How It Works

The Dunstan Baby Language teaches you to hear exactly what your baby is communicating. As a parent, you will be able to interpret your infant's sounds and cries - and respond to their needs quickly and effectively.

Every newborn communicates from birth to 3 months using 5 distinct sounds that signal hunger, tiredness, need to burp, lower wind/gas and discomfort. This is regardless of the language their parents speak. It is not a learned language. Rather, it is a natural way for every baby to express their physical needs.

The 'words' that form the basis of what we have called the Dunstan Baby Language, are sounds that are based on baby's physical responses. These are called reflexes. For example, when a baby is hungry it will start to suck, and as sound is added to the reflex, the 'word' for hunger is produced. These are the baby's first communications, which occur before actual crying develops. The sooner the 'word' for hunger is identified the sooner a parent can respond by feeding, resulting in less crying and less discomfort for baby - and for parents..

The Dunstan System will teach you how to tune your ear to the 5 'words', take you through settling solutions, and gives helpful advice for parents. You will also view Priscilla Dunstan in a 'live lesson', teaching new mothers the System - with immediate results.

It was eight years of research that revealed this system of sounds - the language that is shared by all babies. We trust you will treasure the Dunstan Baby Language as your baby benefits from being is listened to - and truly heard.

Neh

Hungry

The “Neh” sound is a response to the sucking reflex. Feeding when you hear “Neh” is essentially feeding on demand, although you will probably notice that your baby feeds regularly every 3 to 4 hours. On a hot day you might notice that he says “Neh” more often as he is more thirsty than usual. By feeding on “Neh” you can be confident that you are not overfeeding your baby, and you may notice a reduction in spitting up because he is physically ready to receive food.

Your baby uses a combination of sounds and signals to tell you he is hungry:

• Listen for the “Neh” cry


• Distinguish this cry by the “N” part of the sound


• Look for his tongue moving along the roof of his mouth


• He may turn his head from side to side


• Look for licking of lips


• Look for sucking of fists

Owh

Tired

The “Owh” sound is based on the yawn reflex, indicating that baby is ready for sleep. Just like when you yawn, you will notice that your baby’s mouth is in an oval shape when she says “Owh”. If you put your baby down to sleep when you hear the “Owh” sound you will notice that she will fall asleep more quickly and easily. You might also notice that the “Owh” tends to come before she starts the jerky movements and eye rubbing that are the physical signals for tiredness.

Your baby tells you she is sleepy in many ways:

• Listen for the “Owh” cry


• Look for yawning and an oval shaped mouth


• Movements may become jerky


• Baby may rub her eyes or pull her ears


• Back arching and squirming are signals of tiredness

Eh

Burp me

The “Eh” cry is produced by the chest constricting in an effort to force the wind up. It is often heard as a series of short “Eh, Eh, Eh” cries as baby tries to burp. Because newborns lie flat for long periods you may find that your baby needs to burp throughout the day and night, not only during or after a feed. With the Dunstan System you can let your baby be your guide. Parents often tell us that their baby will wake and make the “Eh” sound, then once burped will go right back to sleep. Knowing to burp your baby on the “Eh” cry means you can settle her faster.

When your baby needs to burp you might notice these sounds and signs:

• Listen for the “Eh” cry, often in quick succession


• Baby may squirm if laid down


• Look for chest tightening


• Baby may stop mid feed and start fussing


• The burp may be silent so, if the “Eh” stops, you know the air has been expelled

Eairh

Lower wind/gas

If your baby cries a lot there is a good chance you are hearing the “Eairh” sound. The “Eairh” word is produced in the lower stomach and is associated with gas and lower wind pain. According to Professor Barry Lester, author of Why Is My Baby Crying, 20% of all babies are classified as “colicky babies”, which is defined as chronic crying in an otherwise healthy baby for at least 3 hours per day, 3 days a week for 3 weeks. Even if your baby is not “colicky”, persistent crying for any length of time leaves both you and your baby physically and emotionally exhausted.

When your baby is making the “Eairh” sound you should try placing baby on his stomach and rubbing his back, or gently massaging his tummy to help get the wind out and ease his pain.

