She Already Hates Me: Understanding Your Newborn

"She's acting like I just dipped her in acid.  Is that normal?"  

I had just shown up for the night's postpartum visit, and bath time had just ended.  The baby was not calm, relaxed, and ready for bed like the book said she would be.  

"Is this how this is supposed to go?  
"The book is telling us to set up a routine.  Do we have to go through this every night?"  

Mom and dad are trying to do the right thing.  It is evident in every move and every choice they are making.  

The baby gets dried off.  A diaper is put on.  A bottle is given.  Baby is bright red from the night's activities. Massive tears, high shoulders, and tight fists.   

Dad looks down at her and looks horribly worried.  "She already hates me."  

This is part of the trials of being a parent.  Making choices, seeing how they go and adjusting.  There are no manuals for how to care for your child.  Sure there ARE manuals, but no guarantee it's for your model of baby if you get what I mean. 

DOC doulas can show you how to swaddle your baby, and we can talk about more comfortable ways to bathe and dress your child.  And of course, we can help you understand how to help calm a fussy baby.  

​There are predictable developmental stages most children experience, and having an understanding of what your child is learning, can understand, and is experiencing can help make better-informed decisions.  

But it can still be hard even if you know what is happening.  Some days you are banging your head against all those parenting books.  Some days it's almost impossible to remember that you are the adult and you are supposed to have the answers. 

What I've learned as a parent of two and doula, is that making choices, trying to meet your children where they are at, and trying again when things don't go to plan are what matter. 

Being a safe place for your child to rest and show love is essential, being deliberate and consistent are crucial as well.  

Regardless of age, kids need quality time together with you. 

When your child is an infant, quality time looks different than when they are older, but this early foundation is so important.  The bond you form with your child in the first three years is what creates the connections that are tested - wait for it - when your child is a teenager.  

You've heard parents complain, "My baby wants to be held all the time!"  or "She is asleep, and as soon as I put her down she starts screaming." 

Building trust, letting your baby know that you will be there to provide and care for their every need, even if it is just to be held, is the beginning of a trusting relationship.  

So no, your baby doesn't hate you.  

It's that she has no idea what is going on.  She has no way to control her emotions.  And she is easily overwhelmed. 

One possible thing is your child can form trusting relationships with multiple caregivers.  There will be no way to replace you, but there are people that can help make it a bit easier.  

For breaks, affirmation, tools for transition, and sleep let us help.  We may not have the specific manual for your baby, but we have the tools to help you get started with writing your own.