Infant Sleep
Sleep is arguably one of the most challenges aspects of parenting, because it has the potential to be so very different from what you have known and it’s something we do errydamn day. And when you’re not feeling
like you’re getting enough sleep, or actually not sleeping nearly enough, fatigue and tiredness can really impact your everyday world. When it comes to newborn sleep it is so important to understand the physiological, emotional and developmental aspects that impact how our babies sleep and in turn what support they need from us.
Every baby is different and so too are their sleep patterns and needs. By approaching sleep with compassion for yourself and for the baby and focussing on doing what works for you.
Safe Sleep Basics - Safe Cosleeping guidelines (James McKenna)
Place baby to sleep on their back
baby’s face and head uncovered
smoke and alcohol free environment
safe surface and space for sleep
sleep in same space as parents first 6 mths
breastfeed baby
dress baby according to the temperature
Resources and Information
Things to look out for that might indicate support is needed:
Breathing - mouth breathing, snoring, pauses
Feeding - painful latch, supply issues, mastitis (recurrent), lip blisters, preferences for head turning on particular side, latch difficulties on particular side
Skin - Eczema, excessive cradle cap or acne,
Sleep - frequent wakes (esp. Hard to settle), not wanting to lie flat,
Nappies - mucousy or frothy poo / stringy, green, frothy mucuosy poo, constipation
Comfort - hates care/carrier/pram, obvious discomfort/distress/kicking alot, difficult to settle, gassy, colcky or reflux behaviours, only wants to be on you/upright for settling
Birth - c-section, long pushing stage, fast birth, exposure to antibiotics
Who you can reach out to depending on what is happening:
Orofacial Myologist, Airway focussed IBCLC, Airway focussed dentist, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Craniosacral Therapist, Naturopath, Nutritionist, Allergy Specialist
Hannah - Online (Tasmania Based)
https://kinpostpartumservices.com/
Free downloads:
Better Baby Sleep
Guide to wake windows
My partner wants to sleep train
In Hannah’s words her approach is:
Using principles based on developmental psychology, attachment theory and neuroscience, I work with the family unit to get to the root of sleep behaviours without the use of any separation-based behaviour modification techniques, because here’s the truth: You can’t train out a baby’s biological needs. If you’re here, it’s because your maternal wisdom tells you that your newborn isn’t misbehaving or a bad sleeper like the picture the mainstream sleep paradigm likes to paint, but that all behaviour is communication. There are no guarantees or hiding in the pantry to ‘drown out the cries here’. Instead, I work with you to uncover and remove the underlying barriers that are impacting your babe’s sleep. No timed check in’s or drowsy but awake – just a big dose of honest support to help you relax and enjoy your baby.
Madi - Online + In Person (Melbourne Based)
https://www.sleepspace.com.au/
In Madi’s words her approach is:
To parent intuitively and know exactly which hands-on techniques your baby responds to. And to finally get the sleep you and your family need to thrive.
what is biologically normal
your child’s unique sleep needs
managed expectations and realistic goals for your little one’s sleep
simple tips tricks and tools to better navigate your days and nights
The confidence to trust your intuition and the knowledge that YOU are in-fact YOUR baby’s expert
This information was collected from a number of sources by professionals in their relevant spaces. This information does not constitute medical advice. This is information for people to explore and to decide what feels right for them and what they would like to explore as ways to support themselves.
