How does my baby communicate? When we give birth our first concern is to see our baby and hear that first cry! This moment wipes away all the pain and exhaustion of the birthing process! Every moment from thereon our baby is trying to communicate with us. How? What? And why???? I am bored I am cold  I am hungry I am scared I am content I am hot I am full I am content How does one so small manage to communicate so many messages? How do we learn to understand what they want? Trial and error to begin with as with all things new! But the key is to be close to your baby all the time and affectionately responding to your baby. It is difficult to be conscious of all that goes on because it is so intricate and registers with parents at such a deep level. Research by Professor Colwyn Trevarthen a specialist in child communication made these observations:’” We have recordings of a father while he is cuddling his two month premature baby on his chest. There evolved a sort of dancing which the pattern of the baby sounds changes and the baby pauses for the father to echo them. In effect, baby and father are involved in a conversation, an expressive emotional narrative. From Raising Happy Children by Jan Parker and Jan Stimpson As with any relationship the more time you spend with your infant the easier it will become to decipher what the different sounds and cries mean. Different ones? Yes, if you listen attentively in the early weeks, you will hear the hungry cry is different from the cry I am bored or uncomfortable. The more you hold and “talk” to your infant the more and content, safe and secure your baby will feel. Distressed cries come from a baby that is left alone for long periods of time and feels abandoned. Developing this close intimate relationship with your infant you are building the foundation of communication, language development and his intrinsic sense of safety and well being that enables him to develop to his full potential.  …..I have no time for myself……… This is a common cry for Mom’s who are trying to adjust to parenthood and juggle careers and a home as if nothing has changed. Life has changed!  Up until now, you could do what you wanted when you wanted. Now your freedom has been invaded by someone who is totally dependent on you for everything! So how do we adjust?  Be gentle on yourself - parenthood is sprung upon us in a moment, but we have a lifetime career ahead of us! Take time - use your maternity fully.  Your body has to recover from pregnancy, birth (and possibly surgery) and sleepless nights. Support system - lean on those around you.  Your partner.  Your parents and parents-in-law (grandparents often love to get involved, just don’t let them take over!)  Good friends.  Chat lines with Q & A to ask questions if you have nobody else to ask.  Well baby clinic (midwives specially trained in all baby related ***).  GP especially if you are concerned that you feel depressed. Don’t be surprised - if you feel exhausted in the early weeks.  If you feel an intense need to be with your baby.  If going back to work seems the hardest thing to do. You will survive I am sure you know at least one person who has become a new parent in the last 2 years. Talk to these friends.  Seek their counsel. As days turn into weeks and then into months.  If you invest in this parent child relationship, you will find pleasure and much reward in being part of your infant’s growth. Plan in advance for returning to work if it is necessary Make sure you have chosen a childcare plan that will work for you. Send this article to a friend? Back to Articles on Child Care...