Swaddling can be a controversial subject among some, but as a professional maternity nurse having cared for hundreds of babies and my own lovely of daughter I absolutely adore swaddling.
The benefits of swaddling for mother and baby are countless, and whilst I am an advocate of swaddling, it is of course entirely down to each individual family, just like breast vs bottle.
Here are my argments for swaddling.
More Sleep
The most tried and true theory of swaddling is that babies sleep longer when wrapped securely. And a good wrap is just the key. Research proves that when effectively swaddled, babies will sleep significantly longer stretches.
Safer SleepResearch demonstrates that when swaddled correctly, babies are less likely to experience Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), are more likely to stay asleep on their backs, and are less likely to get caught in loose blankets.
Feels like home
Before birth, the tight space inside the womb provided a warm, tight, and secure home for your baby. Outside the belly, babies miss those feelings and cry-out for the touch and comfort of swaddling.
Self-SoothingSwaddled babies have been shown to soothe themselves back to sleep when snuggly wrapped—an incredibly important little feat when the clock strikes three am.
It's like milkJust as milk is necessary for your baby to grow and survive, touch is equally as important. When you can't be skin-to-skin with your baby, snuggly wrapping is the next best thing.
Less Crying, More SmilesBabies who are swaddled frequently spend more hours of the day in a state of calm, are less distracted and over-stimulated, and are better rested, making everyone smile more.
Better on the BreastWrapping up your little one not only keeps your baby tightly secured, but also allows her to be less distracted and focus more on the task at hand-getting latched on correctly for a warm meal. A good latch is the key to successful breastfeeding, and a calm, attentive, and swaddled baby is the key to a good latch.
Prevents FrightThe Moro or “startle” reflex, which is set off by sudden movement or the sensation of falling can result in fright and crying. Snuggly wrapping your baby prevents triggering this reflex and avoids unnecessary upset.
Smarter BabiesThis is yet to be scientifically proven, but it appears that frequently swaddled babies may be more alert and attentive because they spend less time crying and are better rested.
Once you get the hang of swaddling, which looks way more complicated than it really is you will be so glad you mastered it, I teach swaddling as well as many other essential new born baby skills and techniques to expectant parents on a regular basis in West London, so if your near there why not contact me at info@freelancematernitynurse.co.uk to find out more about up coming classes. I also sell gift vouchers for this and they make great presents for baby showers!
If your not able to get to my classes here is a simple but effective illustration of who to swaddle baby.
Here are some excellent links to some of my favourite swaddling clothes sellers, including traditional and modern versions.
Mamas and Papas
Blossom Mother and Child
Hamill Baby
Eden and Anais
Feel free to post any questions or email me direct at info@freelancematernitynurse.co.uk also feel free to visit the website at Freelance Maternity Nurse.
Happy swaddling! Lots of Love, Patricia x
No comments:
Post a Comment