Dunstan Baby Language taught my parents to help me to go…
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Dunstan Baby Language (DBL) is a communication tool – helping parents to learn what the baby needs, when he cries.
Most parents start off by guesswork…
He’s hungry. Hmm, but he’s not feeding…
He must have wind. Hmm he’s not bringing up a burp.
Ahh he must have a wet nappy. Hmm he’s dry.
BUT what if all along he was telling you he was tired?
Now he’s extra tired – because it took a while for you to guess that one.
Crying is Communication
Do you know what this baby is telling you?
A baby makes a pre-cry sound before they erupt in to full on crying. It’s this pre-cry sound which gives you the answer.
When a newborn is hungry the sucking reflex kicks in, and their tongue and mouth start to move as if they are feeding. When this happens they make a ‘NEH’ sound.
When they have wind in their upper chest, the chest muscles are ‘squeezing’ trying assist the air to come up. The pre-cry sound which this reflex produces is ‘EH’.
When babies smile, we all smile.
Using Dunstan Baby Language has been shown:
Babies cry less – as their needs are being met quickly.
To encourage breastfeeding – babies indicate their hunger, and they will attach properly for optimal feeding.
Decrease the incidence of colic – because parents can recognise the ‘wind’ cry.
To establish Secure Attachment – vital for long term well-being.
Increase parental satisfaction – they feel confident in their parenting.
Sonja Preston
Founder of The Parenting Cafe
DBL Educator & Trainer, Parenting Consultant, and Teacher
“I believe DBL is an essential component in giving your baby the best possible start in life. It’s one of the foundation building blocks in your child’s development.” Sonja Preston
Dunstan Baby Language Classes
AUD $125
In this workshop you will learn the 5 sounds your newborn makes to indicate hunger, tiredness, needing to burp, needing to pass wind and when they are uncomfortable. We’ll show you the reflex which produces the sound in their pre-cry and we’ll look a solutions to meet that need.
Workshop includes:
- 2 x 1.5hr Sessions, one week apart
- Audio of the sounds for you to take home
- A certificate and support for one month
- Both parents are welcome to attend
FAQs
Who can attend?
Parents
DBL classes are for parents either in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy or with a baby up to 4 months old.
If parents learn DBL too early in the pregnancy they may not remember the sounds when bubs arrives. After c 4 months, parents are generally in a routine and ‘know’ what the baby needs.
There will be a maximum of 8 families in each class.
Professionals
For any professionals (eg midwives), gynecologists, lactation consultants, doulas) who wish to add DBL qualifications, as an additional service for their clients, training will be available from October 2021.
To be receive more information re classes when dates are finalised please add your details here. (Details/ email tab to open)
What do I need to do once I’m registered for a class?
A reminder will be sent a few days before the class, but please add it to your calendar yourself.
You’ll need a laptop (or iPad / Phone but a larger screen may make it easier), perhaps a pen and paper if you like to take notes, and a comfy chair!
Session one is 1.5hrs and session 2 is 1 hr. These times may vary depending on the number of people in the class and if people have any questions.
When are the classes on?
Classes (of 2 sessions) will be offered in the day time, evening and on weekends to cater for working families and their commitments. Each month 2 – 4 classes will be scheduled.
Where are the classes held?
Classes are online using the Zoom platform. You will need your video and microphone switched on.
It is possible to arrange to do the course individually, online, for an additional fee. Face to face presentations are also available within Australia, with travel and accommodation expenses added to the fee.
How is DBL taught?
The course is presented online (generally) by certified DBL Educator and Australian DBL Trainer, Sonja Preston (READ MORE).
As well as sharing information, there will be video and audio clips, explanations and some demonstrations.
You’ll receive access to the sound clips for your re-viewing.
Is DBL a medical intervention?
No DBL is a communication resource.
We teach parents how to listen to what the baby is ‘saying’ (the reflex) and to also watch any body language clues and then to respond accordingly.
If any concerns are noted by the DBL educator, or verbalised by the parent, they are directed to seek medical advice.
Who invented DBL?
Priscilla Dunstan, an Australian, was at the forefront. She has auditory memory and felt she recognized differences in her infant sons cries – they weren’t all the same. She saw that the same sound was made every time he was hungry, and soon realized that other newborns were making the same sounds. This led to years of studies globally and eventually became known as Dunstan Baby Language (DBL). It received worldwide acclaim when she appeared on Oprah in 2006. DBL is now available globally from our certified DBL Educators.