There’s no written owner’s manual when it comes to being a parent. 

There are books and resources. There is advice from other’s experiences. There are other moms to bounce ideas off of.

No matter how many resources we have available to us, we continually come across scenarios in parenting that make us think… ‘WHAT THE %$*& DO I DO!?!?’

When confronted with a situation you are unsure of, you try plan A, then plan B, and so on until you find out what works best for you and your baby. Trial and error seem to be the general rule of thumb, and that’s ok. What works for one person doesn’t always work for all. Below is our list of Plan A Solutions for some common scenarios early parenthood brings.

What to do if your baby is fussy?

First, factor out the obvious reasons. Rule out a diaper change, and if he or she is hungry. Perhaps all your little one needs is a change of scenery. Just like adults, no one wants to sit in the same position for too long. An adult would get up, walk around, maybe do a stretch. Your baby is obviously unable to do most of those things and their only way to vocalize their discomfort is to cry and fuss. Pick up your baby and take a seat in that rocking chair that you absolutely needed for the nursery and put it to good use. While you’re in that rocking chair, speak gently and happily to your baby. Not only will your little one respond to your voice but you will be calmed by it as well. If this doesn’t help to calm your baby, the next thing you might consider is gas.

What to do if your baby is gassy?  

Baby’s should have gas. They should be farting. If your baby is not passing gas, try laying him or her down and gently massaging his or her belly. Rotate those tiny legs as if they are riding a tiny bicycle. These movements can help get things moving and may break up those pockets inside their bellies. Because babies eat in so many increments, their digestive systems are always working and always producing gas. There are simple ways to help prevent gas in babys. If you are still getting your baby on a feeding schedule make sure you burp them after each feeding. If you are bottle feeding your baby, make sure that the bottle is tilted so baby isn’t sucking down air. For mom’s who are breastfeeding, keep in mind that foods that cause you to feel bloated or gassy may also be causing gas for your baby as well.

What to do if your baby won’t sleep? What if your baby cries all night? What if your baby has colic? What if you are exhausted new parents? What if your baby seems over stimulated? What do you do to calm your new baby? Who do you turn to?

Families with a new baby or babies in Westchester County, Greenwich Connecticut, Fairfield County and New York City turn to the experts at Northeast Doulas.Our certified postpartum doulas are well versed in newborn care, breastfeeding support, trouble shooting breastfeeding latch issues, the pumping and storage of breastmilk, bottle feeding, newborn sleep and so much more. Northeast Doulas’ are trained to recognize the early symptoms of postpartum depression and have a wide range of exceptional resources for those who need professional support or intervention. You are not alone. This is temporary and not every parent loves every developmental stage their children reach. Its a good thing the newborn stage is a short one!