Pages

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Pool Party

We went to a "pool party" at our agency tonight. Pool party meaning a gathering for all the people who are currently in "the pool" of waiting parents. It was a good time, they showed us the Harvey Karp video, "The Happiest Baby on the Block." For those of you who don' know about this, it is an excellent, "revolutionary" technique for soothing very fussy babies. Karp first wrote a book with the same title and then subsequently made the video we watched tonight. It is a must for any prospective or new parents, especially if you have a "colicky" baby. In the video, Karp points out that the whole notion of colic is actually unfounded, and that most very fussy babies don't show any signs of having anything physically wrong. The video highlights Karp's "five S" technique of triggering the calming reflex in babies and comforting them almost instantly, even when they are uncontrollably fussy. His techniques take some practice and getting used to, but anyone can do them fairly easily. It's all very interesting, and worth checking out!! We got to practice his swaddling approach (the first s) on dolls tonight. It was great fun for me to watch my husband wrap up a baby. He actually did a great job, and confirmed my thoughts that he will be a fantastic daddy when the time comes! I just hope that time is soon, I'm sooo beyond ready!

16 comments:

Ashley said...

Commit what you learn from that video to memory!! It was a lifesaver for us!!!

Dave Gerhart said...

Josiah never wanted to be swaddled and the "shushing" didn't do much for him. Annie, on the other hand, has textbook reactions to all Karp's methods. Weird.

Kel said...

Like all things baby, methods are individual! :D Your hubby is going to be an awesome dad, just like you're going to be a fabulous mom!

I think I saw him on Oprah a few years ago.

M/J Granata said...

Melba... I bet that was a sweet, sweet picture to see your husband swaddling a baby! You will both be great parents one day! I will check out the Happiest Baby on The Block! Thanks! Take care...
Julie :)

M/J Granata said...

Melba... Can you send me your email address so I can add you to my blog list....?
julesg1018@yahoo.com

E said...

I learn so much through my wonderful bloggy friends...thanks for sharing. I have heard about it, but definitely sounds like I need to look into it. I'm making a mental note about it!

As for the hs update...I know, it stinks and a sign that we've both been waiting way too long! I think this will be the year for both of us;) Hang in there sweetie...

Rebekah said...

Glad you cleared up the "Pool Party" confusion!! :) Our meetings were called "Waiting Family Meetings" but were basically the same thing. I found ours super helpful, as well! I'm impressed that your hubby did so well with the swaddling....I'm not so sure how Ben will do! :)

Anonymous said...

I read that book when we were matched with the scammer, but I didn't realize there was a DVD. Guess what I'll be ordering from netflix?

Anonymous said...

Dr. Karp is awesome and along with the blanket (which you know about) his methods are almost foolproof. The pool party sounds like fun, I wish our agency had been big enough to have events like that. Did you find yourself analyzing everyone else and sizing up your pool "competition?" I would have been too distracted doing that to watch the darn video. :)

RB said...

I wish we had "ppol parties!" They sound like fun. I read Dr. Karp's book and like you, am beyond ready to put it into action!

Terri Edwards said...

that video and the miracle blanket saved our sanity. they are must-haves!

HappyAutisticMama said...

That DVD is a lifesaver! It really works! One of my cousins sent it to us and I'm glad we own it. If we're ever blessed with another baby somehow, I'll watch it again for a refresher.

Nancy said...

Friends of ours recommended "The Happiest Baby ..." They said it saved them. I went out and bought it right away.

Jamie said...

I'm so glad you were able to enjoy something baby related! :) I think it's good therapy to get together with those still waiting ~ for some reason it just helps a person not feel so alone sometimes. :)
Keep practicing the swaddling! It's not as easy when you have a strong baby kicking as you do it! haha!! :)
Melba ~ I just hope and pray so much that you get to feel the rewards of your journey very soon! I know that perfect situation for your family is being created, but I'm so beyond ready for you too! :)

StylinMom said...

that video sounds great, I will have to look it up. What a great idea wiht the "pool party" I wish we did something like that here on a regular bases!

m :)

alicia said...

ohh I will have to check that out! thanks :)