Sleeping 101

Before Patrick arrived, Michael and I always said that he would sleep in our room for a few weeks and then he would go to his crib. I didn't want too many people to hold him as he fell asleep because I didn't want him to get used to that and then NEVER fall asleep just laying in his crib. (I know that sounds mean, but I wanted to try to establish routines from the start that wouldn't be too hard to break. Other than that he is held all the time, so don't shoot me!)

Then, we came home. The first night home was rough. I felt like every time I fed him, I would put him in the bassinet, and then lay down, and he would be crying to be fed again. He would NOT sleep in the bassinet, and it made for a very long night for Mom and Dad.

I knew that I couldn't do that every night, something had to change in order for me to keep my sanity! I talked with some girlfriends that I remember having the same problems with breastfeeding. They were told by lactation experts that if the baby wanted to feed that much, it meant they weren't getting enough when they did feed. That made sense to me! One recommended I let Patrick feed, and then when he was finished, pump whatever was left and then give him that to completely fill him up. I did that all yesterday afternoon and I have to say it put us on a nice little schedule. Because of the jaundice I have to make sure he eats every 2 to 3 hours, even if he is asleep! I would wake him up, change him, feed him, spend some snuggle time, and then put him in his swing.

This is where I find I have gotten off of my original 'plan.' Because this worked SO well all day I wanted to continue it into the night. I have to say it worked beautifully and at one point I even got 2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep! In fact, I had to wake HIM up for his next feeding! Amazing.

Here is my question (after much rambling)...if I have him sleeping in the swing, am I completely screwing myself? That is, will he be able to sleep in the bassinet ever? Should I stop the swing and switch to his crib in the afternoon to try that? Or maybe just put him in the swing but don't swing it?

We have our first Doctor's appointment today, so I plan on asking, but I thought I would ask blog land first. You ladies have such great ideas an advice!