Infants
Infants in therapy???
Thinking about therapy for infants may sound like a bizarre concept. It may bring up a visual of a 2-month old baby propped up on a therapist’s couch debriefing about the rough week he or she had with the boss.
Alternatively, you may be envisioning an 8-month old seeking help following the trauma of crawling under the dining room chair and not being able to find the way out!
Seriously, is that what this is?
Supporting infants and empowering parents
Mental health support for infants is centered around ensuring that your baby has the tools, skills, and environment to support healthy development.
Whether you’re a biological, foster, or adoptive parent, it is vital that your baby develop secure attachment to their primary caregivers. Infants need the ability to be calmed when upset and to enjoy times of feeding, sleeping and engaging with the world. They need to learn how to tolerate stimulation and novelty.
As your infant begins life outside the womb, a large part of his or her development is about you, the parent – you need to be given the tools and encouragement to support your little one in developing trust and security.
Don’t most parents and babies figure this out on their own?
Some do and some don’t. Even those who do often find the journey extremely challenging, overwhelming, and frustrating. Most parents can benefit from skills and support to ease some of the stress.
Some parents feel that their own parents didn’t provide a good example for them and want to make sure they have a good parenting foundation.
Why does this matter?
Babies who can’t be calmed often struggle with this difficulty well into childhood. They may melt down and have poor sleep and social skills, which may affect their relationships and ability to fully participate in school.
Infants who are unable to develop secure attachments are less likely to be able to develop and sustain healthy, lifelong relationships.
Parents who don’t feel confident in meeting their baby’s needs may struggle with the confidence and relationship to parent their children in the years to come.
How do I know if my baby needs therapy?
Infant therapy is for any infant who is struggling or at risk and for any parent who wants the benefit of additional support and encouragement as they add to their parenting toolbox.
There are many situations where the infant has experienced early challenges that might require additional support through therapy.
Some of these challenges include:
- Babies with mothers who experienced domestic violence, homelessness, serious illness, or other stresses during pregnancy
- Babies who were exposed to certain prescription medications, illegal drugs, marijuana, or alcohol in the womb
- Babies who were separated from primary caregivers or who are in foster or adoptive homes
- Babies who experienced major medical events or long hospital stays
- Babies whose parent(s) experienced postpartum depression or other mental health challenges and
- Babies with intense personalities, who are easily overstimulated or show significant anxiety
How will parents benefit?
Infant therapy equips parents to meet baby’s changing needs as their little one develops and responds to the environment. Parents will learn how to read the baby’s cues and understand their baby’s communication.
They will practice techniques and strategies for helping calm and soothe the baby and support baby’s healthy eating and sleeping habits. These approaches work even for the fussiest and most challenging babies.
Parents will hone skills to support their baby’s attachment and social-emotional development.
Finally, they will develop tools and be provided with support and empowerment to be the best parent possible to the new little love. This will help set the foundation for the child’s entire life!
To learn more…
Call me at (951) 599-8383 to find out how I can support you and your baby in learning how to navigate your new relationship together. There is hope for calmer, more joyful days ahead!