J & S Kids

As a parent, the choices you make regarding your parenting style can significantly shape the atmosphere of your home. Two predominant approaches are often considered – kid-centered parenting and family-centered parenting. Let us delve into the distinctions between these two styles:

Kid-Centered Parenting
This approach revolves around the kid’s happiness above all else, striving to shield them from discomfort or emotional strain. Immediate gratification is a central tenet, with the kid receiving whatever they desire promptly and without delay. While these principles may initially seem appealing, they raise concerns about how the family dynamic operates in various situations. For instance, what happens when a parent falls ill or when the parents need to entrust the kid to a caregiver? The rigid adherence to the kid’s wishes can hinder the family’s flexibility and resilience. Moreover, focusing on the kid’s desires may foster a sense of entitlement and self-centeredness, potentially impeding the kid’s ability to empathize with others and function effectively within a team.

Family-Centered Parenting
In contrast, family-centered parenting emphasizes meeting the kid’s needs within the broader context of the family unit. Rather than revolving solely around the kid, this approach encourages a team-oriented mindset where every family member plays a vital role. While the distinctions between kid-centered and family-centered parenting may appear subtle, the outcomes can be profound. Parents retain the freedom to address their kid’s needs while fostering essential life skills and values by adopting a family-centered approach. It includes teaching the kid the importance of delayed gratification and considering the needs of others. Additionally, it allows parents the opportunity to invest in their relationship, ensuring they maintain a strong bond amid the demands of parenthood.

Achieving A Balanced Approach
It is essential to balance meeting your kid’s needs and nurturing the family dynamic. Here are some key reminders:

• parenthood should not halt your personal and relational growth
• make time for regular date nights with your partner to strengthen your connection
• continue to demonstrate love and affection as you did before becoming parents
• foster a sense of community by inviting friends over for shared meals and fellowship
• at the end of each day, set aside moments to reflect with your partner on the day’s events and experiences

In conclusion, while both kid-centered and family-centered parenting have their merits, adopting a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of the family as a whole can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling family dynamics in the long run.

Question: How frequently should I nurse a newborn baby?
Answer: It is recommended to nurse a newborn baby no fewer than eight times per day, adjusting based on their nighttime feeding habits. If your baby can go 4 hours without a feeding, you might see two feedings between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. You may only need one feeding during this period by ensuring a full feeding before bedtime.

Question: How often should I nurse an older baby?
Answer: A 3 – 4 hour routine is suitable, adjusting as your baby grows. As your baby ages, the frequency of nursing sessions will decrease, but the amount consumed at each session will likely increase. If committed to nursing beyond six months, it is advisable not to drop below five feedings daily. If you are concerned about a declining milk supply, adding a feeding or two to your daily routine can help increase milk production.

Question: How do I drop a feeding as my baby grows?
Answer: Common scenarios for dropping feedings include transitioning from a 3 to a 3 1/2 hour routine, babies ready to eliminate their middle-of-the-night feeding or moms ready to stop the late-night feeding.

Typically, signs that your baby is ready for a routine switch include changes in sleep patterns. Babies on a 3 hour routine may take three naps per day and a switch to a 3 1/2 hour routine might involve a shorter nap or the elimination of the last nap. Babies are generally ready for this change around 12 weeks of age.

The middle-of-the-night feeding is often naturally dropped by the baby between 7 – 14 weeks. Signs include the baby sleeping until 6:00 a.m. or later. This transition may lead to fuller breasts for a few days as the baby compensates with increased daytime feedings.

Stopping the late-night feeding can be challenging. If hesitant, gradually adjust the feeding time in 15 minute increments until reaching the desired time. Temporary adjustments are acceptable and flexibility is key. Remember, the routine should serve you, not the other way around!

Even if you are well-rested, maintaining a balanced diet and your baby seems to be thriving, lactation difficulties can still arise. It is not just about the basics. There are numerous factors influencing milk production that go beyond the obvious.

Various factors can impact milk supply, such as the amount of sleep a mom gets, her diet and nutrition, mental well-being, age, whether it is her first or fifth child, her desire to breastfeed, nursing capacity, nursing techniques and the baby’s ability to latch on properly.

Monitoring your baby’s growth is crucial when breastfeeding, as their well-being depends on it. Unfortunately, breast tissue is not transparent, making it impossible to gauge how much milk your baby is consuming. However, there are alternative methods to assess your baby’s nutritional intake.

During the first week of life, your baby receives colostrum before your milk comes in. This substance is rich in antibodies, aiding in the development of the immune system and helping the baby pass their first stool, known as meconium. Your baby’s stool transitioning from black and tarry to a mustard yellow, watery consistency is a positive sign of proper feeding.

Within 24 – 48 hours, your baby should have wet diapers, increasing to two or three per day. While breastfeeding, listen for a rhythmic pattern of “suck, suck, suck, swallow” without any clicking noises, which could indicate improper latching. If you notice clicking, unlatch and reattach your baby. If the issue persists, consult your pediatrician.

Aim for 6 – 8 wet diapers and at least three stools daily in the following weeks. Clear urine, increased alertness and steady weight gain are positive signs of healthy growth. Any deviation from these growth indicators for two consecutive days should be reported to your pediatrician.