If you're a mum navigating life with a little one, this post is for you! I’m sharing how I personally implemented the Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) approach with my son, Archie, who’s now 2.5 years old.
NDC is an evidence-based method that combines the latest research from lactation science, neuroscience, attachment psychology, and sleep science. It’s designed to support both you and your baby during the crucial first year of life—and beyond.
In this post, I’ll take you through the five key areas of NDC—Baby’s Health, Mother’s Mental Health, Feeding, Sensory Development, and Sleep—and how I applied these principles with Archie in his early months. I’ll also talk about the importance of tailored support along this journey. Each family and baby is unique, so while I’ll share what worked for us, always remember that the advice here is general. Personalised guidance is essential for your specific situation.
If you’re familiar with Possums, you may know that NDC was formerly known by that name. I am grateful to have completed my NDC training under Pamela Douglas - founder of the NDC institute and the Possums Programs.
What is Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC)?
NDC is an evidence-based approach designed to support parents and babies in their first year of life, combining insights from several fields: lactation science, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, sleep science, attachment psychology, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The NDC approach focuses on the interconnectedness of five key areas:
Baby’s Health
Mother’s Mental Health
Feeding (Breast or Bottle)
Sensory Development
Sleep
These areas are interlinked—something I feel is often overlooked when addressing issues like breastfeeding struggles, unsettled babies, and sleep concerns in isolation.
One of the key things to note is that NDC is not sleep training. It doesn’t involve methods like “cry it out,” delayed responding, “pick up, put down,” gradual extinction, or Ferber. Instead, NDC supports biological normalcy and the unique needs of each baby and family.
How I Implemented NDC with Archie (Newborn to 12 Months)
Now, let’s get into the practical side. Here’s how I implemented the NDC principles during the first year of Archie’s life.
1. Baby’s Health
Ensuring that Archie was healthy was always a priority. We had routine checks with our amazing GP to ensure there were no underlying medical issues. Around 3 weeks old, I suspected Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), which we confirmed after discussing it with an IBCLC colleague and our GP.
While it’s tempting to self-diagnose, especially when working in this field, it’s so important to have professionals on hand to assess your baby’s health. Whether it’s a GP or midwife, make sure you have someone who can properly diagnose and support you with treatment options.
2. Mother’s Mental Health
As a new parent, it’s easy to forget your own mental health in the whirlwind of caring for a newborn. I knew that I needed to look after my mental health too.
I made it a point to plan enjoyable activities outside the house, whether it was socialising with friends, attending mother’s groups, or even listening to podcasts while settling Archie. I tried to remember to grab a snack and a drink before sitting down to breastfeed so I could still fuel myself through the day.
Physical activity was another priority. Even though it was hard some days, I tried to get out of the house for a walk, even if it was just around the block. Whether in a pram or carrier, the fresh air and movement were huge for my mental well-being. He was a baby who didn't like the pram for the first three months so walks with him in the carrier were a lifesaver.
I also used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, which helped me manage the hard moments. One thing I learned is that focusing too much on the struggles can cloud everything, so I worked on being kinder to myself.
If you’re feeling unusually low or anxious, seeking professional support—whether from a GP or a perinatal psychologist is really important. Remember, 1 in 5 women experience anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or after birth, so you're not alone in this.
3. Feeding (Breast or Bottle)
Feeding Archie was an area I felt confident in, thanks to my background in lactation being an IBCLC. I knew the importance of frequent feeds, skin-to-skin contact, and not spacing out feeds. For the first six months, Archie fed roughly every 2 hours during the day, with plenty of cluster feeding in the early weeks.
I was able to avoid common pieces of advice that can be detrimental to breastfeeding, such as spacing out feeds or cutting down on night feeds. These practices can negatively affect milk supply and disrupt your baby’s sleep.
There are many ways to support healthy sleep without compromising breastfeeding, and sometimes solving feeding issues can improve sleep. As an NDC practitioner and IBCLC, navigating the connection between feeding and sleep is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work with families.
4. Sensory Development
During those early months, I made it a priority to get Archie out and about for sensory stimulation (both for me and him). We visited parks, relatives, and attended mother’s groups. I also used a carrier, both front and rear-facing, to give him new perspectives (being mindful that forward facing in a carrier is not recommended until at least five months of age).
One of the key points of sensory development is exposure to varied environments, and I made sure that Archie had ample opportunities to explore the world around him while also having me as his 'secure base'.
The good news is that babies get their sensory stimulation when we can get outside of the house and plan days that we enjoy - it doesn't have to just be baby sensory classes! Although we did love those too ;)
5. Sleep: The Big One!
I leaned into what is biologically normal for babies. That meant embracing things like cat naps, sleep on the go, and contact naps. For the first year, I fed Archie to sleep for almost all of his naps. That approach suited us—and still does—despite the common misconceptions that feeding to sleep is a bad habit.
NDC encourages supporting babies in a way that feels instinctive, and for us, that meant bed-sharing for easier access to Archie for night feeds. Check out the BASIS website for great info on setting up a safe bed-sharing environment.
One of the biggest sleep myths I avoided was the idea of “wake windows” or forcing babies into a specific sleep schedule. I focused more on his circadian rhythms and sleep pressure to help him build a healthy sleep pattern that enabled me to get the most sleep.
By the time Archie was around 6 months old, we naturally transitioned to two naps a day, and by 10-11 months, he was down to one. He woke at night up until around 18 months when night wakes dramatically reduced, and now at 2.5 years old he sleeps through (apart from the occasional unsettled night due to sickness, teething etc)
Tailored Support
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to have tailored support during your parenting journey. Not every baby is the same, and what works for one family may not work for another. That’s why in my consultations, I focus on the whole picture—and we experiment with different strategies until we find what works best for you and your baby.
Remember, the NDC approach isn’t about rigid rules or a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s about finding what works for you and your baby, based on evidence, flexibility, and support.
Hannah also hosts Sleep, Attachment + Wellbeing Workshops - 3 hours of evidence based education on navigating infant sleep, supporting attachment and maternal wellbeing through the NDC lens. Check out upcoming workshops here.
If you’re navigating your own NDC journey, or would like more personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to support you.
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