Getting a newborn to sleep

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to get young babies to sleep, so I thought I'd join in.
New parents are often faced with lots of well meaning and often conflicting advice. In this regard, I suggest you assess the information logically, and then see if it Feels Right. If you think it Feels Right, give it a go. It's usually best to try a new method for a few days before you decide if it will work.
Here are a few things that have worked for me and my friends.
1. Check what you are eating. If you have spicy or highly seasoned food this can pass through to the baby via breast milk. Similarly vegetables like cabbage, onions and garlic can cause upset. Dairy products can also upset a baby. A baby with an upset tummy may not settle.
2. If your baby is healthy and of good size, try laying him down in pram and going for a walk. If you can't manage that try pushing the pram on the deck or down the hall. Making the ground a little rough by running over a jandle or a rolled face cloth can help.
3. Try swaddling the baby. This means wrapping the baby firmly in a light wrapper. A muslin sheet or baby blanket. Place baby in center of blanket, take the left end and wrap it over baby keeping his opposite arm free. Tuck it around and under. Position baby's arm comfortably and take the other side and wrap firmly over other side. Tuck end under baby. This seems to comfort some babies. Seek advice on how to swaddle if unsure. Good luck.

The Worry of Childbirth

Is the worry of childbirth spoiling your excitement of becoming a parent? Just thinking about some of the stories you've heard probably gets you very nervous, right? The good news is that it does not have to be that way.
Hypnosis has been used by women for centuries to achieve a relaxed and comfortable birth.
In our Hypnobirthing® Classes, we teach women self hypnosis and how to become profoundly relaxed. When a woman is very deeply relaxed, she allows her body to do what it knows how to do with ease. The result is a calm, relaxed and confident mother giving birth safely and naturally.

The next scheduled Hypnobirthing® classes in the Wellington region are in April and June 2010.
If you are concerned with childbirth, please consider learning the Hypnobirthing® Method. It may be the best gift you give yourself and your baby.