baby who experienced something similar in the womb. Experts say that any kind of swaying works. ”All kinds of rocking [work]: Swing, rocking chair, cradle, etc.,” says O’Neill.

Sure, ”Call Me Maybe” might make your baby giggle during the daytime, but at night you want her to close those little eyes. Instead, put on something light, soft and soothing to help her fall asleep. Stock your iTunes player with a set of lullabies for these very moments.

When my younger brother was an infant, he would cry every night at 7 p.m. The one thing that soothed him was the bouncy walk — a method of carrying a baby that puts him in a melodic rhythm that makes him want to close his eyes.

Simply hold the baby close and walk with a bounce in your step until the baby calms down, or better yet, falls completely asleep.

Don’t want to walk? One mom said that when her legs got tired, she used another method. ”A slow bend in the knees worked well until my knees couldn’t take it anymore, so I had an exercise ball that I sat on and bounced up and down. It was the perfect solution,” she says.

It might seem a little cliche, but if you want to soothe your baby, dimming the light can help a ton. While a brightly lit room will stimulate their senses, a dimmed one will be less distracting, helping to lull your baby into a calm and peaceful sleep.

More soothing tips

What does your baby's cry mean?

Shay Pausa speaks with author Blythe Lipman on how to interpret your baby’s cry.

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Power
of the senses bonds you to baby

Even before your baby is born, you begin to build that forever bond.

It starts during pregnancy, when everything that you do — your diet, health and stress levels — affect your unborn baby. It's just the opening act in building a mother-baby bond. You find yourself attuned to the baby's movements in utero, and start talking and singing to your baby bump. It's the biology of lifelong love that is just beginning.

Best friends

Spend as much time as possible with your newborn, concentrating on skin-to-skin touching and eye-to-eye contact. Pick him up when he cries, feed him when he's hungry. Babies understand who is most responsive to them, and you are building trust each time you comfort and care for them. Touch and cuddle your infant often.

A baby's facial expressions give obvious clues to their likes and dislikes, so pay attention! Reactions to sounds and the way a child responds when held, tickled and talked to help you learn ways to soothe and entertain them. Your baby's cries are a language of their own, helping you to know when it's time to be fed, changed or held. Understanding what the baby is communicating will teach them to cry less and strengthen the bond of trust you are building together.

Power of touch

Infant massage is a practice that bonds you to your baby and benefits the child in additional ways. Gentle massage relaxes muscles, increases and improves circulation and relieves stress for both of you. A regular bedtime massage can help the baby fall asleep faster and get more restorative rest. This can be part of a routine that's important for mom and baby. Rocking, holding, singing and other rituals that the baby likes become routines that the baby looks forward to. Even young infants understand established routines.

Scientific evidence shows that we're hardwired to connect to our kids. Pheromones, the chemicals we secrete to attract a partner, are also secreted by our babies. Most moms are able to identify their newborns by scent alone after having spent as little as 10 minutes with them. A baby recognizes his mother's scent, too. Kissing may have evolved as an affectionate gesture, because it puts the nose in direct contact with the base of our partner's nostrils, where these pheromones are generated.

Scent bonds child to mother, and so does a smile. We are designed to be smitten with our babies. The mother-and-child bond assures infant protection, nurturing and care. Touch, sight, scent and sound are all powerful tools that build this bond from the beginning and keep strengthening it over time.

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With a few pieces of additional gear, your baby can join your camping trip and be introduced to the great outdoors!

Introducing your infant to camping

Ahh, the great outdoors! If camping has always been a favorite activity, there's no reason to give it up when you have a baby to bring along. With some well-chosen equipment and child safety guidelines, the smallest camper can be comfortable on the campout and begin a lifelong relationship with the wonders of nature.

Test the waters

Start close to home. Make your first infant-accompanied camping trip to a destination close to home, and plan to stay only a night or two. Remember some basic common sense rules. If you're camping in a tent, a portable playpen is a safe place for the baby to sleep and play. An infant carrier, stroller and some toys are basics to pack. It's essential to keep the baby's schedule as normal as possible, so be ready to manage feeding, bath, nap and sleep times. Tired, hungry or wet babies get cranky! Keep the baby warm, and always bring more clothing and diapers than you think you'll need.

