Tell us about yourself?
My name is Liz Shier. I’m a BabyCalm teacher and I’ve been working with new families, in various roles for the past 15 years. I have seen how all the conflicting advice and pressure we have from society and ourselves, make the transition to Parenthood so much more difficult than it need be. In my experience it is getting worse and not better.
If there were five things that would help a new mum to make her experience with her baby as exciting and stress free as possible what would they be?
Limit your vistiors – This is probably the hardest thing to do…….everybody wants to see the new baby (Mummy and Daddy tend to get forgotten now). It is so important to get to know your baby without worrying about anyone else. Of course, you will have some visitors…but don’t be tempted to clean up on their behalf or to look after them…point out where the kettle is and tell them how you like your tea!!!
Ask for help – from family, friends and health professionals. If you do have visitors, don’t be afraid to ask them to bring a meal with them, wash the pots for you……a real friend will just turn up with dinner, make you a snack and leave it in the fridge for later, iron a few of your clothes, run the hoover round, make you a drink, NOT ask to hold the baby, then leave.
Listen to you instinct – Very difficult if you have family and friends telling you how they used to do things…even the most well meant comment can reduce a new Mum to tears. Remember, you know your baby better than anyone!!!!!!
Don’t push Dad/partner out – As a mother you soon learn how to quicky change a nappy, quickly bath your baby. Dad’s need to build up their confidence too. So many times, I hear…’It’s just quicker if i do it’. Yes, it might take them longer to put a nappy on. And yes, they might not choose an outfit that matches, but just go with it. It’s bonding time for them and a 5 – 10 minute break for you. (I’m an ex-midwife, mother of 2 and, a Grandmother and a BabyCalm teacher…..I still put nappies on back-to-front and do baby grow poppers up the wrong way)
Understand things from your babies point of view – they have spent 9 months being next to you constantly. Replicating the womb like environment, eg: closeness, movement and noise will ensure they feel safe and secure, so less likely to cry. Don’t believe the saying about spoiling a baby with too many cuddles!!!! It is not possible. The part of the brain that is responsible for habit forming does not start to develop until 2 years old.
Any last tips for new mums out there?
Enjoy this precious time with your baby. It does pass so quickly. If, however, you feel still feel constantly overwhelmed, sad or depressed please share it with to someone.
Tell us about the classes you offer?
As a BabyCalm teacher I offer 3 classes
1) The Colic and Crying Workshop – an emergency 3 hour workshop that can be taken from birth to 12 weeks with the sole aim of helping parents to calm their baby. £35
2) The Antenatal Workshop – a 3 hour workshop, taken during pregnancy to prepare parents to be able to welcome their baby in a calm and confident way. £35
3) The 4 week BabyCalm Parenting Course – an 8 hour (2 hours per week) course, just for Mums and babies, designed to soothe babies and fill new Mums with confidence £75
How can our mums contact you if they want to know more?
If you want to know a little more about BabyCalm in Nottingham please visit http://www.babycalm.co.uk/teacher/liz-shier, if you want to know about BabyCalm class across the UK please visit www.babycalm.co.uk
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