About NDC
What is Neuroprotective developmental care?
Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) was created with over 25 years of reasearch and clinical practice by Australian GP Dr Pamela Douglas. NDC offers approaches based on the latest evidence to support breastfeeding, infant cry-fuss and sleep problems, infant sensory-motor needs and parent mood. The NDC approach is about discovering your parenting values and holding these at the centre of your journey. Coming back to our values daily brings confidence and joy to parenting and life. NDC focuses on a relaxed approach to feeding and sleeping, through encouraging cued care for your baby. It challenges a lot of popular advice parents receive in regards to feeding, sleeping and settling your little person. Unlike other approaches, NDC uniquely acknowledges the interrelatedness of breastfeeding, sleep, baby’s sensory-motor and social needs, cry-fuss behaviours and how each impacts upon parent mood. NDC integrates the very latest lactation science, including the biomechanics of infant suck, evolving the Gestalt Breastfeeding approach. In addition, they base their programs on neuroscience, evolutionary biology, gut science, sleep science, attachment psychology and a new set of powerful psychological strategies known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). NDC of the mother baby pair is the foundation of all the care I provide at Beneath The Palms Midwifery.
What can NDC consultations help with?
Breastfeeding
Dr Pamela Douglas developed the approach "Gestalt Breastfeeding". It was developed from the latest imaging and vacuum studies of breastfeeding biomechanics. Gestalt Breastfeeding optimises positional stability for an enjoyable breastfeeding journey. Gestalt breastfeeding helps with: - Nipple damage or pain - Difficulty latching onto the breast - Fussing and pulling off the breast - Back-arching at the breast - Marathon feeds - Excessively frequent breastfeeds - ‘Windy’ behaviour during or after breastfeeds - Poor weight gain
Maternal Mental Health
When we have a baby, it’s normal to find ourselves having to manage a lot of difficult thoughts and feelings. NDC has a large focus on maternal mental health by guiding you through a therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This approach normalises difficult thoughts and feelings and helps you discover your values as a parent, encouraging self-compassion, cognitive diffusion and committed action. Evidence shows improved parental adjustment when ACT strategies are practiced.
Cry/Fuss Behaviour
Unsettled infant behaviour is one of the most common presentations in early life, affecting 20% of mother baby pairs. Rates of parent-reported problem crying appear to be much higher. The first 16 weeks is a particularly sensitive period neurologically, after which crying and fussing typically settles. There is usually a lot that can be done to make the days and nights more enjoyable. The strategies, also referred to as Neuroprotective Developmental Care will encompass gut, feeding, sleep, and sensory needs. These strategies encourage cued care to supporting you to respond to your babies needs.
Infant Sleep
Up to 38% of Australian parents report infant sleep difficulties in the first few months of life. The NDC approach to infant sleep works with your babies biology, not against it. It has been developed with neuroscience, psychological attachment, third wave behaviourism, lactation science and adult sleep science. ​ The aim is to re-set your little ones sleep patterns so that sleep feels relaxed and reduce excessive night waking. It protects the mother baby bond and aids secure attachment.
