Hey Everyone!
It’s Vered, back with answers to your most recent questions. It’s wonderful to hear from you so keep the questions comin’!
Q 1 – I’m a mom to a newborn baby and sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind between the lack of sleep I’m getting and the fussiness he displays. It’s so frustrating to hear mom’s talking about how great their babies are and how well they’re sleeping. Does it get better? What are some things I can do now to deal with the crying/fussiness?
First of all, it gets better. You will sleep more as time goes on. Not to say that there won’t be new challenges to face, but sleep deprivation strips us of our inner resources and makes us more irritable and less patient.
Second, no parent has it easy. Some babies may be sleeping better than yours now but may be presenting all kinds of other challenges that you don’t have. Parenting is challenging for everyone at different points.
So what you can is remember that all of it is just a phase. Usually phases don’t last more than 3 weeks. You can also remember that when you are tring to soothe your baby, do what feels soothing to you. Sing with a lot of breath, bounce to the beat, listen to music that you like, take a walk outside, etc. If it is soothing to you then most likely it will also be soothing to your baby.
Q 2 – How does rhythm affect children’s moods?
Rhythm can be used to soothe our babies. It can feel organizing to the baby, can bring them in sync with their caregiver, and if nothing else, is a good distraction. A simple beat played by their head when they are little, or on your knees, or shakers when they are bigger, can change the dynamic and help the baby move away from fussiness. You can also try playing a shaker and then stopping abruptly in order to allow your baby to anticipate the shaking starting again. This repetition and pattern allows your baby to feel more in control by knowing what is coming next.
Of course like every soothing tool, nothing works all of the time.
Q 3 – My baby is very sensitive to sound (shakers are not his favorite) and is easily irritated. What are some ways I can soothe him without irritating him?
Many babies are sensitive to shakers before the age of 10 months. Shakers can be jarring and have a sharp sound for babies. So if your baby is giving you a sign that he/she is not enjoying it, then refrain until they are older.
The best way to soothe your baby is to use your voice in rhyhtm with your bouncing. Make sure you are taking in deep breaths so that your body does not feel tense. If your body is tense your baby will pick up on that. Use a mantra-like song like Oh woah, oh woah, and toggle between two notes. Think of it as bouncing with your voice just as you are bouncing with your body.
Q 4 – Totally random – Where do you get inspiration for your music?!
First and foremost from my life as a mother. I write about the relationship with my kids (I have 3), how I feel as a mother, and how I think they feel as kids and babies. Becoming a mother has been such an inspiration for my art. I am also inspired by the many families that come to my classes and share their challenges with their babies. I often write with them in mind hoping I can sing a song that will soothe them in some way, or make them smile or laugh.
Q 5 – Infants go through so many changes within such short periods of time. I’m finding it hard to keep up with my little one’s change in mood because I can never tell whether it’s associated with a milestone or she’s just an angry little person! Sometimes I’m just overwhelmed because I don’t even know what she needs?! What are some things I can do to deal with my frustrations and hers?
It is so important to take care of yourself. During the first year remember that you need as much soothing as your baby does. Find time to get away, sit at a coffee shop, go to a yoga class, or meet a friend if possible. If you can do that you will be able to approach your baby with a lot more patience and ease.
Like what you just read? Leave your questions and comments for Vered below or email thebeansquad@mabohne.com
Comments