What Happens to Your Body After The Birth

February 2, 2016 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant

You’ll Get the Shakes.
Don’t be surprised if you feel jittery after the birth.
This is normal, has nothing to do with being cold. Rather, the shakes occur from the immediate hormonal shifts that occur after delivery. They might also be a reaction to the anesthesia or an endorphin release.
Don’t worry; they’ll go away within a few minutes or, at most, a few hours.

Stitches Down There
Episiotomies aren’t a routine procedure, sometimes you might need a few stitches for vaginal tearing.

Baby Might Not Be Interested in Breastfeeding immediately.
During this time, skin to skin contact is very important to help initiate bonding for both baby and you. Take this time to look at your baby, smell, kiss, cuddle your baby.

There Will Be Blood!
Labor and delivery a messy endeavor. In the early days postpartum, it’s normal to experience large amounts of bleeding after you’ve been sitting or lying for a while, as well as a gush that can happen while breastfeeding. It’s also normal to pass some large clots in the 24 hours after delivery. All of this tapers off at a decreasing rate, similar to a period — for about four to six weeks after delivery.

Your Uterus
After delivery, the uterus shrinks from the size of a large watermelon down to the size of a cantaloupe, Oxytocin helps this process by causing uterine contractions, and the shrinking of the uterus continues for 6 weeks.

Um, Swelling.
Ice packs. Your Postpartum doula knows all the tricks for using an ice pack. Especially if you pushed for a long time you need ice packs help numb any discomfort and bring down the swelling. This can be alarming — the labia can triple in size (which is temporary).

You’ll Sweat!
Sweating quite a bit during the first few weeks post-baby. Tremendous night sweats are normal, that’s because your body’s estrogen drops massively — and the change in hormones upsets your body’s temperature regulation.

Your postpartum doula in your home with comfort measures

What to Eat When Pregnant

December 15, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Newborn Care, Parenting, Pregnant, Uncategorized

Important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups throughout the day making certain you get the nutrients both you and your baby need. Some suggested sources for creating a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain many important nutrients for pregnancy especially, Vitamin C and Folic Acid. Pregnant women need at least 70 mg of Vitamin C daily, which is contained in fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and honeydew, and vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, and brussel sprouts.

In order to prevent neural tube defects, 0.4 mg of folic acid per day is recommended. A good source of folic acid can be found in dark green leafy vegetables (other sources of folic acid include legumes, such as black or lima beans, black-eyed peas, and veal). You should have at least 2-4 servings of fruit and 4 or more servings of vegetables daily.

Breads and Grains: Whole grain provide important nutrients such as iron, B Vitamins, fiber and some protein. You can get the required amount of folic acid from fortified bread and cereal. Depending on your weight and dietary needs, you should consume anywhere between (6-11 oz.) of whole breads/grains daily.

Protein: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and beans contain the protein, B vitamins and iron needed in pregnancy. Your developing baby needs plenty of protein, especially in the second and third trimesters. Iron helps to carry oxygen to your growing baby, and also carries oxygen to your muscles to help avoid symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, irritability and depression.

The U.S. RDA recommends about 27 mg per day. Lean beef, chicken, lamb, liver, turkey and veal are good options. Fish, and some seafood, can be a good nutritional choice for pregnancy, within guidelines. Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. You should consume at least 3 servings of protein daily.

Dairy Products: At least 1000 mg of calcium is needed daily to support a pregnancy. Calcium is essential for building strong teeth and bones, normal blood clotting, and muscle and nerve function. Since your developing baby requires a considerable amount of calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones, if you do not consume enough through your diet (which can lead to future problems, such as osteoporosis).

Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, cream soups and puddings. Some calcium is also found in green vegetables, seafood, beans and dried peas. You should consume at least 4 servings of dairy products daily.

