Calming the Fussy Baby: 5 Doula-Approved Soothing Techniques
- Lorie Michaels, CD(DONA), LCCE, PMH-C, CLC, BRMPro
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Every parent knows the sound of newborn cries — and the rising stress that comes when nothing seems to work. Babies fuss for all kinds of reasons, and while crying is normal, it can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed or inadequate.
That’s where postpartum doulas come in. Beyond providing rest, meals, and emotional support, doulas share practical soothing strategies that help families feel calm and capable in the early weeks.
Why Babies Cry
Crying is a baby’s first language. It can signal hunger, a wet diaper, discomfort, overstimulation, or simply the need for comfort. New parents often need reassurance that fussiness is normal — and that they can learn to decode and respond with confidence.
Five Soothing Techniques Doulas Teach
1. Swaddling
A snug, safe swaddle can recreate the cozy feeling of the womb and reduce the startle reflex. Doulas demonstrate step-by-step swaddle techniques and review safe sleep guidelines.
2. Rhythmic Motion
Gentle rocking, bouncing on a yoga ball, or taking baby for a walk in a carrier can mimic the motion babies experienced in utero.
3. Sound
“Shushing,” white noise, or a calming hum can soothe babies by recreating familiar womb sounds. Doulas help parents experiment with different soundscapes.
4. Skin-to-Skin Contact
Placing baby on a parent’s bare chest regulates temperature, heart rate, and breathing — and provides the closeness babies crave.
5. Feeding + Burping Checks
Sometimes fussiness signals hunger or gas. Doulas remind parents to check feeding cues, burp gently, and trust their instincts.
The Doula Difference
Parents can Google “how to calm a fussy baby” — but what they really need is a calm, supportive presence right there in the moment. Postpartum doulas not only teach techniques, they normalize the ups and downs of early parenthood and build confidence with hands-on support.
Why Training Matters
Families today are facing a shortage of postpartum support, and doulas are stepping in to fill that gap. Learning how to calmly guide parents through soothing and newborn care isn’t just a nice extra — it’s core to being an effective postpartum doula.
✨ Want to learn how to confidently support families through the challenges of early parenthood?Join our 30-hour Postpartum Doula Training and gain the skills, tools, and community you need to thrive as a doula.
