Lamaze Magazine 2009

baby who sleeps in her parents’ bed spends more total time asleep, since she falls back to sleep more quickly than if she were in a separate room. Plus, bed-sharing can harmonize sleep and wake times between the mother and baby. Bed-sharing also is linked to successful breastfeeding, since the baby is right beside you and nighttime nursing is more convenient. Sleep researchers found that a breastfeeding mother usually sleeps on her side, encircling her baby with her upper arm above the baby’s head and her knees bent below her baby’s feet. This natural position keeps her baby near her breast – and safe. sAfe sleep It’s safety that should concern you most. No matter where your baby sleeps, always put her on her back when you lay her down. This is the best known SIDS prevention tactic. Keep the bedroom at a temperature you find comfortable when lightly clothed, and dress your baby for sleep the same way. overheating can be dangerous. Her crib, bassinet or cradle should meet current safety standards and be free of soft bedding and plush toys, which are suffocation hazards. If you choose to bed-share, remember that adult beds are not designed to keep babies safe. Be sure that you have a firm, flat mattress that fits tightly against the headboard, bed frame and wall, so your baby won’t get trapped or stuck. Cover the mattress with a light sheet and remove heavy bedding and soft objects like comforters and pillows before you go to bed. Take steps to reduce the chance that your baby will fall out of bed (such as pushing the bed snugly against the wall). Be sure your partner knows your baby is in bed with you. If an older child shares your bed too, you or your partner should sleep between your child and your baby. Never let your baby sleep alone in an adult bed, with a pet, or with anyone who is overtired, smokes, drinks, abuses drugs or takes a drug that may cause drowsiness. and don’t forget that it’s not safe to fall asleep with your baby on a water bed, sofa, recliner, or armchair. The safest choice for your baby to sleep? a place near you. She may share your bed or just your room, sleep with you some nights and in her crib on others, or fall asleep in your bed with you after nursing. What’s most important is that you and your baby are near each other and get some sleep. | online: Read more at lamaze.org/magazine. since the beginning of time, women have needed and wanted their new babies close to them. today we know that this is a physiological need shared by both mother and baby. hush, little Baby Babies fuss or cry for many reasons. They may be hungry, wet, tired, uncomfortable, lonely or just “blowing off steam.” The following is a list of suggestions to calm your baby. Many times, a combination of ideas is what works. Other times, you may need to try everything until something works on the second tr y. While it is not recommended that you allow your baby to cry for extended periods of time, sometimes you may be unable to soothe him despite your best efforts. Holding your baby lovingly while he works things out is a wonderful way to be nurturing and available. – Allison Walsh, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE | If your infant is inconsolable at 3 a.m., you need to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Follow these secrets to soothing your infant. Offer a feeding (remember that a newborn’s stomach is tiny and needs filling at least eight to 12 times a day in the early weeks). Change your baby’s diaper. Tone down the level of stimulation and pace yourself to the baby; turn down the lights, speak in a soft voice, and move gently and slowly with the baby. Lie down with your baby and place him skin-to-skin on your chest. Check to be sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold. Rhythmically pat your baby to see if a burp needs to come up. Change the baby’s position, or move him to another place. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Hold, rock, bounce or slow dance with your baby. Sing or hum while holding your baby close. Swaddle your baby. Wear the baby in a carrier or sling. Play music – soft or classical music often are the most soothing to babies. Talk or read to your baby. Stroke, pat or massage your baby. Bathe your baby or gently wipe her with cool, damp washcloths. Create “white noise” by running the vacuum cleaner, running tap water or turning on a fan. Take your baby outside for a ride in the stroller, car, sling or carrier. lamaze maGazINe 2009 31 lamaze.orG http://www.lamaze.org/magazine http://www.lamaze.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Lamaze Magazine 2009

Lamaze Magazine 2009 Contents Essential Lamaze for Pregnancy Making Connections Body Beautiful Birth Day, Your Way Mother Knows Best Essential Lamaze for Birth Supporting Cast Labor Day Position Statement Comfort Zone Intervention Intelligence The Waiting Game Essential Lamaze for Parenting Nursing School Reality Check Sleep Tight Unforgettable

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