A Complement to Nutrition

Prenatal Vitamins: Although the main source of vitamins and nutrients needed during pregnancy should come from your diet, a daily prenatal vitamin can help fill small gaps—just in case you unintentionally do not get enough key nutrients. A prenatal vitamin, or any other supplement, can only complement a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Compiled using information from the following sources: Mayo Clinic Pregnancy and nutrition: Healthy-eating basics. – http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20046955

WebMD.com, “Eating Right When Pregnant”- http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/eating-right-when-pregnant

8 Biggest New Parent Surprises (and How To Deal)

December 2, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, Nurturing, Parenting, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant

No matter how many books and websites you read or how prepared you feel, babies have their own special way of throwing you for a loop. From needing more breastfeeding support, to baby’s fussiness and indecipherable crying.

That’s where your postpartum doula can give it to you straight and help you navigate the most unexpected, unforgettable moments as a new parent

The surprise: Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. With support the doula does make it easier with her knowledgeable breastfeeding management tips, correcting latch on pain or building up your supply.

The surprise: You will bleed postpartum. Called lochia. It’s true you will have heavy bleeding the first days after the birth, it does tapper off quickly. After that, it changes to a discharge that can last up for a several weeks.
If you do too much besides caring for the baby, you can start heavy bleeding again.
Let your doula take care of things around the house.

The surprise: You won’t have time for anything else. Babies are 24/7 , even when baby sleeps it never feel as if you are “off the clock”, new parents feel like they are waiting for their newborn to wake-up again to feed. Why doulas are there, to take care of you and give you a hand.

The surprise: Most newborn clothes will go to waste. Dress baby in your favorite outfits everyday – by next week they will outgrow it. Your doula will organize the baby clothes to get the most out of what fits now, and when size 6 month old will fit.

The surprise: Newborns poops are noisy. Noisy explosive and messy. That is your breastfed babies poops! They are naturally loose, known to explode out of the diaper onto the baby’s back.  Always carry an extra outfit
in your diaper bag. Your doula is a diapering expert teaching you how to diaper your baby.

The surprise: Going back to work is hard.  It does feel unexpected the deeply complicated feelings about leaving your baby – just when its getting fun and your baby is responsive. Remember no one does it all and you should not try. Doing your best is a good enough parent. Hire help. You are resilient.

The surprise: You won’t always know what your crying baby wants. Your doula understands babies, and she teaches you to understand and read your babies feeding and sleeping cues, and how to comfort your crying baby.

The surprise: Baby might mix up night and day. Yes, its true, newborns sleep in short burst from 30 minutes to 4 hours. At seemly random times through out the day and night. Most infants take about 12 weeks to show day-night rhythms in the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

What are the Differences Between Postpartum Doulas and Baby Nurses?

November 8, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Nurturing, Parenting, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant

Doulas are taught to communicate with you assisting and teaching families:

Baby Behavior
Cues
Crying
Sleep Support
Bonding
Breastfeeding Success

Doulas never discount the importance you place on getting breastfeeding right!

Unlike the baby nurse, whose sole job is caring for the baby without consideration of the parents bonding or to ensure breastfeeding is going well, the doula is teaching you to care for your baby, as we care for you.
You start feeling confident in becoming independent as you practice and learn under the guidance of a postpartum doula.

The Postpartum Doula’s Day…
Summing it up, whatever your family needs! Once you get home your needs are Sleep, Newborn 101 and Breastfeeding focused as the days pass, the way the doula spends her time with you changes.

Each visit the postpartum doula assesses with you what needs are most important on that specific day.

Are you desperate for a nap?
Need something nourishing to eat?
Soothe fussy baby?
Breastfeeding questions?
A shower?
Clean laundry?
Bathe the baby?
How to use babywrap or carrier?
Run an errand?
Learn to pump?
Help with siblings?

YOUR DOULA DOES ALL OF THIS AND MORE!

Your priorities are the doula’s priorities. Each family is different and Doula Care support is tailor made to fit you.

Your doula is extensively trained and experienced in managing the specific needs of families with Newborns!

Everything is focused on the parents and baby… Newborn 101

Providing education is one of the doula’s main roles, and this takes many forms.

‘Elephant Mom’ in the Time of the Tiger Mothers!

