what about baby?

samantha and i feel very blessed. the baby is at 38 weeks and they are both very healthy, b"h. at her last visit, the doctor measured the baby at 4 lbs. 15 oz., which is near the 50th percentile. if she continues to grow at the same rate, the doctor projects she will be 6 lbs. 11 oz. at delivery. god willing, we hope for a healthy and safe birth.

samantha and i have been reading books and talking to friends to learn more about newborns. our friends, jenny and david, explained that they were super prepared for the delivery. . . but they were short learning what to do next. samantha has been reading from the what to expect book series, including ". . . when you're expecting" and ". . . the first year". i've read through the happiest baby on the block and healthy sleep habits, happy child. then, we teach other what we learn.

the happiest baby on the block advances a simple and clear strategy to calm crying, restless newborns. dr. karp maintains that the first 3 months after birth are the "fourth trimester" in your baby's growth and development. while babies are now really here, they are not yet really ready for the world. he advocates 5 specific steps to reflect the environment of the mother's womb and help newborns transition towards independence. . . err, self-soothing.

dr. karp explains that the 5 S's can help calm and soothe any newborn baby. however, he insists that the caregiver follow precise instructions.

1) swaddle

straighten the baby's arms and wrap snugly in a square blanket. swaddling mirrors the close, compact size of the womb. however, the swaddle does not clam your baby in isolation; it specifically helps to limit distractions, and it prepares your baby to hear and accept your soothing.

2) side

hold the baby on her side or stomach. when babies lay on their back, the "moro reflex" makes them feel as if they are falling. you can hold your baby in various positions, including on your forearm or in both arms close to your chest. however, make sure you hold your baby on her side or stomach. this instantly limits distractions and lowers her anxiety.

3) shushing

make loud shushing sounds, similar to radio static. we may imagine that babies want simple silence. however, dr. karp explains that the womb was a very noisy place! babies are accustomed to sound, and we can actually comfort our babies through appropriate sound, including shushing close to your baby's ear, listening to radio static, or playing a recorded tape of an electric hair dryer. (remember that the sound of your shushing must be louder than your baby's cry and can lower as she quiets.)

4) swinging

swing the baby vigorously. dr. karp explains that newborns are used to swinging and swaying inside the mother's womb. hold your baby tightly, and swing her up and down or side to side. the baby may not stop crying immediately; however, dr. karp explains that she should be slowing and softening her crying and screaming.

5) sucking

place a nipple, finger, or pacifier in your baby's mouth. inside the womb, she became used to sucking on her thumb. however, she does not have enough control now to keep her own thumb in her mouth. when she is ready to accept it, you can help her calm by letting her suck on one of your fingers, a pacifier, or the mother's nipple.