Raymond Parenting

Hi Kitty,
I just purchased and read “The Manual - 0-3 Months”.  It was a great reiteration of everything I’d heard from you before.  My second child is 9 weeks old and I only wish I’d had this manual for my first.  My older son just over 2.  I had postpartum depression with him (luckily I haven’t had it with my second) and between that and the extreme pressure to make breastfeeding the only solution for feeding, I thought I was probably the worst mother around and although I knew all along I’d be a good mother, it certainly put me to the test.  The part in your ‘Manual’ about breastfeeding and making the guilt-free decision to change to bottle feeding really hit home with me.  With my first son, I had such extreme damage within just the first few days that it took months for it to heal even after he was no longer breastfeeding but yet I struggled with continuing to ‘try’ to breastfeed for more than 2 months.  After that I pumped and bottled.  I agree that there is way too much pressure put on new mothers to ‘do the right thing’ and breastfeed at all cost.  If only I’d heard your words with my first.  With my state of mind the way it was at the time and the fear instilled in me about formula-feeding, I just relied heavily on advice given by caregivers within the health region and I have to say that I don’t think they really did me or my son any favors.
Thank you so much for making this very strong point in your ‘Manual’.  I hope it helps many new mothers realize that there is a choice and that there are people out there that are willing to support them in making the best decision for their situation.

By M.P. on June 29, 2009

Thanks for writing The Manual, Kitty, it is a very good guide.

By Mike on August 30, 2009

Hi Kitty
We downloaded your manual and went to the seminar from 0 -3 months last week.  Both were very informative.  We were the parents of twins in your class, and have been trying to employ your methods as best we can.  They have been going for sleep int he night pretty well, with a bit of fussing, but their naps can still be harder and they tend to fuss a bit more.  We initially kept the curtains open for naps so they would see if was day ( as some books suggested), but have since closed the drapes.  Do you have any tips for twins in particular?  Do you think we should separate them, as they are still sharing a crib?  Any guidance is helpful!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Kitty.  We can’t wait to reap the benefits! 
Renee

By Renee on October 8, 2009

I’m happy to hear nights are going well. For napping, I recommend recreating the night atmosphere as much as you can, so close the curtains. Be careful to put them into their bed awake at the timing suggested in The Manual and allow them to do as much fussing/crying as they require to fall asleep (and back to sleep if they wake up too early). I don’t really see any valid reason to separate them - as long as you allow them plenty of time to manage their noises without feeling you need to take one out to protect the sleep of the other. I think they will amaze you with their sleep skills.

By Kitty on October 14, 2009

The advice that you gave me was absolutely invaluable.  Not only do I seem to have a happier baby since she is on a routine that I’m following, but I’m happier because I actually have more time to spend with my older daughter, and more time for myself!!!  My daughter went from never sleeping (and when she did, it was in our bed), to taking good solid naps in her crib, and putting herself to sleep without even crying most of the time, when she was WIDE AWAKE.  You obviously know what you’re talking about - and I hope you come up with a “manual” past 3 months because even though this is my second child, I still feel that I could benefit from your advice!  Thank you so much for changing the experience I’m having with my second daughter, and for keeping all of us happier.

By Brenda K on October 23, 2009