Understanding Baby Cries: Priscilla Dunstan's Theory
As new parents, deciphering the various cries of a newborn can feel like an impossible task. Each cry can signal a different need or discomfort, and understanding these cues is crucial for addressing your baby’s needs promptly and effectively. Priscilla Dunstan's theory of baby cries offers a fascinating insight into this early form of communication. This blog post will explore her theory and how it can help you better understand and respond to your baby's cries.
The Dunstan Baby Language
Priscilla Dunstan, an Australian opera singer with an extraordinary ear for sound, developed the Dunstan Baby Language theory. She discovered that newborns use specific "sound reflexes" to communicate their basic needs. These sounds are consistent across different cultures and languages, suggesting a universal baby language. According to Dunstan, there are five primary sounds that newborns make, each corresponding to a particular need:
Neh – Hunger
Owh – Sleepiness
Heh – Discomfort
Eairh – Lower gas
Eh – Burp
Breaking Down the Baby Cries
Neh (Hunger)
The "neh" sound is produced when a baby’s sucking reflex is triggered by hunger. The sound is characterized by a "n" sound, made as the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth.
How to Respond: If you hear this sound, it's time to feed your baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, responding quickly to hunger cues can help soothe your baby and establish a strong feeding routine.
Owh (Sleepiness)
The "owh" sound resembles a yawn, indicating that your baby is tired and needs sleep. It often comes with other sleep cues like rubbing eyes or becoming less active.
How to Respond: Create a calm, soothing environment to help your baby transition to sleep. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to reinforce these cues.
Heh (Discomfort)
The "heh" sound signals general discomfort. This could be due to a wet diaper, being too hot or cold, or feeling itchy or restricted by clothing.
How to Respond: Check your baby's diaper, adjust their clothing, and ensure the room temperature is comfortable. Addressing these needs promptly can help your baby feel more comfortable.
Eairh (Lower Gas)
The "eairh" sound is associated with abdominal discomfort due to lower gas. This cry is typically deeper and more intense, often accompanied by the baby pulling their legs up to their chest.
How to Respond: Gently massage your baby’s tummy, use bicycle leg movements, or hold your baby in an upright position to help release the gas.
Eh (Burp)
The "eh" sound indicates that your baby needs to burp. This sound is produced as the baby tries to expel air trapped in their stomach.
How to Respond: Hold your baby upright and gently pat their back to help them burp. Burping your baby after feeds can prevent discomfort and reduce crying related to trapped air.
Practical Tips for Implementing Dunstan’s Theory
Understanding these sounds can transform the way you interact with your baby. Here are some practical tips to help you implement Dunstan's theory:
Listen Actively: Pay close attention to your baby’s cries and try to distinguish between the different sounds. It might take some practice, but with time, you’ll become more attuned to your baby’s specific needs.
Respond Promptly: Quick and appropriate responses to your baby's cries can help build trust and security. It reassures your baby that their needs will be met, which can lead to less frequent crying over time.
Stay Calm and Patient: It can be challenging to understand and respond to your baby’s cries, especially in the early days. Staying calm and patient is key. Remember, you’re learning a new language together.
The Science Behind the Sounds
While Dunstan’s theory is based on anecdotal evidence and has not been extensively validated by scientific research, many parents have found it incredibly useful. The idea that babies have a universal set of sounds to express their needs aligns with what we know about early infant communication and reflexes.
Resources and Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into Priscilla Dunstan's theory, you can watch her interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she explains and demonstrates these sounds in detail. Here is the link to the interview on YouTube.
Conclusion
Understanding your baby’s cries can make a world of difference in those early months of parenthood. Priscilla Dunstan’s theory provides a valuable framework for interpreting these cries, helping you respond more effectively to your baby’s needs. By listening carefully and responding appropriately, you can foster a deeper connection with your baby and ensure they feel safe, secure, and well-cared for.
If you find yourself struggling or need additional support, don't hesitate to reach out to a baby sleep consultant or a pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the challenges of early parenthood.
Remember, every baby is unique, and while Dunstan’s theory can be incredibly helpful, it’s also important to trust your instincts and respond to your baby’s individual cues. Happy parenting!
