Comforting the baby 267
If you cannot hear well
A healthy baby usually makes a lot of noise when he is
hungry or not feeling well. So, if you do not hear well,
you will need to stay close to your baby as much as
possible so you will see when your baby needs your
attention. At night, sleep with the baby as close to
you as possible so that you can feel him move.
And during the day, keep the baby close to you.
To know how he is feeling, you will probably
carry your baby more than most women. He will
quickly get to know how you smell and feel, and the
sound of your voice. This will make him feel very
close and secure with you.
My grandson is so
smart. He’s learned
how to use sign
language with his
mother, and I’m
teaching him how to
speak.
If you use sign language
and not a spoken language
to communicate, use sign
language with your baby,
even if your baby is not deaf.
This way you and your baby
will be able to communicate
throughout life. Also, let your
baby spend time with family
members and friends who
are not deaf so the baby will
learn to speak.
If the baby is fussy
During the first few months, some babies can be very fussy, especially in the
evening. This is less common with babies who have been breastfed, but it can
still happen. You can help calm your baby by offering her the breast, burping her,
singing or talking to her, and walking or rocking her. Babies love to move. A fussy
baby can be exhausting and frustrating for any mother. The baby’s father, or other
family members or caregivers, can all help with the baby when she is fussy so you
have more time to rest.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007