Bringing Home Baby: Calming Newborn Nerves
Your newborn goes through a lot right after he’s born. Whether the birth was
natural or assisted, he experiences a great deal of stress as he copes with the
abrupt change in the world as he knows it. No wonder he’s a little out of sorts
those first few weeks.
The first days home with baby can be trying. He’s adjusting. You’re adjusting.
Everyone is a bundle of nerves. If you stay calm, however, these simple tips
will ease the transition for both of you.
*Sing and talk to your baby. Your newborn begins to hear your voice while still
growing inside you. By the time he is born, the familiarity of that sound has a
remarkable calming effect. Talk to him, sing your favorite lullaby, and read
books to him, especially stories that rhyme.
*Make eye contact. While baby’s do not have 20/20 vision at birth, they can see
you. By making eye contact with your baby when you talk to or massage him, you
are communicating with him, and if you watch his cues, you’ll learn how he
communicates with you.
*Touch your baby. It’s natural act, yet so powerful. Stroke his arms, legs,
head, and back. The sensations relax both of you and enhance your bonding. If
possible, learn about infant massage techniques and incorporate them into your
daily routine. Research suggests that simple massage strokes relieve colic and
constipation, as well as help infants establish regular sleep patterns and form
stronger bonds with their caregivers.
Hold your baby close, often. Research shows that keeping your baby close is good
for him. Wearing your baby in a baby sling or carrier keeps him right where he
needs to be to thrive. Cuddled next to you, baby feels your warmth and the
comforting beat of your heart. The familiar rhythm helps him relax and feel
secure.
Using a baby sling also frees your arms and hands so that you can do a few
things around the house, while still enjoying the benefit of snuggling with your
baby. And that might help you feel calmer, too.
*Respond to your baby. It’s that simple. Though crying can be nerve-wracking,
it’s the only way your baby has to let you know he needs something. He cries
when he’s hungry; he cries when he’s wet; he cries when he hurts or doesn’t feel
well; and he cries when he just doesn’t know what else to do.
While this barrage of bawling might make you feel like crying, too, the best
thing to do is simply to respond to his need. Pick him up, cuddle him, and try
to figure out just what it is he needs. Soon you’ll recognize his cry for hunger
over his pain cry and be able to soothe him by quickly filling the need.
Worried that you’ll spoil him? Don’t be. Meeting your baby’s needs is not
spoiling him. By regularly responding to your newborn, you’re forming a healthy
bond that makes him feel secure.
It’s not uncommon for moms to feel out of sync with their babies in the first
few weeks. But communicating your love to him through all his senses goes a long
way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves.
