Deep breathing and pain release method for babies

Deep breathing and pain release method for babies.

This is what I came up with for my sons. Based on an old family tradition. Its effects are lifelong. They will be able to use these pain reduction skills for the rest of their years.

Put your baby against your chest, with skin-to-skin contact. They should be over your heart so they hear the beating in their ear. As you get calm, they will try to match your heart rate.

I like to cover us with a thin sheet, but it is not strictly needed.

Put your palms on the baby’s back.

As you increase skin-to-skin contact, you are now encircling them with your arms.

Gently stroke their back from the top of the spine to the bottom. It calms the sympathetic nervous system. Firm at first, but more gentle as they relax. The rhythm should match your breathing rate.

(My hands are too callused to do this with my newborns, so men need to remove or soften our calluses before the baby is born if they want to do this. Don’t worry, they will harden back up in a few days.)

Breathe deeply and slowly. Even more slowly as you progress.

Speak in a low, soft tone to the baby in timing with your breathing, getting lower and slower as you go and say.

Listen to my voice.

Daddy (or mommy) is here.

You are under my protection.

You are safe.

Breathe with me.

In and out.

In and out.

Yes, that’s right. (About here is where they start responding, so you want to give some positive feedback.).

Whenever you have pain or are scared,

You will hear my voice inside you.

And my voice will go with you.

And protect you.

And give you courage. (It takes courage for your baby to face his pains.)

You are doing well. (Smile when you say it. From here on, throw in a bit of praise as they relax.)

As we breathe together,.

Feel the movement of my chest.

Up and down.

Up and down.

And as you hear my heart beat,.

You feel relief. (Say “feel relief” with a slightly commanding tone. You are giving baby instructions.)

And you relax. (Emphasis on the word relax, say it slowly.)

And you are at peace with your body.

And your mind is calm.

And you can stay this way.

For as long as you wish.

By continuing to breathe.

In and out.

In and out.

Baby should be almost asleep by this time.

Maybe you are also asleep.

You can relax now.