January 2009
The power of the pacifier!
When it comes to a newborn - a pacifier is a prized item. We readily accept that a baby requires a pacifier, but the question is whether anybody really outgrows this need?
My success as a parent in these first few weeks of having a newborn seems to be tied to my ability to soothe him. I am a human pacifier in many respects! My little one seems to have two settings - overstimulated/frustrated or calm/sleepy. Learning how the calm/sleepy switch works is my life’s mission right now!
Other than being tied to my chance for sleep, being able to help him calm down is also important so that he can internalize this ability and learn how to self-soothe. If he doesn’t learn to self-soothe he may struggle later in life with regulating his emotions and his state of arousal. This could make him vulnerable to many vices.
Are you able to self-soothe? We all need various ways of soothing ourselves and there are many options for doing so. Some are healthier than others. I believe that the most effective soothing-agent is being in a loving reciprocal relationship. In a moment of distress a call to a loved one, or the mere recall of their comforting voice will go far to soothe your nerves. In the words of Miles Franklin: "Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings."
Wishing you a year of fulfilling relationships.
Kathryn
