> From:    Kathy Bowers <[log in to unmask]>
>
Does anyone besides me remember when Dr. Jay Gordon taught this method 
for soothing colicy babies...years ago?
I Swaddle baby (with arms in flexed position), turn him to his right 
Side (to facilitate easier burping), Support baby's head in front and 
in back, Sway briskly with my knees (to provide cochlear 
stimulation...can also be done standing with baby braced against your 
hip), softly Shhh, Shhh, Shhh near baby's ear (mimicking familiar 
sounds for baby). Once calmed, if baby still desires to suck, I return 
him to breast.
>
>
Just to clarify - the 5 S's help calm babies by activating their 
"calming reflex'...this neonatal response is switched on by simulating 
a baby's sensory experience in the womb.  When doing the 5 S's parents 
(and professionals) will be much more successful if 1) the arms are 
swaddled straight, 2) the baby is on the side or stomach (it works 
equally well on the right or left side), 3) the shushing is loud (the 
sound in the womb is louder than a vacuum cleaner - 24/7), and 4) the 
swinging is jiggly (for crying babies the movement is fast and tiny, 
like a shiver).

These techniques usually calm crying babies in minutes...or less and 
greatly support successful nursing, a father's bonding with baby,  as 
well as lessen the risk of postpartum depression and perhaps even 
prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.  My work has been supported by leaders of 
the AAP, AAFP, DONA, Lamaze, Prevent Child Abuse America, Academy of 
Breastfeeding Medicine and has been chosen by LLLI for it's catalogue.  
Starting November 2004, a program of certifying instructors began to 
provide baby calming classes in hospitals and clinics across the 
country.  And, although I have great respect and affection for my 
former partner Jay Gordon, the 5 S's were first discussed in my book 
and DVD, The Happiest Baby on the Block (May 2002).

Harvey

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