My thread has disappeared!!??!

Frances had also posted this link that you might find useful: http://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html It gives some great advice and ideas in it also.

I also emailed you, Gaigind. Did you happen to see it or would you like me to resend it? I also recommended the No Cry Sleep Solution and Helping Your Baby to Sleep: Why Gentle Techniques Work Best by Beth MacGregor, Anni Gethin. Some other great sleep books are: Good Nights: The Happy Parents' Guide to the Family Bed (and a Peaceful Night's Sleep!) by Maria Goodavage and Dr. Jay Gordon The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp I really think that a stretchy wrap can work wonders in those early days. I found it to be a lifesaver. We used a Moby and wore our baby all the time (we still do). On the days that she was worn she was less fussy and slept better. I could also go about my day hands free. I loved it. I also posted a link about the fourth trimester: http://www.becomingmamas.com/life-in-the-fourth-trimester/ The basic idea is that the first three months of the baby's life are an extension of life in the womb as baby gets used to her new world. I found it was really useful to keep reminding myself of this as I was going through those early months. It also might be great to find some support outside of the house. Maybe in the form of the Le Leche League or other nursing mamas group. They can be a great resource. You'll meet other mamas who are going through very similar things to yourself (cluster feeds, night nursing, etc) and so it's a great way to get some ideas on how to get more sleep and relaxation through the growth spurts and early weeks. http://www.facebook.com/groups/lll.uae/ Another way to find support might be in the form of a post-natal doula. There are quite a few doulas in Dubai if you google them and they can come to the house and help out with baby while you do things that you love or need to do. They can also cook for you or pick up or help with breastfeeding, etc. I remember you mentioned that you are a determined breastfeeder and that baby is putting on great weight. So well done to you. Those early weeks can be so, so hard. Sometimes you really do just have to rely on that determination. It is very common for babies to start to find their own routine once they are a few months old. I know that our daughter did at around 3.5 months. She started being very predictable with her night sleeps and naps also. So your baby might find his or her own routine on her own also. Kiwispers has some great links below and great tips too. Most important thing is to follow your natural mothering instinct and follow your baby's cues. They so often tell us exactly what they need and the more that we listen the clearer their instructions get. I hope that helps. I feel for you, I am sure we all do. Those early months can be so, so tough but it does get better. Feeds start getting more spaced out and sleep patterns start getting more predictable. x

ps did you get my email?

I think the mods deleted it sorry gajind am not sure you can get it back. the link I posted was http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/case-for-cue-feeding.html and I'm not sure if I posted this one http://www.parentingscience.com/infant-feeding-schedule.html, the parenting science website is one of my favs as the author is very science minded and everything is very well referenced, and not too emotive in style. I can't remember everything I wrote but basically it was about recognising [url=http://www.parentingscience.com/baby-sleep-deprivation.htm'>tired signs[/url'>l and putting your baby down before they were over tired. I found the baby whisperer books good in regards to explaining sleep cues and props and I found the book "healthy sleep habits happy child" really good in regards to understanding sleep (he doesn't get into feeding routines as he doesn't think feeding and sleep are connected) and we made our own sleep routine from there. You will find some big points of difference if you read "the no cry sleep solution" (my fav of the 3), "the baby whisperer" and "HSHHC" and eventually your next post will be regarding whether or not you should let your baby cry themself to sleep. Be warned, if you thought introducing a feeding schedule was controversial...... ;) xx