Necessities

Don't forget sunscreen and a good hat with a chin strap. Babies under six months old shouldn't wear insect repellent, so have a large piece of mosquito netting to drape over the stroller, crib or playpen to protect them from bugs. Sensitive skin doesn't take much exposure to sun to burn and become painful. Slather an appropriate sunscreen on your child, and keep their tender skin covered. Never leave the baby in direct sunlight too long. Just like adults, infants need to stay hydrated, so be sure the baby is taking in enough fluids. Give plenty of water along with breast-feeding or formula.

Bring along a plastic tub to make your baby's bath time easy. Check supplies in your first aid kit before you pack it, and be certain it includes a thermometer, an infant-appropriate fever reducer and antibacterial cream.

If you're bottle-feeding the baby, it's convenient to use bottle liners when camping so you simply have to sterilize the nipples over your camp stove. Premixed formula is easier than powdered, but for safety's sake, be careful to keep the cans cool until you use them. If your baby has progressed to finger foods, pack some choices that won't be compromised by lack of refrigeration. Jarred foods are easy and sterile choices that can provide quick nutrition. Make a list so you won't arrive at your campsite only to discover that you've forgotten some baby essentials. It's better to pack more than to be caught in the woods without a critical item!

Once you set up camp, put the baby in your carrier and get moving! There's a whole world out there to explore, and the infant will enjoy and learn from the outdoor experience.

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Beach days and coastal vacations pre-baby were fairly simple — not a lot of gear to tote as you hit the sand for a day in the sun. It's no surprise that a baby changes everything! There are more things to prepare and more to gather before you can safely go, but the sun and the sand will still be waiting for you when you arrive outfitted with your baby beach survival kit.

Before leaving

Don't head out until you've applied sunscreen — to yourself, and more importantly, to the baby. It's just easier to slather it on a wiggly baby indoors than it is outside. Use sunblock all over a naked infant so you don't miss a spot! Doing this before you dress the baby allows the sunblock time to be absorbed into the skin before exposure to the sun. Don't forget to treat the scalp, sensitive ears and the part in your baby's hair. Pack the sunscreen with you so it can be reapplied as needed when you're at the beach. The baby should wear a hat with a visor to shade his eyes.

Well stocked

Your beach bag or diaper bag should be well stocked before you go. Baby powder is a must-have for dealing with extra moisture from salt water during diaper changes, and sprinkling it on the child before wiping it off with your hands will remove sand that sticks to damp skin. Have plenty of diapers for changes, and consider swim diapers if your little one will be in the water. These special diapers will contain solid waste but are not meant for regular wear, as they do not absorb urine. They are meant to substitute for regular diapers that get big and heavy when the baby is in the water. Just change the baby out of regular diapers before a "swim" and back into normal diapers when they come out of the water.

Have a big towel or blanket for your baby to sit on. Sand temperatures can be too hot for little ones, so it's smart to also bring shoes to protect the soles of their feet. You'll need toys to keep the child busy, so tote along a few inexpensive beach toys. When your baby naps, find some shade. A beach umbrella or nearby cabana with good air flow is ideal. Watch to be sure the baby isn't sweating too much while sleeping. If they appear overheated, get them to a cool place immediately. If you can bring a portable crib with you, it makes a safer and easier nap time possible.

Don't forget food and, most importantly, hydration. Salt and sand can quickly lead to dehydration, so it's critical to give plenty of water along with formula and breastfeeding.

Finally, a few hours at the beach is more than enough time for babies. Don't keep them out too long, and stick to your normal routine of feedings, playtime and naps.

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Feel the need for speed?

When you're trying to snap the perfect photo of your baby, time is of the essence! His super-cute expression the first time he splashes in the ocean or makes his first snowball will be gone in an instant, so you have to act fast. Make sure the camera you choose has super-fast shutter speed without a delay.

