Doodoo and DUDU

Those were two of the topics we covered last night in our first parenting class, "Surviving the 1st Month." The class was hosted by Sutter Memorial and it was the first time we actually stepped foot in the hospital that we'll be delivering at!

So yes, we talked about the topic of "elimination" or doodoo - and what to expect it to "look" during the first month. And DUDU, refers to the swaddling method taught by Harvey Karp, MD, who spearheaded the approach explained by the "Happiest Baby on the Block" books and DVDs. Kevin definitely mastered the down-up-down-up (or DUDU) swaddling method during our hands-on practice in the class. If you've never seen Dr. Karp in action demonstrating the Five S's to soothing a baby, it's amazing - check him out! He should be known as the "baby whisperer!!"

The key for us will be to identify which combination of the "S's" will work for our baby girl.

In a thought-provoking new view of infancy, Dr. Karp blends modern science and ancient wisdom to prove that newborns are not really ready for the world when they are born. Through his research and experience, he has developed four basic principles that are crucial for understanding babies…improving their sleep…and, soothing their senses:

• The Missing 4th Trimester: As odd as it may sound, one of the main reasons babies cry is because they are born three months too soon.
• The Calming Reflex: The automatic reset switch that can stop a baby’s crying…and boost a baby’s sleep…during the first months of life.
• The 5 S’s: Five simple steps that trigger the calming reflex (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging and sucking). For centuries, parents have tried these methods only to fail because, as with a knee reflex, the calming reflex only works when it is triggered in exactly the right way.
• The Cuddle Cure: The perfect mix the 5 S’s that can soothe even most colicky infants and add hours to their sleep.

The instructor also touched on the topics of feeding, "wearing" a baby (using slings or carriers) bathing, cord care, and the well-being of the parents. It was definitely reassuring to know that there is no "normal" and that there will be quite a learning curve. We'll have to be very open to this new experience, to not getting sleep, keep our communication open with each other, be very understanding, and allow ourselves to make mistakes. Each baby is different but one thing we learned is that their needs are extremely limited! They need their parents, food, and sleep. And that's about it the first month!

One of the things I loved most about this class was that it brought Kevin and I closer together in this whole experience. We really are two lucky parents-to-be.