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A high need baby is one that requires more than constant attention. The high-need baby is often sensitive and difficult to soothe. There is little to know respite for the worn out new mother. After nine long months of waiting for a bundle of joy, parents of a high-need baby are instead faced with a screaming monster that seems impossible to please.

As the name suggests, a high-need baby, is one who needs a high level of attention. They are fussy when it comes to sleeping, they are fussy when it comes to eating and when it comes to being held, only mom will do the trick. The opinion of a high-need baby is one where mother must always be with in arms length. Making life less than easy for mom. As she feels herself pass the level of exhaustion the mother of a high-need baby must still calmly and lovingly tend to her crying child.

For some the cause behind their high-need baby is clearly visible. Traumatic births and difficult pregnancies can result in a high-need baby. There are also a range of illnesses and conditions that may also lean towards creating a high-need baby. However for some there is not rhyme or reason as to why a particular baby will be high-need. For these mothers it is perhaps the hardest.

High-need babies require much more attention and time than a non-high need baby. They generally do not like to be left unattended and the mother may feel as if she is forever carrying the child. Where some babies, who are not high need, are quite content to lay on a rug and enjoy their surroundings, a high need baby prefers to cuddle up with mum.

Should there be a delay in the tending of these needs or they a not met in the manner in which the baby was hoping for then look out! The high needs baby has no qualms about displaying dissatisfaction and will do so loudly and regularly.

While the high need baby may be satisfied as mom sits and plays, distress levels can go through the roof if mom tries to do something else not involving the baby. Understandably this does not make life easy. New mothers often struggle with daily chores at the best of times. For mothers of high need babies have these problems amplified due to the restrictions brought about by having to tend to the baby's needs.

Sleeping may also pose a difficult task with a high need baby. Often baby's with high needs are not the best sleepers. They may wake often or only sleep when being held. Even when tired a high need baby may fight sleep like a plague. Playing havoc once more with the mother's own needs.

High-need infants can take their toll not just on the mother but also the entire family. This is especially true if there are older siblings. Due to the extensive consumption of time a high baby requires big brothers and sisters may have difficulty adjusting to their new family member.

If your little bundle of joy turns out to be a high need baby do not despair. It is not your fault and you can cope. Mothers of high need babies deserve to be commended for their tireless efforts and never ending stamina. The ability of mothers to cope with their high need baby is admirable and is a credit to mothers everywhere.

Learn more about this author, Rhianna Suttie-Gunson.
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