If you're looking for a new camera with speedy click action, try out the new Canon EOS Rebel T4i for an exceptionally fast shot. The camera has a DIGIC 5 image processor that allows for high-speed continuous shooting of up to 5.0 fps for action shots of your baby. It also has an 18.0 megapixel CMOS for super-crisp images and high resolution, along with an extended ISO range of 100 to 12800.

Let it shine

If you're taking photos outside, consider the lighting . Take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon sun to perfectly light your baby as you snap away. A baby also tends to be in the best mood in the morning, after a good night's rest and a good breakfast — ensuring lots of smiles!

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How to occupy that baby on board!

Organization is essential on road trips with a baby on board.

Taking a long road trip with an infant takes some careful planning and organization, but it can be done and even be fun! If you're off on a vacation or simply taking a trip to grandma's house, prepare the baby and the car, and have a checklist of items you'll need to make the trip easy and pleasant for everyone — especially the youngest traveler.

Timing

Are you driving straight through to your destination, or will your schedule allow you to break up the drive with some stops along the way? Generally, the longer your baby is secured in her safety seat, the fussier she will eventually become. Allowing for a few stops is helpful. If your infant sleeps well in the car, try to plan your departure to coincide with nap or bedtime so the baby can sleep through a good part of the trip. If your baby does not sleep well in the car, leave as soon as the baby wakes up in the morning. Don't expect to stay on a rigid arrival schedule, since delays are the norm with a baby along. A diaper disaster that requires a complete change of clothing or inconsolable crying that requires a stop to soothe are just two possibilities you could encounter.

That's entertainment

Prepare the car to be an entertaining space for the baby. Distraction and toys work wonders in keeping an infant occupied and happy on a long ride. Stretch a ribbon and use safety pins or tape to hang a few lightweight toys from the ceiling of the car over the baby seat. Bring along small, soft toys for the baby to hold, chew on and play with, and change the toys for something different when you stop the car for a rest or diaper change. Look for a baby activity center that can be attached directly to the infant seat. Have music ready. A favorite tape helps keep the baby relaxed, and their regular sleep music often lulls them into a nap.

Checklist

Other items needed for a safe, easier trip include a well-stocked diaper bag with an extra change of clothing, moist baby wipes, a bottle warmer, a first aid kit and any necessary medications and prescriptions, a baby blanket, and a car seat pillow or head support. Bring plenty of baby food, snacks and drinks for the baby, as well as snacks and drinks for the adults. A cooler keeps these handy and chilled. Consider getting car sun screens. These window shades help your baby nap by diffusing light and keeping direct sun off of the car seat.

Put safety first, and include a car emergency kit with jumper cables and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Your cell phone should be charged and ready, but don't ever dial or text while driving. Keep your baby in their safety seat whenever the car is moving. Feedings and diaper changes should be handled when the car is safely pulled over and stopped. And never, ever leave a baby alone in a car — not even for a minute.

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From the moment your baby is born, there are a series of "firsts" to capture in photos. Memorable times include the first moment with mom, first moment with dad, first time on the scales, first outfit and first time meeting grandparents, relatives and special friends. Photographing these special times creates your baby's documentary and a way to preserve the memories — and even makes a special gift for those who are part of the story.

New angles

One way to get great shots of your baby is to get down on their level. Instead of taking a picture from above or trying to zoom in, lay down on the floor with them. You can get great shots that look more intimate by being close — either move in physically or use a longer focal length. The result will be pictures that look like you've entered their world rather than viewing it from a distance. A longer focal length is better than pushing a big lens too close to your baby's face.

You adore their cute little fingers and toes, those tiny ears and those chubby thighs, so why not zoom in on them? Make a hand, an ear, a foot or a smiling mouth the complete focus of the shot. Doing this accentuates the details that are often missed in action shots, and these details can be especially pleasing when captured on black-and-white film.

Be prepared

Be on the lookout for times of day when your baby seems most settled and content and looks at you with wide eyes and a smile tugging at their lips. Keep your camera close, because there will be moments you'll regret missing — when your baby does something cute, funny, disgusting or endearing that you'll catch only if the camera is handy. A good camera is an excellent investment, and a parent favorite is the Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR. This camera gives phenomenal image quality and has fast, intuitive operation and plenty of features to appreciate, including capabilities for shooting great videos with impressive sound. Keep shooting, because your baby changes every day!

