My final post on parenting for the moment: here’s a list of postpartum parenting books I’ve read so far, again sorted by my rating, descending.
The Science of Mom (another evidence-based book for the first year postpartum) is the only top ranked of these for which I have notes:
- Good review of scientific method, publication
- Delayed cord clamping 2 min
- More blood, iron 88% higher iron at 6 months of age and low iron leads to lower test scores this is especially important for breastfed babies because breast milk does not contain much iron
- Vitamin K shot
- Get it
- Initial link to cancer disproven by subsequent research
- Eye profilaxis
- Consider delaying until after initial bonding up to one hour
- Babies don’t see as well with it so it may inhibit initial bonding
- Could affect microbiome
- Breastfeeding
- Benefits primarily during infancy (eg immunoprotecton)
- Possible long term benefits on cognitive development
- Introduce solids 4-6 months (but let baby lead), continuing breastfeeding
- Start with low allergenic foods and gradually introduce foods with greater allergenic potential one at a time
- Avoid cow’s milk until one year bc it can lead to iron deficiency
- Meat good for heme iron but limit liver to a few servings per week to avoid too much vitamin A
- Egg yolks good for iron and DHA
- Sleeping
- Safest place is in the same room but in separate bassinet
- Expose to natural light during day (even when napping) for first three months to establish circadian rythyms
- Prepare baby for sleep before they become overly tired
- institute pre-sleep routines
- Self soothing babies are put to bed while awake, not soothed to sleep because falling asleep is a learned skill
- Wait a couple minutes to respond at night; confirm that crying is distress, not baby noises
- Babies use sleep aids; make sure you aren’t it
- Use a sleep aid when you’re all together to lay the foundation for making the transition to more independent sleep easier
- Feeding solids
- Whole grains have more phytates, which could reduce iron absorption, than refined grains. Soaking grains reduces their phytates.
- Fruit instead of juice. If juice, dilute it with water and serve in a cup, not a bottle.