• Shushing (using "white noise," or rhythmic sounds that mimic the constant whir of noise in the womb, with things like vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, clothes dryers, a running tub, or a white noise CD)

• Side/stomach positioning (placing the baby on the left side - to help digestion - or on the belly while holding him or her, then putting the sleeping baby in the crib or bassinet on his or her back)

• Sucking (letting the baby breastfeed or bottle-feed, or giving the baby a pacifier or finger to suck on)

• Swaddling (wrapping the baby up snugly in a blanket to help him or her feel more secure)

• Swinging gently (rocking in a chair, using an infant swing, or taking a car ride to help duplicate the constant motion the baby felt in the womb)

• Make sure your baby's basic needs are met (for example, he or she isn't hungry and doesn't need to be changed).

• Check for signs of illness, like fever or swollen gums.

• Rock or walk with your baby.

• Sing or talk to your baby.

• Offer the baby a pacifier or a noisy toy.

• Take the baby for a ride in a stroller.

• Hold the baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly.

• Call a friend or relative for support or to take care of the baby while you take a break.

• If nothing else works, put the baby on his or her back in the crib, close the door, and check on the baby in 10 minutes.

• Call your child's doctor if nothing seems to be helping your infant, in case there is a medical reason for the fussiness.

Door County Doula