Page 53 - What to Expect

Going home

Crying babies

Babies do not cry without reason. It is their only way of letting you know
that something is upsetting them. If this pattern continues even after you
have eliminated most of the common causes for baby’s grumpiness, seek
advice from the neonatal homecare team nurse, your GP’s practice nurse
or Plunket nurse. Some people think that you will spoil a baby by cuddling
them too much. This is nonsense. How can you spoil a baby by comforting
them when they are upset?

How do I stop feeling down when my baby cries?

A crying baby makes a very distressing sound, especially if it is your baby.
Pre-term babies tend to have a higher pitch cry than full term babies. This
high pitch can be distressing to whoever is looking after him. Shouting at
the baby to stop crying is guaranteed to make the baby cry even more.
Babies respond to the tone of your voice, rather than the words spoken, so
speak gently.

Shaking the baby in frustration is an extremely dangerous thing to do.
Blindness or brain damage can result. Never shake a baby.
Don’t be afraid to ask if things are getting you down. Other mothers in a
similar situation have used these strategies when baby’s crying is getting
them down:

Ensure that your baby is placed safely in the cot, shut the door, go
into another room, turn the radio up, take a shower, or sit outside
for a few minutes
Walk baby around the house

Rock baby backwards and forwards in the pram
Take baby for a walk or car ride - even if it is midnight
Ask a friend or relative to come over and give you support or a
needed break
Call the Plunket 24 hour help line toll free on 0800 933 922.

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