Helen Moon - Cherish the First Six Weeks: A Plan that Creates Calm, Confident Parents and a Happy, Secure Baby

Praise for Helen Moon

As a first time mom, one of the greatest experiences at the beginning of this amazing journey has been working with Helen Moon. Her guidance takes the guesswork out of the process and allows any parent to be able to truly be present at this most joyful time. Now moms and dads everywhere can have a glimpse into the treasure trove of advice and insights from Helen.

ELIZABETH BERKLEY LAUREN, actress

Thanks to Helen we were able to get to know our newborn daughter in a way we never thought possible so early on, by paying close attention to her cues. Helen helped us see that we could foster and encourage the natural schedule that our daughter was forming. Helen taught us how to manage the most valuable commoditysleep.

JACKIE and JEFF SCHAFFER,
creators of FXs The League

Being a new mom can be overwhelming and exciting and nerve wracking! Helen Moon taught me how to trust my instincts and helped me find my confidence which was the biggest gift!

ZOE WINKLER, daughter of Henry Winkler

She was like the cavalry coming over the hill every afternoon.

ANDREW McCARTHY, actor

If Mary Poppins had an iPhone her name would be Helen Moon.

MAX MUTCHNICK,
creator of Will and Grace

Helens loving, can-do philosophy is based upon the radical, common-sense notion that consistency is comforting and that constancy is reassuring. Our kids learned very young to self-sooth and today they are happy, independent, loving, and confident one-years-olds. Without her, we find ourselves constantly asking, What Would Helen Do? But now, with this book, you no longer have to wonder.

SCOTCH ELLIS LORING, actor, and
TODD HOLLAND, director and producer

Helens book is full of wonderful little gems of wisdomone of my favorites is, count to ten. Her method for helping babies learn to soothe themselves and sleep is gentle and loving and an absolute must for new parentsdefinitely in the category I wish Id known

SANDEE PAIGE and KEVIN BROWN

Copyright 2013 by Helen Moon

All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Three Rivers Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
www.crownpublishing.com

Three Rivers Press and the Tugboat design are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Moon, Helen.
Cherish the first six weeks : a plan that creates calm, confident parents and a happy, secure baby / Helen Moon.
p. cm.
1. InfantsCare. 2. InfantsSleep. 3. Parenting.
4. Child rearing. I. Title.
RJ61.M7247 2013
649.122dc23 2012027392

eISBN: 978-0-307-98728-0

ILLUSTRATIONS BY NICOLE KAUFMAN

COVER DESIGN BY MISA ERDER

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY CHERYL ZIBISKY/GETTY IMAGES

v3.1

The book is dedicated to my Dad, Peter,
and to the memory of my Mum, Brenda,
for their constant love, support,
and encouragement always.

Also, to my two children, Baris and Olivya,
who have given me so much love and joy
and have helped me to become a better parent;
I have become a better parent advocate
because of them.

CHAPTER 4
WEEK 1 From Night to Day: Its Quite a Transition

CHAPTER 5
WEEK 2 Enjoy: Its Your Honeymoon!

CHAPTER 6
WEEK 3 Its Time to Sleep!

CHAPTER 7
WEEK 4 It Works! The Plan Is Coming Together

CHAPTER 8
WEEK 5 Hell Week

CHAPTER 9
WEEK 6 Proud Parents Tell All: A Baby Can Learn to Sleep through the Night

NOTICE

This book contains general information relating to the care of newborn babies. It is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, and should be used to inform patients and supplement the regular care of a pediatrician. We strongly recommend that you consult with your pediatrician about questions and concerns specific to your babys health. The author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects that may result from the use or application of the information contained in this book.

H ave you ever wondered why celebrities dont seem stressed or sleep deprived, and they look so good after giving birth to their babies? In addition to the benefits of private chefs and in-home personal trainers, celebrity moms usually hire a baby specialist like me!

Now, its your turn to learn all my inside tips for caring for your newborn. I may not be able to come to your home and guide you in person, but I can share with you all my years of baby and parenting wisdom, practical advice, and tried-and-true shortcuts. Since babies dont come with instruction manuals, the next best thing is a book that will make your babys first six weeks as smooth and comfortable for both baby and parents as possible.

As a baby specialist and professional nanny for the past twenty-five years, I have worked closely with hundreds of families in England and the United States, and I can comfortably say that I have probably seenand heardit all. Theres nothing like getting involved in the first six weeks of a babys life to understand the huge impact that this short time period has on both the entire family and a childs entire life. Parents tend to be nervous, siblings are needy, and new babies need immediate and constant attention.

I can remember vividly the first day I walked into actor Andrew McCarthys house. Neither Andrew nor his wife had had a great deal of experience with babies before, so they looked to me for guidance at every turn. We quickly established a feeding routine to benefit their new little boy, and we worked together to reset the babys nocturnal sleep cycle, gradually teaching the baby to sleep more at night and less during the day.

Like any couple, Andrew and his wife, Carol, were full of questions: Is he eating enough? Is it normal for him to be pooping so frequently? And my favorite, Is it normal to have a contented baby who is eating well and sleeping well?