Adjusting to life with a newborn, especially your first, is no easy feat. There are so many questions you want to ask, so many unknowns, and a zillion opinions on what is right. And then there is the new title of parent, which as amazing, wonderful, life-changing as it is, turns out to be the most judged position in the world. So at the beginning, you’re on your tiptoes wondering if what you’re doing is actually working and if it is best for your child.
I decided that breastfeeding is what I wanted to do for Charlie and that I would do it as long as I could. However, I knew I wanted a bit of my life back and that I needed him to take a bottle as soon as possible. After he was born, I asked right away when I could start pumping. I was advised to wait at least two weeks for my body to regulate my milk supply and on day 13 (I couldn’t wait until 14), I successfully pumped and gave Charlie a bottle. He didn’t like it much and I couldn’t get him to take it initially, but after a few tries, he took it. And I felt a weight lifted.
We decided to try Dr. Brown’s bottles because it was the most recommended brand by our friends and because they offer so many choices when it comes to bottle feeding. I personally love the options bottles because they have a removable vent system designed to control the amount of air that reaches the baby, and therefore, prevent colic and gas. As Charlie gets older and grows out of those issues, I’ll be able to remove that vent. But right now, its working well for us. I love a product that can grow with my baby :)
Another thing I love about Dr. Brown’s bottles is that the nipples come in different shapes and sizes that fit for different baby stages. Right now Charlie is using a level one which has a more limited flow than a level two and so on.
In addition to bottles, there are a few other Dr. Brown’s products I absolutely love. Those first few weeks were so tough and the ‘Prevent’ glow-in-the-dark pacifiers were life saving in the middle of the night when trying to soothe my baby. They are also designed to lower pressure inside a baby’s mouth and help prevent dental issues. I love a product that not only soothes but protects my baby! We have several pacifiers but Charlie seems to enjoy these most, probably because the nipple on the pacifier is curved and easy to suck. I love all the different designs they have for them too. They’re so cute! When C is a little older, we’ll give him his stuffed turtle pacifier ‘lovey’ so he’ll have a friendly animal nearby to soothe him too.
Now if any of you are in the market for the perfect nursing pillow, look no further. My favorite product from Dr. Brown’s is my gia pillow and I LOVE the contour of it and how one side is bigger than the other. With the bulk on one side, I don’t have to adjust it so much as I get comfortable in my chair and it makes holding my ever-growing child much easier. They have the cutest pillow covers too! I chose the elephants because it matches my animal theme in our nursery.
I cannot say enough good things about this brand. Every product is high quality and has made my transition to life with a newborn much easier. As Charlie gets older, I can’t wait to try their cups and teethers.
*Thank you to Dr. Brown’s for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own*