August 1, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Nurturing, Parenting, Postpartum Doula

You can be an ‘Elephant Mom’ in the Time of the Tiger Mother!
It’s okay for parents to nurture, protect, and encourage their children, especially when they’re very young. The best parent you can be is the one that you want to be. There is no perfect parent, just as there is no perfect kid.

Parent nurturing a baby elephant

Insightful reassuring article by Priyanka Sharma-Sindhar in The Atlantic Magazine.

‘Elephant Mom’ in the Time of the Tiger Mother!

“Literature, discussions and forums about parenting abound. As we look for the best ways to raise our kids, we gravitate toward what makes sense to us. After meeting Jernigan, I couldn’t help but think that if there were so many parents flocking to her group to learn how to better connect with their kids, maybe many of the differences I’d noticed weren’t as fundamental and deep-rooted as I’d believed. Perhaps parents, regardless of where they’re from, have more in common than not. The mom who spoke to me about grit also, on a separate occasion, spoke to me about wanting a slow separation from her child.”

Should you put sunscreen on infants under 6 mos old?

June 23, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Parenting, Postpartum Doula, Uncategorized

You’re at the beach, slathered in sunscreen.
Your 5-month-old baby is there, too.

Should you put sunscreen on her?
Not usually, according to Hari Cheryl Sachs, M.D., a pediatrician at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The best approach is to keep infants under 6 months out of the sun,” Sachs says, “and to avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense.”

Sunscreens are recommended for children and adults. What makes babies so different?

“Babies’ skin is less mature compared to adults, and infants have a higher surface-area to body-weight ratio compared to older children and adults.” explains Sachs. “Both these factors mean that an infant’s exposure to the chemicals in sunscreens may be much greater, increasing the risk of side effects from the sunscreen.”

“The best protection is to keep your baby in the shade if possible,” Sachs says. “If there’s no natural shade, create your own with an umbrella or the canopy of the stroller.”

“If there’s no way to keep an infant out of the sun, you should check with your pediatrician about what to do for your baby.” If your pediatrician agrees, you can apply a small amount of sunscreen—with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15—to small areas such as the cheeks and back of the hands. Sachs suggests testing your baby’s sensitivity to sunscreen by first trying a small amount on the inner wrist.

Cover Up

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. Tight weaves are better than loose. Keep in mind that while baseball caps are cute, they don’t shade the neck and ears, sensitive areas for a baby.

Summer’s heat presents other challenges for babies.

“Younger infants also don’t sweat like we do”, Sachs says. “Sweat naturally cools the rest of us down when we’re hot, but babies haven’t yet fully developed that built-in heating-and-cooling system. So you want to make sure your baby doesn’t get overheated.”

“In the heat, babies are also at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. To make sure they’re adequately hydrated, offer them their usual feeding of breast milk or formula”, says Sachs. “The water content in both will help keep them well hydrated.

Sun Safety Tips for Infants

Here are some things to keep in mind this summer when outside with infants:

Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible.
Consult your pediatrician before using any sunscreen on your baby. If you do use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby, don’t assume the child is well protected.
Make sure your child wears clothing that covers and protects sensitive skin. Use common sense; if you hold the fabric against your hand and it’s so sheer that you can see through it, it probably doesn’t offer enough protection.
Make sure your baby wears a hat that provides sufficient shade at all times.
Watch your baby carefully to make sure he or she doesn’t show warning signs of sunburn or dehydration. These include fussiness, redness and excessive crying.
Hydrate! Give your baby formula or breast milk if you’re out in the sun for more than a few minutes. Don’t forget to use a cooler to store the liquids.
Take note of how much your baby is urinating. If it’s less than usual, it may be a sign of dehydration, and that more fluids are needed until the flow is back to normal.
Avoid combination sunscreens containing insect repellents like DEET. Young children may lick their hands or put them in their mouths. According to the AAP, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
If you do notice your baby is becoming sunburned, get out of the sun right away and apply cold compresses to the affected areas.

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Do you really need 37 pages of baby gear on your registry?

June 12, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Parenting, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant

Meg Collins owner of Lucie’s List says NO, you don’t !

