Doula
Jeanne Hauguel
shares her tips for settling your new baby.
C
rying is one of a baby’s
most powerful means of
communication. She can’t
speak to tell you what she
needs. It’s sometimes difficult to work out
what your baby is telling you, but, in time,
you’ll learn to recognise what your baby
needs. And, as your baby grows, she’ll
learn other ways of communicating with
you, which will reduce her need to cry for
attention.
In the meantime, if your baby is
crying, she may be trying to say:
1.
“
I’m hungry.” The younger your baby
is, the more likely it is that she’s hungry.
Your baby’s small stomach can’t hold
very much, so if she cries, try offering
her some milk.
2.
“
I just feel like crying!” If your baby is
younger than about five months old,
she may cry in the late afternoon and
evenings. This is normal! It’s upsetting
when it seems you can’t do anything
to ease your baby’s distress, but, rest
assured, your baby will grow out of this
trying phase.
3.
“
I need to be held.” Picking her up and
cuddling her will quickly stop the tears.
A carrying sling may be useful, and
some babies like to be snugly wrapped
in a blanket while being held.
4.
“
I’m tired.” Often, babies find it hard
to get to sleep, particularly if they are
over-tired. Take your baby somewhere
calm and quiet to help her to settle
down.
5.
“
I need a change.” Your baby may
protest if her clothes are too tight or if a
wet or soiled nappy is bothering her.
6.
“
I’m too hot/cold.” Check your baby’s
temperature by touching her neck and
readjust her temperature by adding or
removing clothes.
7.
“
I’m sick.” If you think your baby may
be ill, contact your doctor or health
visitor for advice.
What do I do now?
Trying different strategies will probably
eventually hit on the one that helps.
Next time your baby is upset, the thing
that worked last time might not work
again. Then it’s time to rummage in the
baby-settling toolkit again. Here are
some ideas:
1.
Pick her up, which might soothe her
right away.
2.
Feed her.
3.
Change her nappy.
4.
Play music or sing.
5.
Move. Experiment with walking
and rocking, and with dance-like
movements that move up, down and
around all at once. Try swinging her
gently.
6.
Try a pacifier, if you are comfortable
with this.
7.
Take a walk with her in a sling, carrier
or stroller.
8.
Give her a bath.
9.
Change positions: cradle hold her with
her head against your shoulder; lay
her tummy-down over your
forearm, with her head
in the crook of your
arm; or, try laying
her across your
lap, face
down.
These
positions
put gentle pressure on the abdomen,
which often feels soothing.
Jeanne Hauguel is a mother of two who
has lived in Asia for seven years. She has
been a doula in Hong Kong for the past two
years, helping families through birth and
post-partum. Jeanne has designed a new
antenatal class called Babies Essentials, in
which she covers all the main topics regarding
newborn care for future and new parents.
Classes are held in Causeway Bay. Click
www.doulabirthstory.com,
or email her at
jeanne@doulabirthstory.com
to learn more.
26
Playtimes