Quick help for Newbie starting EASY today :)!

[staciabc]

Hello everyone,
  I'm a new mommy of a 4 week old (yesterday) baby boy.  Based on my limited knowledge, I believe in most aspects he is an angel baby or a textbook baby (looking forward to taking the "Know Your Baby Quiz" next break).  I have not finished reading the Whisperer book that I have in its entirely and I'll bet these questions are answered somewhere on this site, but I would love some ideas before our next 3 hour set !  Thanks for your help and patience with me as I sort all of this new learning out in my mind. 

Today, my baby woke at 5pm and I started EASY.  In your experience, is it best to treat that as a dreamfeed?

 I have had to wake him up each time for his feedings.  At his feedings, he is falling asleep and I am doing my best to keep him aroused (singing, rubbing his feet, belly, cheeks, etc...any ideas?).  Feeding took almost 45 mins - 1 hour.  He stayed awake for about 15 mins for diaper change and a little playing, then started showing signs of being tired.  Should his activity time be longer than that at this point?  I should stop the activity and begin setting the stage for sleeping when I see that first cue, right?

 I am also having difficulty swaddling him.  Even when he is in that "glazed over" state, his hands still move and he resists me laying his hands down on his tummy to swaddle.  How do I handle that?  I feel like I'm forcing him to do something he doesn't want to do, but, of course, I know better and have seen him wake himself up with his hand/leg movements. 

  I do know this is my first real "go" at it, so I'm not too worried.  Up until this point, we haven't had any routine. I allowed him to fall asleep on me or where ever (bouncy seat, swing) right after feeding all day, never swaddled, never used crib, so I am expecting the adjustment.  I just want to make sure I get off on the right track now that I've learned a better way to do things...honestly had no idea !

THANKS!!!

 

[NicolleD]

Congratulations Im not one of the expert mummies on here but a lot of people have helped me out on here & I'd like to help you if I can!
I'm presuming you meant your baby woke at 5am, rather than pm & I'm assuming you are asking if you should treat it as a night feed, (dream feed is done at night normally around 10-11pm where you feed the baby while the remain asleep). So yes, I'd treat that as a night feed, feed & put straight back down. You are aiming for a 12 hour day 12 hour night eventually (we are still working on that :s), but I think most people aim for 7-7.
I think A time is about 1 hour at this age but there is a link somewhere with average awake times (4 weeks is quite early to start though so you probably just want to focus on getting into doing EAS).
Definitly wake every 3 hours to feed during the day though.
With the swaddle have you tried a different type of swaddle like the Aussie swaddle with their arms up or a miracle blanket?
Hope that helps to start with,
good luck
Nicolle 

[staciabc]

Thanks, Nicolle!  Oops - yes I did mean 5 am.  I didn't even know about night feed vrs. dream feed - I have a lot to learn !  I will look into the Aussie swaddle and miracle blanket.  I hadn't heard of either.  I really appreciate the useful information!  Although, we have only just begun, I am looking forward to more restful nights ahead.

[Chicane]

Hi there

congrats on your Lo and welcome to the boards

At this age the average awake time is around 1 hr - this includes feeding, burping, changing and settling for next sleep. Its totally normal to take 45 mins to feed at this age. Sometimes its hard to fit everything in the one hour, try to not go over 1 hr 15 mins but don't stress about it. Things will settle soon enough. LOs at this age can't handle too much stimulation so you don't need to do too much with them. Just a nappy change is really stimulating. In a little while you will get more play time.
The swaddle can take sometime to master, you can try putting his arms down his side instead of across his tummy too...my ds preferred it that way.
Nicolle D has given you some excellent info - aim for 12 hr day - ie if LO wakes at 6am then get to bed at 6pm. At this stage I would focus more on the order of EAS then on the clock, develop your wind down rituals and get to know and enjoy you gorgeous little bubba

These links will come in handy - you can find lots of info in the FAQ sections of all the boards
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=164253.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=164034.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=64277.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=64160.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=85130.0

[staciabc]

Thanks!  I appreciate the information!  Very helpful!  We had a pretty good day yesterday and are doing well today.  I really appreciate the tip to not worry about the clock so much at this point.  The routine of EAS is coming along.  Honestly, I'm blessed with a great little guy that is making it easier (at this point - knock on wood .  In one day he has already adjusted to the changes...so glad I learned about this at this young age.  Thanks, again! 

[Chicane]

that is so cool that he's taking to it. Well done! Come back anytime with any questions x