A–Z Glossary

hypervigilance

A calm, awake behavioral state when a baby can look, listen, track objects, vocalize, and tolerate gentle interaction.

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Anxiety and emotional challenges after IVF pregnancy

Anxiety and emotional challenges after IVF pregnancy

Why IVF pregnancy can feel emotionally fragile A pregnancy achieved through IVF often begins after a long period of treatment-related pressure. Many people have already experienced losses, failed cycles, invasive procedures, or the emotional strain of the two-week wait after embryo transfer. By the time a pregnancy is confirmed, the body may be pregnant but […]

Recovery after difficult birth story

Recovery after difficult birth story

Understanding why recovery may feel unusually difficult A difficult birth may involve several overlapping stressors rather than one isolated event. Examples include prolonged or obstructed labor, emergency cesarean delivery, forceps or vacuum assistance, episiotomy, severe perineal tearing, manual removal of the placenta, postpartum hemorrhage, infection, hypertensive complications, or an unexpected neonatal admission. Even when the […]

Active Sleep vs Awake Behavior in Babies

Active Sleep vs Awake Behavior in Babies

What active sleep means in infancy Active sleep is the infant state broadly analogous to rapid eye movement sleep, although the terminology and physiologic boundaries in newborns are not identical to those in adults. It occupies a large proportion of sleep in early life. During active sleep, the brain remains relatively activated, while the body […]

Calm vs active baby behavior

Calm vs active baby behavior

What calm and active behavior can mean A calm baby is often described as easy to soothe, observant, steady during transitions, and able to spend short periods in quiet alertness. Quiet alertness is a wakeful state in which the infant has open eyes, relatively smooth movements, and good availability for face-to-face interaction. A calm baby […]

When to do activities during the day

When to do activities during the day

Start with the baby's state, not the clock Clock time can provide a loose framework, but a baby’s behavioral state is usually the more clinically useful guide. Many infants have a brief period of quiet alertness after feeding and basic care. During this state, they may look toward a caregiver, track a face or object, […]