“Standing at a wall of baby products that goes on for a mile is enough to make anyone wish they remembered to take the pill that night. Just kidding (sort of).” Don’t Freak!

Meg Collins owner of Lucie’s List with her fabulous sense of humor has the
“Essential Baby Products From Luciest List”

Meg Collins has broken everything down into 10 simple categories.

So take a breath, let’s go

“Essential Baby Products From Luciest List” [Read more…]

7 Tips to Keep in Mind about Newborn Sleep

June 2, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Parenting

How to Cope With Broken Sleep, the Universal Concern of New Parents. Having a new baby is a very tiring time for parents.

Keep your newborn nearby. Having your baby sleep close-by can make it easier to pick your baby up and feed the baby at night, especially if you are breastfeeding. Less walking into another room can mean less time awake and make it easier to get back to sleep.

Breastmilk contains a hormone (cholecystokinin) which makes a mother and her baby sleepy – helping you both get back to sleep.

Sleep when your baby sleeps! Most people hate hearing this one! Even if you find you cannot fall asleep, just resting is better than nothing. So lie down and close your eyes. You may even drift off to sleep without realizing it.

You may find it helpful for the postpartum doula or family member to watch your baby while you take a nap. It may be more helpful to do this straight after a breastfeed to help ensure the maximum length of time before your baby needs another feeding.

Keep lights low at night and get sunlight during the day. These things can help boost your own and your baby’s melatonin (sleepy hormone) levels, which can help both of you, sleep better at night. Breast milk has an amino acid (tryptophan) that is used by the body to make melatonin. Tryptophan levels increase and decrease with a mother’s circadian rhythm, so breastfeeding may help develop a baby’s circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm is one’s 24-hour internal body clock.It is important to know, however, that a baby’s circadian rhythm only begins to emerge when a baby is around 2 months of age.

All parents of babies get tired, whether their babies are breastfed, formula fed , or mixed-fed. There is no research evidence to indicate that giving a baby formula or starting solid food early makes a baby sleep longer. One study reported that parents of breastfed babies averaged 40-45 minutes more sleep time than the parents of formula-fed babies!

Remember, Yes, it really does get easier! Most parents find that things start to get easier around the 3-month mark.

My favorite book with more helpful tips and for a deeper understanding about newborn sleep.

“Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family” By Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Linda J. Smith, Teresa Pitman

Doan T, Gardiner A, Gay CL, Lee KA 2007, breastfeeding increases sleep duration of new parents. Journal of Perinatal Neonatal Nursing 21(3):200–206.

Bringing your Baby Home

May 27, 2015 by Ruth_DoulaCare Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Parenting, Postpartum Doula

Prepare now for bringing your baby home; it’s the launching pad for successful breastfeeding

Many surveys have shown that hands-on support from an experienced postpartum doula particularly for breastfeeding and understanding normal newborn behavior can provide a solid basis during the adjustment to parenthood. Preparation for Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Breastfeeding is learned for the mom and has come naturally to mothers as they saw and discovered from their own mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends. As society changed, and as more and more the caring for babies became largely hidden some expectant parents are likely never to have even seen a child nursed or changed a diaper or soothed a newborn.

Your postpartum doula provides easy solutions to common problems.

A great deal of misinformation remains in our culture about the first week’s home with your newborn and breastfeeding, new parents find that, even after going to prenatal classes, they are not ready for the reality of caring for a child.

This is where your postpartum doula comes in, there for you, reassuring as you learn nursing and learning your baby’s basic needs.

Doulas are taught to communicate with you assisting and teaching families: Baby Behavior Cues Crying Sleep Support Bonding Breastfeeding Success

The Postpartum Doula’s Day… Summing it up, whatever your family needs! Once you get home your needs are Sleep, Newborn 101 and Breastfeeding focused as the days pass, the way the doula spends her time with you changes.

Are you desperate for a nap? Need something nourishing to eat? Soothe fussy baby? Breastfeeding questions? A shower? Clean laundry? Bathe the baby? How to use babywrap or carrier? Run an errand? Learn to pump? Help with siblings?