The Science Behind the HUG Strategy: “See, Then Share”
The See, Then Share HUG Strategy has two components: Broadcasting and Commentating. These concepts are borrowed from the world of sports, but they can have a powerful impact when working with parents and babies.
Broadcasting a baby’s behavior means saying exactly what you see the mother and baby doing. You might think, “Well, this isn’t rocket science!” But consider the impact of what you are doing. By Broadcasting the baby’s behavior, you are:
• Showing a mother that you are focused on—and genuinely interested in—her baby.
• Giving a mother specific information about her baby’s body language.
• Helping a mother see how her baby responds to the actions she takes.
Now consider Commentating on a baby’s behavior. As in the sports world, Commentating means explaining the possible meaning or importance of the behavior you observe. It may seem similar to more traditional teaching, in which the professional provides information. However, Commentating is most effective when it follows Broadcasting. It is important because:
• Critical information becomes relevant because it is connected to what the baby is doing right now.
• The parent sees that the professional is interested in and understands this individual baby.
• The baby becomes an active participant in the parenting process. Commentating communicates: “Watch your baby, and your baby will help you learn what to do next."
How the HUG Strategies Helped This Mother
Sally is eager to spend time with the LC. Although the LC has lots of information she wants to share, she wisely begins by Broadcasting the baby’s behavior. Sally has just changed her baby’s diaper, settled into a chair, and is now trying to bring her baby to the breast.
The LC Broadcasts: “Your voice was quiet and reassuring as you changed her diaper. Now you are holding her so gently as she wiggles a bit in your arms.”
Sally glows with delight, takes a few deep breaths, and relaxes into her chair as she looks down at her baby. She appears calmer and knows she is with someone who is interested in her and her baby.
The LC continues to Broadcast: “Camille has so much to say! She’s squeezing her eyes shut, her breathing is getting a little choppy, her face is pink with some paleness around her mouth, and her movements are becoming jerky.”
Sally responds, “Yes, she acts like that a lot when I change her diaper.”
The LC wonders aloud, “Do you think she might be showing one of those ‘Body SOSs’ we saw on the HUG video?”
Sally quickly offers her interpretation: “Yes, I remember how that little baby would get jerky and look away from his mother when he got overstimulated.”
The LC now Commentates on Camille’s behavior: “Perhaps she’s a little overstimulated from all the excitement of having her diaper changed. Would you like to try holding her skin-to-skin for a few minutes? It might help her get back to the ‘Ready Zone.’”
Sally places Camille on her shoulder. The baby squirms for a moment until her head is tucked comfortably against her mother’s neck. “You are one sweet baby,” Sally whispers.
The LC agrees, Commentating on how quiet and peaceful Camille becomes when her mother holds her close. A few moments later, Camille opens her eyes. Sally notices the change in her baby’s “Zone” and brings her to the breast for a successful feeding.
While Camille breastfeeds, the LC Broadcasts a few more observations about the baby’s latch and Sally’s positioning. She completes the visit by Commentating on early feeding cues and reviewing Camille’s weights.
By two weeks, Camille is clearly above her birth weight. The LC reflects on how Broadcasting and Commentating the mother’s and baby’s behavior helped set the stage for Sally to hear and use the information she needed. Just as importantly, the visit helped Sally gain confidence in her ability to understand her baby and continue toward her breastfeeding