“Your baby needs to learn how to sleep out of your arms...”
• “Your baby needs to learn how to sleep out of your arms...”
• “Your baby needs to learn how to settle in the cot...”
• ”Your baby needs to learn to self-soothe...”
WRONG!
Your baby actually needs to learn:
• That she can trust you.
• That you are reliable.
• That you are going to meet her needs.
• That you are going to protect her from harm.
• That the world, her world, is SAFE.
How do you teach your baby this?
By keeping her close and by responding to her needs appropriately and sensitively.
If she trusts that a loving adult will come when she calls, then the world will feel smaller and less scary.
This is the most important thing for a baby to learn. The other things will fall into place once baby is developmentally ready. Just remember that like with anything, some babies will get there faster than others.
And that’s OK.
{Photo: Our daughter, safe in her daddy’s arms, at 6 weeks of age.}
Georgina Dowden is a mother, midwife and lactation consultant (IBCLC).
In her day to day life, she looks after her two beautiful children and also supports other families on their parenting journey.
If you would like to get in touch for breastfeeding or sleep/settling support, please email:
Skype/FaceTime consultations available OR home visits if you live in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
