138: Highly Sensitive Babies

You’re probably familiar with the term HSP, a designation for a highly sensitive person. You may have heard this trait discussed on some of our previous shows. We know many mothers are HSP’s, but can an infant be a highly sensitive person? Is it even possible? If you’re a highly sensitive person, then this topic may resonate deeply with you, as it does personally for me. Join us for today’s discussion. Julie Bjelland is an HSP psychotherapist, global HSP consultant, and the author of several books for the sensitive person. Her work has helped thousands of sensitive people around the world. As an HSP herself, and the mother of highly sensitive children, Julie understands the trait on a personal level, and she’s distinguished herself as one of the leaders in the field of high sensitivity education. Her mission is to spread awareness and education of this trait, and to help HSP’s reduce the challenges, so they can access their many gifts. Julie invites you to explore her website, which is full of helpful resources.  Show Highlights: How proper support in childhood can prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression in adulthood, but lack of support usually means increased symptoms What to look for in an infant (keep in mind that these indicators can show up differently): Advancement in speech and language Highly observant Frequent overstimulation, with crying and meltdowns Sensitive skin and frequent rashes Prone to allergies and food sensitivities Sensitivity to detergents and chemicals Aversion to certain food textures and fabric textures Strong reactions to being wet, dirty, and sticky Preferences of adults with softer energy levels Sleep sensitivities Sensitivity to noise and temperature changes Needing to be held a lot How we create more stress in the way we label HSP behaviors How our sensitivities go down when we are balanced and our needs are met How to support mom and baby if they both have HSP tendencies The HSP trait: it’s innate, affects 20% of the population, is equal in gender distribution, and 70% of HSP’s are introverts Why it’s recommended that HSP’s have 2 hours of alone time each day Changing the culture and helping new moms have “down time” An infant’s mirror neurons when mom is not balanced Recovery times that mom and baby need How the brain perceives anxiety---and how deep breathing can help Difficulties when mom and baby have the HSP trait The roles of sleep, sickness, stress--and how HSP’s are affected What can do to prevent overwhelm and overstimulation How a non-HSP parent can understand an HSP child Why it’s important to work with a good therapist The need for reducing and removing self-judgment The value of finding your tribe and feeling understood   Resources: www.juliebjelland.com The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person by Julie Bjelland www.empoweredhsp.com Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person by Julie Bjelland www.braintraininghsp.com   Email me: [email protected]