Both of my children slept on their stomachs and if I have any more, they will too. I always feel like I need to give numerous explainations when I mention this to people but honestly, even my OBGYN chuckled when I told her this and said "So did mine." I think more parents let their children sleep on their tummies than are willing to admit it because of the negative stigma attached to the idea of tummy sleeping.
I also used the microwave to heat up baby food and water before adding the formula to it. I didn't breastfeed at all (that was due to medication I was taking though), I used unboiled tap water for formula. Sometimes, for late feedings, rather than walking downstairs to heat a bottle up, I admit that I just ran warm water and added the formula. I gave both of my kids cereal at about a month old and started them on fruits soon after (mostly a little mixed with the cereal to prevent constipation). I absolutely believe in the "Cry it Out" method, both of my kids have always slept in their own beds, and they've always gone to bed awake, as in I've never rocked them or "paced" them to sleep.
So I did all of the "wrong" things-- or rather "No No" things that they say you shouldn't. But hey, what works for my family doesnt always work for your family. If people would just realize that... parents who parent in a different way than the "right" way (or rather suggested) would feel a lot less guilt. I feel guilty writing this message and worried about how people will react. I'm hoping,..it will ease other parents guilt about the things they've done that they have heard were "wrong". There is no right or wrong way to parent..of course there are studies that say this is better or that is better but for every study that says it's better for a baby to sleep on it's back, there is a study that says it's fine if a baby sleeps on it's tummy.
Oh one more thing about the tummy sleeping vs back sleeping. I graduated with a woman that had a baby die of SIDS-- her baby slept on it's back. She was a smoker though--another thing that raises the risk of a SIDS. I think if someone smoked in my house or if I had a premature baby, I would be more inclined to sleep a baby on it's back though-- since they're are already exsisting factors that are considered risks.
My son spent some time in the NICU. Ironically ALL of the babies are slept on their stomachs. I asked the nurses why it was that they slept the babies on their tummies if the suggestion was for them to be on their backs... "Well they sleep better on their stomachs." was the reply.. Humm insteresting.. Of course I realize that a baby being monitored as closesly as NICU babies , the risk of SIDS is far less since they are normally hooked up to monitors that will alarm the staff is anything is awry but still.. in my opinion, this hospital isn't setting a good example-- "Practice what you preach." Very hypocritical to get an infant used to sleeping on it's tummy (lets remember some NICU babys are there for months) and expect the parents to sleep them on their back when they get home...
