Operation Lactation

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It should not be a shock to find out that babies cry. Sometimes they cry for what seems to be no reason, after all, crying is the primary means for a newborn to communicate. When a baby cries, we are wired to respond by comforting and rectifying the situation. Usually the cause has a straightforward answer, i.e. hunger, dirty diaper, tired etc. Unfortunately, there are times when it is difficult to soothe a crying baby, and for those times I have a method for you to try.

As much as I would like to take credit for this brilliant method of soothing a little one, I cannot, the credit goes to Dr. Harvey Karp. There are 5 simple steps to put together to achieve the desired result: a happy baby. Without further ado, I introduce to you "The 5 S's"!

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1. Swaddle -  Generally, newborns prefer to sleep swaddled because it is cozy like the womb, and provides a familiar sense of security. That is why this is the first step. Swaddling with a blanket takes some practice, but do not fear because some genius invented sleep sacks! There are all sorts of sleep sacks on the market, just pick your favorite one, and get to swaddling! 

2. Side-lying - When you pick up your little one to proceed with the "5 S's", position baby so that she/he is lying on his/her side. It may not feel natural to hold your baby this way, but it is worth it.

3. Swaying - Get moving! I usually stand and quickly turn side to side to get baby swaying. In the womb, baby was rocking on momma's hips all day long so the swaying motion is another familiar and comforting feeling for baby.

4. Shushing -  Since you are holding baby side-lying, you will have easy access to one of those cute little ears. Lean over and shush right into that ear, like you mean it! We are talking hair-dryer volume here, don't be shy! If baby is crying, you are going to need to be louder so that your shushing can be heard. This will be a familiar sound for baby as she/he constantly heard blood rushing through the placenta.

5. Sucking - You will uaually achieve the desired effect without utilizing this fifth "S", however it can be a helpful add-on just be sure to proceed with CAUTION! A pacifier, one of your fingers (pad turned to the roof of baby's mouth), or better yet, momma's nipple can stimulate baby's suck reflex. Sucking is a natural pain reliever for babies, and something they commonly do with their own hands in the womb so it makes sense that it could help soothe a disgruntled baby.

Bonus: Skin-to-skin - This is not an official part of the "5 S's", but it is a powerful tool to keep in your arsenal. Momma was probably encouraged to do some skin-to-skin time with baby right after birth, but that is not the last opportunity. Lying with your naked baby (diaper is okay) directly on your bare chest has a most powerful effect. Skin-to-skin is shown to help baby regulate temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood sugar, and if that was not enough, it also facilitates bonding. Dads can do this too! Babies don't mind chest hair 😉

When you put these easy steps together amazing things happen. Here is a daddy putting it together:

For those times that baby is upset, it is helpful to have some tricks up your sleeve. One of the best things about the "5 S's" is that anyone can do it. This can be a powerful way for dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, friend to help out a tired breastfeeding momma. As a new parent it can feel very overwhelming when baby is crying, and I will assure you that as you get to know this new little person you will come to find what the cries mean and what to do to make it all better. Okay? Okay.

Peace, joy, and blessings!