Those who followed Gina Fords advice what was your experience?

[Itsnoteasyfeelingqueasy]

Hi,

I’m a FTM due in two weeks and have read two of Gina Fords books. I like routine and liked the way she offered a clear sleep routine to aim for. However I’m now starting to swing the other way and think more “ go with the flow”. I’m not sure if the strict routines will create more or less stress! What’s your experience?

Can we mention her name now? She used to be She Who Shall Not Be Named after she threatened to sue MN whenever anyone criticised her methods.

Gina Ford knows bob all about babies imo. Throw those books away and follow your heart.

@mamasiz

Gina Ford knows bob all about babies imo. Throw those books away and follow your heart.

That is always the best advice when it comes to babies. As people have said about GF, she may have been a nanny to many newborns over the years but it’s so, so different with your own children. That primal instinct that kicks in when they cry for one, it’s all consuming (for me, anyway - there would have been no way I could ever have left my babies to cry).

Someone bought me the book when I had my first baby, but I didn't follow it. I fell into my own routine. I think it gives new mums the impression there's an easy solution to looking after a baby... then if you're struggling to follow it they feel even more inadequate. Quite bad really. I loved Miriam Stoppard's book, very realistic.

I used Gina Ford, but certainly not to the letter (who can resist a coo-ing baby). I lifted out the sleep and feeing routines (from 6 weeks onwards) which my DS thrived with, and ignored the rest, which worked really well for us. I also didn't let it get in the way of anything we had to do, so if it was nap time and we were out he would nap in his buggy etc. and if were going to be out at feeding times I went prepared (bottle fed baby). I'm sure once your baby arrives you'll get a bit more of a sense about whether a routine is something that would work well for him/her or not and may find a decision easier to make then. Very best of luck.

I remember reading the book when I was pregnant and thinking that this will make things so easy - I failed at the first hurdle when I didn't wake DS up at 7.
One thing I did find helpful was the no visitors for the first week - it really helped us bond as a family I wasn't particularly confident and I knew my well intentioned DM would try and take over.