Self-Soothing vs. Self-Settling and Why Co-Regulation Is The Answer To Support Your Baby’s Nervous System
In this episode of ‘Mothering from Within,’ I, Kaili Ets, a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, dive deeper into the topic of your baby’s nervous system and the concept of self-regulation.
I chat about the age old debate of ‘self-soothing’ and why this is a very mis-understood concept in the sleep world especially. I also talk about the difference between self-soothing and self-settling, and the important role that co-regulation plays in nurturing your baby’s emotional and developmental needs. I go over signs of dysregulation and I share practical strategies for daily interactions and activities that promote a secure and loving environment for your little one, while supporting their nervous system.
Remember, your presence and response are invaluable in helping your baby’s brain grow and thrive. Grab a cup of tea, tuck in your little ones, and join this enlightening conversation aimed at empowering you to embrace motherhood authentically.
00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation
01:30 Understanding Your Baby’s Nervous System
04:11 The Myth of Self-Soothing
11:38 The Dance of Co-Regulation
19:32 Sensory-Based Co-Regulation Strategies
23:59 The Power of Synchrony
26:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Stay in Touch With Kaili
Grab a copy of my book – Mothering From Within: Find clarity, ease, and trust in your motherhood journey. Like a good friend, therapist, and mentor, this book offers guidance and support to help you navigate motherhood with intuition, grace, and yes, a bit of humor. It’s full of evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused information on developmental milestones, baby sleep, reflux, feeding, mama mental health, and so much more. To grab a copy just head over to www.kailiets.com/book, Amazon, or your fave online book retailer.
If you are ready to take a courageous step towards doing motherhood your way, The Mothering From Within Collective is waiting with open arms to help you get curious about your parenting values, tune into your mama instincts, gain clarity about baby sleep, development, reflux and more, so that you can be the confident supermom you have always dreamed of!
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