Newby Nurturing Lactation & Postpartum Support

A Guide to Becoming a Postpartum Doula  For many women, welcoming a new life into the world is a miraculous and transformative experience. The birth of a baby marks the birth of a mother. Across diverse cultures globally, the postpartum period, also known as matrescence is a time of transition in nearly every facet of a woman's life, as beautifully noted by Kelsey Borresen in Huff Post. It holds profound significance, casting a sacred light on a woman's journey. As a postpartum professional, your role is crucial in supporting her. This blog post will guide you on how to embark on the rewarding journey of becoming a postpartum doula, providing holistic care and empowering mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. Understanding the Role of a Postpartum Doula: A postpartum doula is a trained professional who extends physical, emotional, and informational support  to mothers during the postpartum period. Beyond the essential newborn care, your role encompasses aiding a mother in a

The beautiful journey of becoming a mother often comes with its own set of challenges, and for many breastfeeding moms, ensuring an optimal milk supply is a top priority. In this blog post, I'll share practical tips and strategies to help you maintain healthy milk production for your little one.  Embrace Lots of Skin-to-Skin Contact  The magic of skin-to-skin, a.k.a. Kangaroo Mother Care  cannot be emphasized enough. This intimate connection with your baby not only strengthens your bond but also stimulates milk production. Spending quality time holding your baby skin-to-skin helps trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for your milk ejection reflex. So, cuddle up with your little one as much as possible.  Stay Hydrated Proper hydration is key to overall health and also plays a crucial role in breastfeeding. It's important to drink enough water throughout the day to support your body's functions, including milk production. Aim to drink at least eight glasse

     After nine wonderful years as a postpartum doula , the question, "A postpartum doula, what’s that?" still echoes in my ears. It's a journey filled with heartwarming moments, sleepless nights, and an unwavering commitment to supporting new moms. This blog isn't about tooting my own horn; as I hope to demystify the role of postpartum doulas for those who may not have encountered this invaluable resource yet.  A Night in the Life of an Overnight Postpartum Doula   Picture this: I arrive at the homes of usually very sleepy parents, ready to embark on a night of care and support. We have conversations about their baby, nightly routines, and feeding habits. Together, we plan the night—deciding whether the baby will be bottle-fed by me or nursed by mom and I offer to tackle tasks like folding baby laundry, sterilizing bottles, or preparing snacks for the tired mother.   Adaptability is key; I set up wherever the parents feel most comfortable, be it the nursery, livi

Last year, I had the pleasure of connecting with Vickie Bowles, a UK baby nurse and founder of The Baby Academy , on LinkedIn. Our shared perspective on sleep training led us to a Zoom call and the idea of co-writing a blog post on postnatal support in the first ten days at home for new parents in the UK and US.   In the UK and US, postnatal support can vary greatly, but there are some common themes when it comes to providing support to new parents in the first ten days at home. Here are five top tips for postnatal support:   Take care of yourself: While it's easy to focus all of your attention on the baby, it's so important to remember to take care of yourself too. Make sure you're getting enough rest, nourishment, and support. This may mean asking for help with household chores or getting some additional support from friends or family.   Get to know your baby: Each baby is different and has their own unique needs. Take the time to bond with your baby and learn their cues

When I graduated high school, I thought I had my future mapped out. I had always been fascinated by the beauty of pregnancy and believed that becoming an Ultrasound Technician would be the perfect career for me. However, as I began my studies to become a Medical Assistant, I discovered my true passion for patient care and nursing. I had chosen the medical assisting program as a steppingstone to a sonography career, but it ended up being the starting point for a new journey.     After completing my program, I gave birth to my baby girl and made the decision to put my career on hold to focus on being the best mother I could be. I took on a live-in nanny position while my husband was stationed overseas, and it was an incredible experience to be able to care for children while also spending time with my own baby. This experience reinforced my desire to help others and solidified my decision to become a postpartum doula.                                                                       

Hey there, new mama! Are you in need of some support after your baby is born, but not interested in having someone physically present in your home? Virtual postpartum doula support might be the perfect solution for you. Postpartum doulas provide support in the first weeks after birth. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby.  As a postpartum doula and certified breastfeeding specialist, I am able to provide non-judgmental support, a listening ear, and a sounding board to new parents as they navigate the challenges of parenthood. I can offer support and guidance on a variety of topics related to caring for a newborn, including soothing techniques, sleep routines, breastfeeding and pumping. I am also able to troubleshoot pumping issues, teach paced-feeding methods to assist with transitioning from bottle to breast, and help mothers size themselves for their flange to make the process of pumping comfortable and more efficient. Through phone calls and v