If you burp your baby regularly when he says the “Eh” sound you can bring the air bubble up and out, which will help to avoid the air moving down and causing lower wind pain. By burping on “Eh” you will find that the “Eairh” sound seems to disappear - along with extended periods of crying, discomfort and distress for you and your baby.

Lower wind pain might also be accompanied by physical signs:

• Listen for the “Eairh” cry


• Look for whole body tensing and may become rigid


• Look for pulling legs up to his tummy


• Face grimacing or scrunched up, showing discomfort


• Baby cry sounds become more urgent and distressed

Heh

Uncomfortable

A frequent reason for fussiness is if your newborn is uncomfortable from a wet or dirty diaper/nappy, or from being too hot or too cold. The “Heh” sound is based on a reflex that involves the skin, so if your baby is uncomfortable he will say “Heh”. With this word you are listening for the “H” part of the sound. There is also an expelling of air that helps you to distinguish the “H” and “Heh” sound from the other sounds your baby makes.

Newborns are not able to regulate their body temperature effectively which means they can easily become over-heated or feel cold. Unlike us, they can’t just take a layer of clothing off or put one on, but by using the “Heh” cry they can tell you they are uncomfortable. Breast fed newborns also have regular bowel movements (as many as twelve a day) so you may frequently hear the “Heh” sound as he tells you he needs to be changed. There are many other reasons why your baby may say “Heh”, for instance the straps on his car seat might be too tight, or a new washing powder might be irritating his skin. By responding to his “Heh” cry you can ensure that your baby is always comfortable and happy.

Your baby will signal that he is uncomfortable in a number of ways:

• Listen for the “Heh” cry


• Distinctive breathy “H” sound, like panting


• If hot, head may feel sweaty and clammy and tummy can become hot


• If cold, may be accompanied by shivering and cold extremities (hands, feet)


• Baby may squirm or stop feeding if he has a dirty diaper/nappy

Benefits for Baby and You

Parents around the world tell us how learning the Dunstan Baby Language System changed their lives. Being able to correctly identify and address the needs of your baby will deepen the bond with your child, and ease much of the pressure and stress that is felt by parents.

Independent research conducted with mothers in Australia, the US and the UK in 2006 and 2007 confirmed the following benefits of using the System:

Works Universally

- 90% of all mothers found the Dunstan Baby Language valuable and would recommend it to other mothers.

- 100% of first time mothers reported the system highly valuable.

- 2 of 3 Fathers reported reduced levels of stress, and more positive marital relationships as an immediate result of greater paternal involvement.

One of the many appeals of the System is that the benefits can be experienced by everyone involved in newborn care. The System promotes the close observation and understanding of a baby's cues, and this is as relevant to fathers as to mothers, to grandparents as to health care professionals. All can learn it - and the bonding effect can be experienced by everybody.

Greater Settling and Uninterrupted Sleep

- 70% reported their baby settled faster

- 50% experienced better feeding results*

- 50% reported an increase in uniterrupted sleep for both their baby and themselves

Since the Dunstan System teaches you to understand your baby's needs from the first days of life, you can begin to observe and tune-in to your baby's daily rhythms. Very soon, you will see these daily rhythms become larger patterns. Dunstan Baby Language helps to take the guesswork out of caring for your new baby and by knowing your newborn's needs, makes a routine possible. Every baby is an individual, and with the Dunstan System you can fully appreciate your baby as your guide.

Greater Confidence In Your Ability as a Parent

- 70% of parents experienced greater self-esteen and a reduction in stress

- They felt more confident, relaxed and in control

- 50% of mothers felt a greater bond with their baby*

By understanding crying as communicating allows you to become confident about what works for your baby, helping you to feel calm, in control and more in tune with your baby. This knowledge also empowers partners, so that you can together learn your baby's routine, organize your day, and support each other as you share the joys and duties of parenting your newborn.

The ultimate result is less parenting stress, less baby distress, and a more upbeat and relaxed start to life with your baby.

International research in Sydney Australia and Chicago USA was conducted by The Leading Edge.

UK study conducted by 2CV, England

*Specific to Australia and the US