So, you’ve just been handed this baby and sent on your way, perhaps after 9 seemingly endless months of growing and carrying them and then birth!! Everyone tells you to rest...and rest you should! But...your tiny newborn just wants to be held. All. The. Time. 

Happily asleep, or content in your arms, perhaps after a feed or some swaying about, you decide to sit down yourself. You gently place this tiny snoozing being in that gorgeous bassinet you saw advertised and just had to buy and…

BAM!

Eyes are open. Perhaps the baby starts to cry.

“Why, oh why?” I hear you ask. “Just 5 minutes!” You say!

Let me explain. The part of your baby’s brain that is at its most developed and drives his behaviour is what we call the “reptilian brain” or what I refer to as “caveman brain” . Your baby is in survival mode, focusing on feeding, fight and flight. Aka “I’m hungry. Feed me” cries and “I’m cold, this isn’t safe” and, in this instant of daring to put your baby in their safe little bassinet: “wait! Come back! A wild animal might eat me!”

Your newborn baby has no way of understanding that he is in fact safe and that no wild animals are near your home. Or, indeed, that you are actually right there! 

The answer? Respond to your baby and give her time.

Your baby won’t be tiny forever and there WILL be time to get some rest (and your baby will be ok if you need to put him down and take a breather, even if he IS crying). 

For now, embrace the cuddles, babywear, reassure her when she wakes and wonders where her safe place i.e. you, has gone. Use your village so you can get that rest, and remember: this is temporary. 

You’re doing great! I’m proud of you and sending all the hugs and tea.