04/06/2024
The newborn need to be held constantly, near 100% of the time- Awake and asleep -Is shocking for most parents.
When babies continue to need this for the first 3-6+ months, parents continue to be surprised.
And when infants continue to need closeness, daytime and nighttime, up to age 3 (and beyond) it is also unexpected.
Parents will say - “our newborn is doing great BUT there is a problem that we can’t put her / him down” or “Our baby is doing great BUT they need someone with them to sleep” or “Our toddler is doing amazing BUT they still need us”
I always say “This is not surprising to me at all because nearly every baby has this need.”
We need to support parents to expect this from their newborns and babies and teach them how to enjoy this season of their babies life.
Humans are a carrying species. Babies expect this care and when they get it, they grow their brains to health. So do parents.
When parents don’t expect this, and expect that their baby can be put down it is very stressful. They constantly fight against this biological need, buying endless products, and trying endless strategies to make it happen. This sends babies and parents into stress states - exactly what we don’t want. This does not benefit the developing baby brain or parent brain.
When parents do expect babies to need constant holding they can prepare to use baby carriers, set up safe sleeping environments, ask family or hire people to take part in holding the baby. Set up their day to bathe in the safety states they create when they hold their baby with presence.
This is how the developing baby brain and parent brain grow long lasting wellness. 🧠💜🧠
Learn more in my workshop tomorrow! This is your last chance to join!
Comment BRAIN and I’ll send the info you need 🪷🪷🪷
