Such a good baby

People often comment how we have such a "good baby" and how "lucky" we are to not have any problems.  The reason why we do so well with our daughter is because we did research.  Lots and lots of research.  While we had planned for a natural birth in a birthing tub at a birth center, it didn't end up that way.  So I can honestly tell you that you can have a "good baby" with a medicated hospital birth.  Want to know the number one secret?  Skin to Skin contact.  It's simple, takes almost no effort and who doesn't want to cuddle their baby?  Here's my top list.

• Right after birth, the baby should go to your chest.  This helps keep the baby warm and recognize you as the mother.  You can skip the bathing, washing  removes your scent and can cause confusion.  Babies aren't dirty, they don't need weighed immediately and they don't need any interventions.  Put that baby on your chest or belly (depending on the length of the cord if you plan on delaying clamping).  Your body is amazing and will adjust its temperature to keep your baby just right.  A blanket over both of you is more than enough.  Some babies will eat immediately, and some don't.  Don't freak out if yours is a slow "latcher".  Logan didn't latch on for a good 20-30 minutes.  On the other hand, don't be afraid to ask for help from a lactation consultant.  Sometimes there are very simple answers to your breastfeeding problem.
• Breastfeed!  I don't know what gave our generation the idea that breastfeeding is disgusting but it isn't.  It's honestly one of the most rewarding things you can do.  It's healthier for you (you burn an extra couple hundred calories while breastfeeding per day, resulting in weight loss and it can help with PPD) and it's healthier for baby.  Is it hard?  Yes.  Does it hurt?  Yes.  It will be uncomfortable in the beginning but if it's unbearable, ask for help!  Did I also mention that it's FREE? And it's an awesome way to bond with your baby skin to skin.  The first 2 weeks, I hung out in sweatpants and a robe and Logan just cuddled on my chest 24/7.  It was fantastic.
• Cosleep!  This doesn't mean you have to bedshare, or even use a bassinet.  It just means the baby is in the same room with you.  They have all sorts of sleeping furniture designed to keep y our baby close by at night.  One example is the Arm's Reach cosleepers.  It attaches to your bed and keeps your baby at hand.  We were never tired parents, Logan was a star sleeper from day 1.  Why?  Because she was just a reach away and I could feed her without anyone really waking up.  When your baby dream feeds (meaning eats while she's still asleep) she will stay asleep longer.  So what about SIDS?  I honestly never worried about SIDS because our bodies will automatically tune in to each other.  It has been speculated that babies who sleep alone in cribs don't have the pace of breathing to keep in tune with.  I kept the pillows away from her, and many times she ended up  just sleeping on my chest.  Now she sleeps next to me and I keep a pillow between her and the bedside table to keep her from rolling into anything.  She never slept between Mason & I, not because I don't trust him but because he's a heavy sleeper.  
• Wear your baby!  I've never understood women who lug around those heavy carseats.  Even with a 7 lb baby, my Chicco key fit was heavy for me (and I'm not weak by any means).  There are many ways you can carry your baby and still be hands free to do what you need to.  Logan has a beautiful round head and she has bonded very well with both Mason and I.  We even took her fishing in the first month she was born and she was in a sling the whole time.  We climbed over logs, waded through water and she was cozy and comfortable.  I've posted the different options, find one that will work for you and check out etsy.  Or make your own!  There is no reason to go buy a baby bjorn or lug the carseat. 
• Respond to your babies needs.  I've often heard older generations say how I'm spoiling my baby or she's taking advantage of me. Babies are not manipulative, they only have needs to be taken care of.  Logan is very independent because we're very responsive to her needs.  She's fed on demand, she sleeps when she's tired and she plays when she wants.  Her schedule has slowly adapted to ours and vice versa.  She's never cried it out or had to put herself to sleep alone.  Is it sometimes inconvenient?  Definitely.  But as a parent, when do you expect things to be convenient?  
• Finally, be a healthy parent.  We all know smoking and drinking are bad for your child, unborn or born.  But your diet plays a huge role in your health.  I'm not saying go organic, vegan etc., but start using moderation.  I had midnight hotdog/ice cream runs (and my huge weight gain can attest to that) but I also made smart substitutions and ate healthy alternatives as much as possible.  
 

Having a good baby isn't something we're "lucky" to have, we helped mold her into who she is.  You just have to roll with the punches.  :)