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Calming Newborn Nerves
Home With Your Newborn
Your newborn goes through a lot just after the act of birth . No matter whether the birth was natural or assisted, he experiences a huge amount of anxiety as he adjusts to the sudden transformation in the world he has known up to now . Little wonder he’s a little out of sorts in those first incredible weeks .
The first days home with baby can be trying. He’s adjusting. You”re adjusting. Everyone is a bundle of nerves. If you remain calm, however, these simple suggestions will ease the transition for both of you .
*Sing and speak to your infant. Your newborn begins to hear your voice while still growing in your womb . By the time he is born , the familiarity of your voice has a remarkable calming effect. Talk to him, sing your favorite lullaby, and read books to him, particularly stories that rhyme. This also gets going the process that will help baby talk
*Make eye contact . While infants do not have 20/20 vision when born , they can see you. By creating eye contact with your baby when you talk to or massage him, you are communicating with him, and if you observe his cues, you”ll find out how he communicates with you.
*Touch your baby. It’s a natural act, yet so powerful. Stroke his arms, legs, head, and back. The sensations chill out both of you and greatly enhance your bonding. If possible, learn about infant massage techniques and incorporate them into your daily program. Research suggests that simple massage strokes minimize colic and constipation, as well as aid babies to establish regular sleep patterns and form more powerful bonds with their caregivers.
Hold your baby close, often . Research indicates that keeping your baby close is good for him. Carrying your baby in a baby sling or carrier keeps him right where he needs to be to thrive . Cuddled close to you , baby feels your body heat and the comforting beat of your heart . The familiar rhythm helps him relax and feel secure.
Making use of a baby sling also frees your arms and hands so that you can carry out a few chores around the house, while still enjoying the benefit of snuggling with your baby . And that may possibly help you feel calmer, too. Also your baby will be hearing your discussions with others and this exposure to language will help your baby to learn to talk.
*Respond to your baby. It’s that simple. Though crying can be nerve-wracking, it’s the only method your baby has to alert you to the fact he needs something. He cries when he’s hungry; he cries when he’s wet; he cries when he has a pain or doesn’t feel well; he cries when he’s bored stiff and he cries when he just doesn’t know what else to do.
While this barrage of wailing might make you feel like crying, too, the ideal thing to do is simply to respond to his need. Lift him , cuddle him, and try to work out just what it is he needs. Quickly you”ll recognize his cry for hunger over his pain cry and be able to soothe him by quickly giving him waht he needs .
Do you suspect that you”ll spoil him? Don’t be. Meeting your little one’s needs is not spoiling him. By routinely responding to your newborn, you”re creating a healthy bond that makes him feel safe and secure .
It’s not unusual for moms to feel out of sync with their babies in the first few days and weeks . But communicating your love to him by means of all his senses goes a long way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves.