Consent, Cues, and Conscious Touch with Babies: The Perfect Child Podcast Takeover with Belinda Tung

What if your baby has been communicating with you all along — and you just needed the tools to hear them?In this episode, Dr. Emily sits down with Belinda on the Perfect Child Podcast to talk about one of her favorite (and most misunderstood) topics: consent with babies. From the NICU to the changing table, Dr. Emily breaks down what infant communication actually looks like, why slowing down transforms your caregiving, and how small everyday rituals build the foundation for a deeply connected relationship with your child.In this episode you'll learn:Why babies are whole, fully-present humans from the very beginning — and what Dr. Emily witnessed working with 23-weekers in the NICU that solidified this for herHow to read your baby's body language: the cues that say this is too much vs. I'm readyWhat a finger splay, an arched back, and a full-body wiggle are actually communicatingWhy "gaining consent" from a newborn looks different than it does from a 6-month-old — and how to approach bothThe surprising benefits of infant massage (digestion, weight gain, brain development, bonding — and one story about a tumor caught early because of a daily massage routine)How to use deep pressure touch, slow movement, and oil to make massage more effectiveWhy babies cannot self-soothe — and what co-regulation actually requires of youDr. Emily's approach to the dreaded diaper change wrestling match (hint: you don't have to hold them down)How sign language gives babies a voice before they have words — and what Dr. Emily's 7-year-old still communicates across a crowded gymWhat it really means to advocate for your baby in the hospital, at family gatherings, and with well-meaning grandparents who want to hold your newbornResources mentioned:Beyond Birth Blueprint https://www.bewellbaby.org/beyond-birthBirth Partner Course (inside Beyond Birth)Infant massage mini course + video library (also inside Beyond Birth!)ASL classes (also inside Beyond Birth) The Perfect Child Podcast! https://www.perfectchild.org/aboutWe have restructured Beyond Birth so that you can access it so easily. I can’t wait to meet you on the inside! Emily Spaeth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator, and founder of Be Well Baby® in Portland, Oregon. With extensive NICU experience and training in craniosacral therapy, she leads a team providing home-based health care for families navigating the tricky parts of pregnancy and postpartum. She also hosts the Beyond Birth Blueprint, an online birth and postpartum educational community available to families across the country—so no matter where you are, you have access to support, resources, and connection. Emily is also a mother of three and passionate about helping families move from surviving to thriving.Our mission is to fundamentally shift healthcare could look like for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Please help us spread the word by leaving a review! Every review matters!If this episode helped you, please send it to someone who's pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone through birth. Thank you for being here. 🤍