Play with light sources, and try pictures with natural sunlight to avoid letting a flash setting upset your child. While they're not harmful, camera flashes can be startling to a baby, and the result might be a picture of a screaming or crying subject. Natural daylight or lamplight and diffused lighting is less disturbing to the subject of your photo shoot.

We're so smitten with our newborns that we could happily capture every day in pictures, but pick your moments. It's important to capture memories, but also important to know when to put down the camera to pick up the baby and make those memories. It's all about balance.

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Vanessa Lachey opens up

Vanessa Lachey opens up to us about the best parts of being a new mom, including how she is embracing her post-baby body.

Get the scoop on how she and Nick Lachey decided on naming their son Camden, the hilarious thing Nick really wishes he could do, as well as her cool new campaign with P&G called “Have You Tried This Yet?”

Wipeout host Vanessa Lachey called me up to chat about her sweet boy Camden John Lachey, as well as her new campaign with P&G called "Have You Tried This Yet" in which she shares the products that help make her life as a new mom a little easier.

Camden is the first child for Vanessa and her husband, Nick Lachey — and she can’t help but gush about her favorite parts of being a new mom.

SheKnows: Congratulations on baby Camden! Tell me, what is your favorite part of being a mom?

Vanessa Lachey: I am still in shock and we look at him and we are like — we made this! I know it sounds corny and cheesy, but it is your love personified. We made this baby! It is weird and very surreal to me. I love everything about being a mom — looking at him and seeing him and hoping and praying that he will be a gentleman and a good man and a supportive friend. All my hopes for him are through the roof.

SheKnows: What do you think is the most surprising part of being a mom?

Vanessa Lachey: The feeding! [During pregnancy] everyone is like, ‘get your rest now!’ and I was like ‘I’ll be fine!’ I didn’t understand that they need to eat every two to three hours at first and then three to four a little after that. And that each feed can be up to one hour with the changing and the ′shushing’ and the swaddling. Sometimes we literally had like 15 minutes between him falling asleep and then having to wake him for the next feed. I’m like this goes on 24 hours a day and no one told me about this part of it!

SheKnows: That part does get better! I promise! You definitely have that new mom glow. What is your secret go bouncing back so quickly!

Vanessa Lachey: I think it is great everyone thinks I bounced back so quickly… but truth be told I’m still wearing my maternity clothes and taking it day by day and enjoying being a mom. I’m not stressing about bouncing back!

I think it is about living in the moment and just I would say having a good support system is extremely important because it keeps you positive because another thing that women tell you about but you can’t prepare yourself for is the emotions and your hormones are completely out of whack and you can cry because you lost the top of your bottle of water! It is the dumbest thing, but it makes it real.

I think it is about focusing on being positive and that is really what I want to encourage other women is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

SheKnows: That’s great! I love that positive message for moms. Did you exercise throughout your pregnancy? How about now?

Vanessa Lachey: In my first trimester I did exercise. In my second trimester, I toned it down a little for obvious reasons because I was getting bigger. And, in all honesty, in my third trimester it was just about the wellness in my mind and the relationship with my husband and [I did not focus] on the gym so much. The exercising I did helped me through the third trimester and labor.

I think we should be focused more on being good moms and not getting back to whatever it is that everyone talks about, your post-baby body, I guess. Your body is different! It took nine to 10 months to get there and it is different now — my body is different now — but I’m learning to love it and embrace it and I have a great support system.

I have my husband to tell me that stretch marks and flabbiness and all is beautiful and it makes me feel good and better and confident and I look at my little boy and I’m like — this is what it is was for.

SheKnows: Nick seems to be such a great, hands-on dad! Did you always know he would be a good dad?

Vanessa Lachey: Absolutely. That is one of the things I looked for in him when we were dating. Not only how he is as a man and a husband, but how he will be as a father. All of my hopes and dreams have come true and he is awesome.

