I know as parents today you are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information on sleep. It is my job to quiet the messages and help you focus on your child’s individual needs.
During the newborn stage bonding and feeding are the primary goals, everything else can wait.
I thought it would be helpful to start with the number one question I receive from moms of newborns,
“Am I creating bad habits by doing _____?”
NO! (as long as the habit or position is safe)
Why? Newborns need your help adjusting to this new world by providing the sensory input they need to calm and organize their bodies. Balancing all the things coming at you in this stage + getting the SLEEP that baby (and let’s not forget) you need can take time and grace. I want mothers to use their energy on these things and not have that worry every step of the way that they are doing something wrong or “bad.”
So let’s repeat… “There are no bad habits/sleep associations in the newborn stage, as long as they are safe.”
As you bond and work to establish feeding you are also reading your newborn’s cues. Learning your baby’s “hunger” cue, “getting tired” cue, and “I am almost overtired” cue can be life-changing in the development of future daily rhythms.
Why? Babies are born with the ability to communicate their needs to survive. Babies can manipulate their voice to communicate as well as their body language to tell you they are uncomfortable, sleepy, hungry, overstimulated, bored, need a snuggle, gassy, and more. If babies do not feel like their communication is being heard, they can begin to communicate less.
While this sounds simple, deciphering newborn communication can be tricky, frustrating, and it can take time. As moms, we all have those really hard days where we just wish our little one had the words to tell us what they need.
However, it can be done if you know what to look for! Knowing what your baby is telling you is such a confidence boost. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because this is how you and your baby get to know each other.
How do I go about learning what my baby is communicating? Here is what I encourage parents in my practice to do:
- Pause: Remember crying is your baby’s language.
- Listen: What do you think the cry means?
- Observe: What is your baby doing? What else is going on?
- Respond: Based on what you hear and see, evaluate and respond.
Create a dedicated notebook to make notes on your baby’s cues so you and other caregivers can begin to see the pattern of your baby’s own communication. With my oldest child, I sat with the cue list and a pen on the table by the couch so that I could make notes.
Have more questions, here is where you can find me:
- Expecting Moms and Moms of Newborns, check out The Sleep Happy Society for Newborns is where I teach The h.o.p.e. Method, my 4 step method to learn how to create healthy sleep routines without missing out on all the cuddles. Take my free class to learn more!
- Moms looking for support for older babies (3 months to 6 years) or personalized support click here to learn more about my support services.
- Want to get to know me? DM me on Instagram at @sleephappy and let’s connect.
Not quite sure which service is best for you or want to learn how a sleep coach can help you, let’s chat? Schedule a FREE 15 Min Call with Jessica!
Sleep Happy Everyone!
xo, Jessica
Photo credit goes to @amberticephoto and @lauraa.andrews.photo, both former Sleep Happy clients
Specialized as a Frisco Texas Newborn Photographer, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design, I have the unique talent to create stunning art for you, your home, and for your future great-grandchildren. My work has received multiple honors, including Expertise 20 Best Newborn Photographers in Dallas, Photography Magazine’s Top Texas Newborn Photographers of 2016 2017 and 2018, Thumbtack Best of 2015 & 2016 & 2017, featured and dubbed the Baby Whisperer of North Texas by NBC5, and published several times with the International Association of Newborn Photographers and Professional Photographers of America.
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I only photograph a select number of portraits every month to ensure you receive the personalized service you deserve.
Contact me today to schedule your complimentary consultation to start the planning process!
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If you are ready to book your session you can pay your session fee in our shop. After your session fee is paid you will schedule your consultation with Jessica. We can’t wait to plan your dream session!
Want to see us in action? Watch a behind the scene look at one of our multiple portrait sessions featured on NBC5 by clicking here or see us featured in Voyage Dallas magazine here.
Contact Jessica | jessica@lovelyfitzgerald.com | www.lovelyfitzgerald.com |
Frisco Texas Newborn Photographer | Plano Newborn Photographer |
The Colony Newborn Photographer| North Texas Baby Whisperer
Creating Healthy Sleep Habits
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