Where do celebrities go for parenting advice? Well, if you ask Cindy Crawford, Glee producer Ryan Murphy, The Talk host Julie Chen, and many others in the Hollywood area, they'd swear by baby nurse Luiza DeSouza. While her highly-sought-after services may be hard to snag (or afford) these days, she's done us all a favor by putting her advice in a book: Eat Play Sleep.
The book is a guide to a baby's first three months of life -- a time when parents are usually the most shell shocked and in need of a baby nurse at their side. And it doesn't get more reassuring that Luiza, who takes a gentle, common-sense approach to parents' biggest struggles, from getting a baby to stop crying to mastering breastfeeding and going to sleep.
For a peek at the parenting tips the stars can afford, here are a few gems we gleaned from DeSouza's book:
Don't answer baby right away. When you hear your baby cry -- and he's obviously fine, like just waking up in his crib -- try to hold off a few minute before you head in. This teaches babies how to wait, which is a powerful lesson in self control. Never let a baby cry for more than three minutes. That said, don't let baby cry for too long! For instance, if you're putting baby to sleep, let him cry for three minutes alone. After that period, if the baby is still crying, head in and comfort him; then leave for another three. That way your baby learns to soothe himself to sleep but isn't left alone long enough to work himself (or you!) into a total tizzy.Microwave a disposable diaper. If you're breastfeeding, a warm, wet diaper placed on your breast right before nursing will help with letdown and get milk flowing. You can also use a damp towel, but a diaper holds heat longer and is less of a soggy mess.Skip the soap ... on you anyway. Breastfeeding moms should also refrain from using soap on their breasts, says DeSouza. The reason: This eliminates your body's natural oils that keep your nipples from cracking (ouch). Instead, spread breast milk on your breasts, which has amazing healing and antibacterial properties.More from The Stir: 10 Breastfeeding Myths Debunked
Play with your baby in 10 minute spurts. Some parents make the mistake of playing for their baby, when babies should also learn how to amuse themselves. So once you've played for 10 minutes, DeSouza says you should drift away to give him some space to make discoveries on his own.Use words babies understand. Try not to use phrases like "don't touch that wire!" because touching is how infants learn -- plus he may not yet know what a "wire" is. Instead, keep it simple with "no!" or "no wire!" tops.Hiring help? Write down your routine. If you're hiring a nanny or babysitter, make sure to write down your baby's schedule for her: 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. café singalong, 11 a.m. nap, etc. Verbal instructions can easily be forgotten; a written list sticks. Overwhelmed? Tell yourself this. Whatever your baby is struggling with -- crying, sleeping, nursing -- repeat to yourself: It won't last forever. Why this is important: Without this long-term perspective, you may feel overwhelmed, and that's when you're at risk of developing bad habits, like caving into their demands and cultivating a baby who bosses you around.
What was your biggest struggle in the first three months after giving birth?
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