I was actually joking earlier that if Nick could nurse Camden he would! If he had boobs he would do it!

SheKnows: What does he do better than you do when it comes to taking care of Camden?

Vanessa Lachey: He literally can cradle Camden and swing him around and do “shh shh shh." He does that so perfectly because for the first couple of weeks I couldn’t bend! You can’t do certain things after childbirth, like bending and squatting, so Nick took that role and he is awesome at that!

I mean my thing is the obvious. I’m the feeder. I’m his meal ticket. As soon as I’m done feeding him it is Nick’s time. We are pretty fortunate that he is such a good baby; he has a sweet disposition about him.

SheKnows: I love the name Camden! It is such a cute baby name! How did you pick it?

Vanessa Lachey: It was one of those crazy, ’how about that?’ On the way to my doctor’s office to find out if I was pregnant and to see the first ultrasound we passed Camden Drive — and we knew we always wanted a baby with the initials “C” because John is Nick’s dad’s name and we wanted that to be the middle name so we wanted CJ Lachey. We fell in love with the name Camden and it means something to us and we will always remember the name Camden Drive!

SheKnows: Will you call him Camden or CJ?

Vanessa Lachey: As he gets older, CJ Lachey. That is going to be his sports name or stage name — or doctor’s name! One of my girlfriends calls him “Cam Cam.” I call him Buddie, actually, and Nick calls him Cambone.

SheKnows: I know you and Kristin Cavallari both have babies named Camden. Have you talked to her about it? You guys need to get your sons together for a playdate!

Vanessa Lachey: No, I haven’t talked to her. I actually don’t know her!

SheKnows: I know you have started working again. How is it going? Is it difficult to balance it all?

Vanessa Lachey: It is a juggling act but I think it is manageable. I think you want to support your family but also have a creative outlet and that is why I’m excited today to talk about my partnership with P&G because it has single-handedly helped me juggle work and family.

It is a campaign called “Have You Tried This Yet?” and basically, once I became a new mom, I was inspired to share new ideas and what this program has to offer can help improve everyone’s daily demands because we have the constant daily grind of household chores, if you will, and these products that I’m talking about honestly cut the time in half and declutter, make it seamless and make it easier so you can focus on the things you want to focus on — and for me that is my son.

[Author's note: Vanessa revealed that some of her favorite new mom products are Pampers Swaddlers diapers for their wetness indicator , Bounty Basic paper towels and Tide with a Touch of Downy as it helps to streamline her laundry.]

SheKnows: What beauty product can you not live without?

Vanessa Lachey: I think it is important to hydrate. It is not an actually product but I think drinking a lot of water is important in your daily routine. P&G has great beauty products. It is kind of embarrassing and kind of a little TMI — but what has saved my life after childbirth are the pads and panty liners.

SheKnows: Yes, that is one of those things that no one talks about but new moms need those!

Vanessa Lachey: Yeah! I will be the one to tell women! They will protect you and after that stage the panty liners protects you so there is no worries. It is life! It is not glamorous to talk about, but when you send your husband to get your Always Pantiliners... that is love!

SheKnows: For sure! So what are you guys doing for Halloween?

Vanessa Lachey: My big idea for next year is that we are going to be this Star Wars family. I am going to be Princess Leia, Nick is going to be Hans Solo, our dog is going to be Chewbacca and Camden is going to be Yoda. This year, maybe the "Lachey Boneyards" so Nick and I will be skeletons and Camden a mini skeleton and [our dog] Wookie will be too. You have to include the dog — he is family! He was our first born... although now he is getting shunned.

SheKnows: Who is your celebrity mom crush?

Vanessa Lachey: Oh gosh! Kelly Ripa is amazing! I mean, really — with the body? And the kids? I want to be her friend!

Image credit: WENN.com / @VanessaLachey

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families reports that there are over 104,000 children in our foster care system that need, want and deserve adoptive families. While many people touched by the different forms of adoption — international and infant domestic, for example — celebrate National Adoption Month, the original intended purpose is to spread awareness about adopting from the U.S. foster care system.

