What is Neuroprotective Developmental Care (Possums)? A Holistic Approach to Baby Wellbeing
Have you ever felt like the advice you're getting for your baby doesn't quite fit? Like everyone's focusing on just one piece of the puzzle when you can sense there's so much more going on?
That's exactly why Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) – also known as the Possums Programs – is so transformative for families.
Beyond the Fragmented Approach
Traditional baby care often looks something like this:
Feeding issues? See a lactation consultant focused solely on latch and supply
Sleep problems? Try a sleep trainer who might not consider feeding dynamics
Fussy baby? Maybe it's colic or reflux, here's a medication
But what if all these challenges are connected? What if addressing just one area without considering the others is why solutions sometimes don't stick?
What Exactly is Neuroprotective Developmental Care?
NDC is an evidence-based framework developed by Dr. Pamela Douglas in Australia that recognises how your baby's feeding, sleep, sensory development, and your wellbeing as a parent are all deeply interconnected.
This isn't just another parenting philosophy. It's a structured, holistic care model that combines interdisciplinary knowledge from:
Developmental psychology
Neuroscience
Lactation science
Medical research
Evolutionary science
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques
As Singapore's only certified NDC practitioner, I'm passionate about bringing this transformative approach to families who deserve more than one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Five Connected Elements of Your Baby's Wellbeing
1. Fit and Hold (Breastfeeding Support)
NDC uses the gestalt biomechanical model for breastfeeding, focusing on:
Positioning that minimises pain and maximises milk transfer
Micro-movements to adjust and achieve positional stability
Minimising breast tissue drag
Creating a clear "landing pad" for effective latching
Mindfulness during feeding
Flexible, responsive feeds throughout the day
2. Sensory Nourishment
Your baby's developing nervous system needs the right kind of sensory input. The NDC approach helps you:
Understand when your baby needs more stimulation versus calm
Recognise how sensory needs affect feeding behaviour
Create environments that support both feeding and development
Use sensory nourishment to help with fussiness
3. Sleep
Instead of rigid schedules that fight against your baby's biology, NDC focuses on:
Understanding the two biological sleep regulators – sleep pressure and circadian clock
Creating realistic expectations about infant sleep and its natural variability
Supporting your sleep while respecting your baby's needs
Building healthy day-night patterns without rigid routines or sleep training
4. Understanding Cry-Fuss Behaviour
When your baby is unsettled, NDC helps you:
Distinguish between normal developmental fussiness and other concerns
Understand "dialling up" and "dialling down" patterns in your baby's nervous system
Use feeding and sensory tools effectively to help calm your baby
Address root causes rather than just managing symptoms
5. Parent Wellbeing
Your emotional health directly impacts your baby. NDC recognises this by:
Integrating mindfulness into your daily interactions with your baby
Finding ways to care for yourself while caring for your little one
Building confidence in your parenting decisions
Creating space for the complex emotions of early parenthood
How NDC Differs From Traditional Approaches
The NDC approach:
Considers your baby's complete developmental picture
Looks at what's working well, not only focusing on problems
Supports your mental health as essential to your baby's wellbeing
Personalises care that adapts to your family's specific needs and values
Empowers you through education so you can find strategies that work in your unique context
Who Benefits From NDC?
NDC supports all families, regardless of your feeding journey. Whether you're:
Exclusively breastfeeding
Combo feeding
Expressing and bottle-feeding
Weaning or preparing to return to work
This approach meets you where you are, without judgment.
What to Expect From NDC Support
Working with an NDC practitioner means you'll receive:
A comprehensive assessment that considers all aspects of your baby's wellbeing
Clear, practical solutions backed by research and years of experience
Tools to transform overwhelm into understanding with structured, holistic care
Support that empowers you with skills while providing ongoing guidance
Finding Clarity in the Confusion
The early days with a baby can be overwhelming. Contradicting advice from well-meaning family, friends, and even professionals can leave you feeling lost and uncertain.
NDC provides a clear, evidence-based path forward. By understanding the "why" behind your baby's behavior, you gain confidence in your parenting decisions and learn to trust your instincts.
My Unique Approach to NDC
With my background as both an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and 12 years as a social worker specializing in family support, I bring a unique perspective to NDC.
This combined expertise allows me to:
Address the technical aspects of breastfeeding while considering the whole family dynamic
Support your emotional wellbeing throughout the breastfeeding journey
Help establish foundational family connections from the start
Identify root causes beyond just milk supply or latch issues
Ready to Experience the NDC Difference for Your Breastfeeding Journey?
If you're tired of fragmented approaches to breastfeeding challenges and ready for comprehensive lactation support that sees the whole picture of you and your baby's wellbeing:
📱 Simply send me a WhatsApp message at +65 8126 4248.
I'll reply with a short intake form to understand your specific breastfeeding needs—whether you're experiencing pain, latch issues, supply concerns, or simply wanting to feel more confident in your feeding journey. Then we'll schedule a home visit where I can provide hands-on breastfeeding support using the NDC framework.
Partners, caregivers, or grandparents are welcome to join our sessions – because breastfeeding works best when everyone is on the same page about positioning, feeding cues, and how to support you.
No judgment about your feeding choices. No rigid rules that don't fit your life. Just evidence-based breastfeeding support tailored to your unique baby and family situation—helping you transform feeding from a source of stress to a bonding experience you can enjoy.
Common Questions About NDC
Can NDC help with sleep issues?
Yes – because feeding, sleep, and sensory needs are all connected. NDC offers integrated sleep education based on the Possums Sleep Program – a research-based, baby-friendly sleep approach that supports feeding without using rigid routines or sleep training.
When you book a breastfeeding consult with me, you'll receive 50% off the online self-paced Possums Sleep Program.
Is NDC only for newborns?
Not at all. The NDC approach is beneficial for babies from 0 month to 36 months of age. Whether you're weeks into your feeding journey or navigating toddlerhood, if something's not feeling right, the NDC framework can help you get back on track, reconnect with your little one, and feel less alone in the process. Many families find that these principles continue to support their parenting approach well beyond the early days.
How is NDC different from other approaches?
NDC stands apart by addressing the complete picture of your baby's wellbeing rather than isolating issues. It's an evidence-based, holistic framework that empowers you as the expert of your baby while providing structured, clear guidance.
