8. Massage
Who doesn’t love a good massage? Our babies can often find bliss at the end of our fingertips when caressed in a gentle and loving manner. Be guided by your baby’s reaction as not all babies enjoy the same things just in the same way adults vary in preference. Feeling unsure about where to begin? There are many classes and tutorials available to help guide you.
9. Use a carrier, wrap or sling
Are you finding your arms, back or neck getting tired from constantly holding your little one? Or are you really struggling with not being able to let go of other responsibilities? Try using a carrier, wrap or sling to free up your hands in order to attend to other things. There are some wonderful groups around that can provide education around the use of wraps and slings or assist you with getting your carrier adjusted to your body shape for optimal comfort, such as South Eastern Babywearing Group.
10. Go for a walk around the garden or block
Perhaps you have tried visiting other rooms within your house without much success. Sometimes a stroll to the mailbox or around the block can do the trick. You both get a chance to get out of the house and into the fresh air. Your pet dog might be grateful for the extra walk. You can use your carrier or pram as you explore your neighbourhood. You might find a patch of gravel that provides just the sensation to help your baby nod off to sleep. Or perhaps a smooth surface is more their preference. Experiment and watch your child to discover their own unique little personalities.
10. Make a bumpy surface for the pram
There are mats you can purchase to roll the pram over which are intended to make just the right bumpiness to sooth your child. Or you can DIY style, perhaps by rolling over an old flat shoe or skipping rope.
11. Ask your partner or another support person to take the baby
Sometimes we just need another pair of fresh hands to help out while we tend to our own needs. It’s okay to need a break. Their sad little faces melt us and the crying can feel like it cuts to our very soul. When it feels like none of our efforts are working and there’s no end in sight we can start to feel a little burnt out. It’s okay to ask for help. Looking after yourself really is looking after your baby too as it allows you to come back and give the best of yourself to your baby to meet their needs.
12. Try holding your baby in different positions
Many babies seem to enjoy being held with their head in your palm and bellies on your forearm or some variation of this. Add in a little swing or rock and this hold can be magical.
13. Get help for the other kids
Perhaps you are managing with your baby but it’s your older kids that are needing some help or attention. Perhaps you can negotiate with your partner about who takes on what responsibility during these unsettled periods. So often food still needs to be prepared, homework still needs to get done, teeth still need to be brushed and so on, even if the baby is crying. Sometimes a united approach to divide and concur is necessary to meet everyone’s needs.
14. Remind yourself that this too shall pass
The cluster feeding, the endless nights, the unsettledness all come to an end eventually. It can feel like it’s never going to end when you’re right in the thick of it. But like all things, this too shall pass and before you know it you’ll be on to the next stage of parenting and all the joys and delights that it brings.
Emma Biggar is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a registered nurse and mother of three. Emma’s services support families through education and in-home consultations regarding breastfeeding and early parenting. Contact Emma here or visit her website and Facebook page.