"You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent"

There is really no perfect parent. If you're a dedicated mom, you know this is the truth! None of us are perfect, but we're probably perfect for our children. We strive to be and do our best and that's what matters. The same belief applies to fostering and adopting from the foster care system.

New year, new theme

The theme of this year's National Adoption Month is Virtually: Adoption in the Digital Age. The goal is to help agencies who work closely with foster adoption programs harness the power of social media to help place foster children in permanent homes. There are sample messages available on the National Adoption Month site for spreading the word via social media.

Foster parent qualifications

You don't have to be perfect! While AdoptUsKids notes that requirements vary between states, several premises hold true.

To adopt from foster care, you do not have to:

• Own your home
• Be "young"
• Be wealthy
• Be married
• Be an at-home parent

To adopt from foster care, you should possess these characteristics:

• Maturity
• Stability
• Flexibility
• Dependability
• Have an ability and interest in advocating for a child

The adoption process

Again, the process to adopt varies between states, but very generally, AdoptUsKids notes that you must complete assessment and licensing requirements. The process includes a homestudy — think, a lot of paperwork — and education classes.

Some of the requirements to adopt are as follows:

• Minimum age
• Income verification
• Criminal record check at the local, state and federal levels
• Letters of recommendation from your employer and people who know you
• Doctor's reference letter

Other considerations:

• Cost: AdoptUsKids states that generally, there is no cost to the adoptive parents
• Time: Start to finish, from the time you begin your paperwork to the point a child is placed with you, the process generally takes 12 months. Finalization of the adoption usually occurs six months after placement. As with everything, these timeframes can vary between states.

Don't be discouraged!

The adoption process from the foster care system can seem overwhelming, that's for sure. However, many of the great things in life require effort and commitment. If you are truly interested in becoming a foster parent, don't be discouraged by the process or paperwork. Reach out to an agency or your state's foster care office. There are plenty of people to help educate you and guide you through the process.

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The dangers of sleep deprivation are real. For new parents, it's not surprising that sleep is hard to come by. Babies don't sleep through the night to allow their moms and dads an uninterrupted night of rest. And with a new baby in the house, parents suddenly discover that work stress seems increased, laundry duty has doubled and there's a constant stream of visitors anxious to meet your new bundle of joy.

What's a new mom to do? Strategize ways to get more sleep!

The symptoms

You know that you're not getting enough sleep, but be aware that anything less than six hours of sleep nightly can be hazardous to a person's health and safety. Sleep deprivation can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. The emotional consequences of sleep deprivation can cause or increase postpartum depression in women. It's vital to get enough sleep, even though balancing those extra naps seems difficult with so many new responsibilities in your everyday life.

Let's all nap

Whenever the baby is sleeping, try to rest or take a nap. Babies develop sleep patterns and there will be a baby sleep period that is longer than most. It won't take you long to recognize your child's sleep schedule and adjust your own to be ready to catch some Zs. Take advantage of that period with a nap — the longer uninterrupted sleep period will be more restorative to you than simply catching a few minutes here and there. Be ready to rest by wearing comfortable clothes that you can sleep in.

When the baby goes to sleep, turn the ringer off on your phone and keep your bedroom dim so that you can relax and fall asleep quickly. No TV, no doing chores — you need to make getting the rest you need your first priority. For most exhausted parents in a baby fog, simply crawling under the covers and closing their eyes sends them right to dreamland. Being ready to rest means you'll take best advantage of the time.

Feeding

The feeding schedule for your new baby is certainly an interruption to your normal sleep patterns, so make those times as calm and quiet as possible. Consider keeping a bassinette next to your bed so you can slip the sleeping child into it easily when feeding is completed — and take advantage of the calming effects of nursing to go back to sleep yourself when the feeding is over. If you are formula feeding, perhaps you can alternate nights with your partner. Sharing the night care and feedings means that each of you will get an uninterrupted night of sleep on alternate days.

Your work and household chores are important, but keep in mind that you'll do everything better and more quickly when you are getting enough rest. Make getting enough sleep a priority!

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