The goal of the post partum doula is to nurture the mother/family into the new role of becoming a parent. With professional support from the doula, the mother and the family experiences success, gains knowledge and becomes more self-confident with their baby
Here is a sampling of our service for home visits:
The post partum doula will teach mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to iniate the breastfeeding relationship, help mothers with simple breastfeeding problems and refer to a Board Certified Lactation Consultant for further evaluation if needed.
Our "Care" packages will be listed soon....
20 Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby: Win the Crying Game with these Parent-Tested Soothing Tactics.
All babies cry- it's their only way of communicating. And in most cases they are trying to say they are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable from a wet or soiled diaper. As you and your baby become more familiar with each other, you'll recognize her special language.
Some infants- about one in five- cry more in the early months, developing a condition known as colic. No one knows what causes colic, but most experts believe that the young baby's systems may simply be too immature and sensitive to regulate their eating, sleeping, and other behaviors. Your baby would be considered colicy if he cries for more than three hours a day, three or more days a week, for at least three weeks. Happily most cases of colic disappear by about 3 months of age.
Whether your baby is a prolonged crier or just going thorough a fussy spell, try these soothing tactics.
1. Offer the breast or bottle. Hunger is the most common cause of distress.
2. Rock together in a rocking chair. Babies love the rhythmic feel.
3. Hold baby close to your heart. The sound of your heartbeat is calming because it is familiar from the womb.
4. Check the diaper. She may need changing, have an irritating rash, or is about to make a bowel movement.
5. Soothe diaper rash by letting baby go bottomless for a little while. You'll remove the source of the chafing and the fresh air will help the rash to heal.
6. Watch your diet. If you're breast feeding, a certain food you've eaten- broccoli and chocolate are common culprits- may be upsetting your baby's delicate digestive system.
7. Ask your baby's healthcare provider about switching formulas if you are bottle-feeding.
8. Check the temperature of your baby's bottle- it may be too cold or too hot. Room temperature is best.
9. Wear your baby in a front carrier or sling. The gentle rocking motion coupled with the closeness and sound of your heartbeat is very soothing.
10. Position baby near a window. The change in scenery may perk him up.
11. Offer breastfeeding. Some babies really need the extra comfort sucking provides.
12. To relieve gas pain, lay your baby on his back and pump his legs slowly, as if he's pedaling a bike.
13. Put your little one in a car seat and take her for a lulling ride.
14. Turn on a lullaby tape and slow dance together. Many babies respond positively to the sound of music.
15. Try a warm bath. Water can be very relaxing to infants because it feels like the womb environment. Follow it up with a gentle massage or get in there too!
16. Go for a walk outdoors. The motion, fresh air, and new scenery might bring about a change of mood.
17. Switch on the vacuum cleaner or hair dryer, or put the television on a "fuzzy" channel. This sort of "white noise" is calming to many infants.
18. Swaddle baby. Place her on a soft blanket with her head at one corner and her feet pointed toward the other. Fold the corner near her head under it, and bring the opposite corner up to her chest. Then fold in the side corners.
19. Put baby in his crib. Continue to check on him every 10 minutes. Some infants need to be left alone in a quiet room when they are over stimulated.
20. Don't feel guilty! All babies cry, and if you've got a colicy one on your hands, there's nothing much you can do. Remember, this stage will pass.
helpful websites: