Michelle Duggar of the hit TLC show 19 Kids and Counting has come forward to give advice to new mothers.
Duggar, who has 19 children, responded to a request from a fan for the advice.
“I always tell new mamas to cherish the moments that they have with the little one because the babies sleep a lot those first two to three months. They pretty much eat and sleep, and they’re just not awake for a whole lot of time. Take lots of pictures and make a lot of sweet memories of that special time,” Michelle wrote on her blog.
“Also, take naps! Try to get a nap in when the baby takes a nap, especially while you’re breastfeeding the baby. The night feedings come about every three hours, depending on the size of the baby, how they digest their milk, etc. Some may sleep four-hour stretches; some may go for six or eight hours, depending on their metabolism.
“But, typically, those newborns in the first year, their feedings stretch only to about four hours between each one. I needed a little bit of extra sleep here and there. When I put my baby down for naptime, usually in the middle of the day, the tiredness would hit me. So I would lie down with the baby and take a nap. And that’s important.”
Michelle emphasized that there will probably be plenty of things to do around the house but taking that nap, even if it’s just an hour, is important.
“Also, make sure that you have date night with your hubby. Even though you’ve got a little one, you can take the baby along with you and spend some time with your sweetheart. Try to make it a part of your weekly schedule – whenever you can find time -- because your schedules are going to be demanding with a new baby and work,” she said.
“It’s important to keep that focus on building and strengthening your marriage relationship because that gives your children stability in their lives. When they see mom and dad are making it a priority to love each other and focus on their relationship, it reminds them that their parents love each other and that their relationship is a top priority in the family.”
