Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Difficulties, Chestfeeding, Dads, Doula, Newborn Care, Nursing, Parenthood, Postpartum

Doula Twinklings

As I have been thinking through this post series, I have questioned what would have been valuable to know after I gave birth. Some of this might sound crazy to you, but others are going to raise a hand and say, “Yeah! Me too!”

So for my first twinkling, I am going to hit on nursing. You may call it breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or nursing. I am going to discuss the initial soreness of breasts and my situation.

I remember it so well. The nurse asked, “Would you like to breastfeed your baby?”

And in my naive, I have read all the books way, I responded,”Yes, planning to.”

And she picked up my fresh baby and grabbed my breast and said, “Watch for her mouth to fully open and stuff your nipple in.”

Well, that sounded so easy!

By day 3, I was home…alone and my fresh baby as beautiful as could be; would not fed as easily as she did at the hospital. My breasts hurt. I was exhausted. I was in pain and I was DONE!!!

Have you ever quit…really before you had begun anything? This is where I was.

No one ever told me that most parents struggle those first few weeks. No one said that breastfeeding was not easy. It looked like a piece of cake in the books! So, with my sweet baby screaming her loving head off, I gave in. My superhero of a husband brought me a drink, told me to relax and used one of those little bottles from the hospital to calm our baby and feed her so I could take a moment to rest.

And you know what!

I went on to have a very successful nursing relationship with her and she was crazy healthy!

All while, in my head I questioned everything. Don’t you?

This parenting thing looks different for everyone. Some breastfeed/chestfeed and some bottle feed with formula. Some have struggled for years to conceive and others… All this to say embrace where you are and how you parent. There is no right way and there is no right book to read. Each baby and each family is uniquely different.

Hugs to each of you. You are enough and you are the perfect parent for your child right now!

Doula, Newborn Care, Parenthood, Support for after having a baby, Uncategorized

Newborn Care Class

Taking care of a new baby can be overwhelming, scary and emotional; especially if you are a new parent. Every infant is different and we are here to assist you. Inspire Doula Services has developed a class specifically to support new parents. This class will help build your confidence and self-assurance by giving you practical tips and through knowledge of infant care basics.

Classes are now forming. Daytime, evening and weekend times are available. Classes are approximately 90-120 minutes long. Group Classes will be 3 hours with a break. Plan to take this class in the last trimester of your pregnancy. If you miss taking this class during the recommended time your pregnancy, private classes are available.

Inspire Doula Services also offers to come to your home after your delivery and assist with practical support and education for your new baby!

The following topics will be covered:

  • Umbilical Cord Care
  • Circumcision or Intact Penis
  • Bathing and Other Care
  • Diapering- Cloth and Disposable
  • Feeding- Breastfeeding, Bottle-Feeding and Pumping
  • Baby Wearing-Slings, Wraps and Carriers
  • Comfort & Soothing-Knowing Your Baby’s Cues
  • Sleeping and Safety
  • Symptoms of Sickness and Proper Care

The cost is: Private Class – $150 / Group Class – $120

Bed-rest, Birth, Birth Hospitals and Centers, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Difficulties, Meals, Mom, Nanny for Siblings, Newborn Care, Parenthood, Postpartum, self care, Support for after having a baby

Support Matters

I remember a time when I felt all alone. 7 months pregnant with 3 others under 5 years old. I was trapped. At 29 weeks, I went to a standard appointment and explained to my obstetrician that I was having some Braxton Hicks. After that appointment I was filled with shock and in awe of what she discovered…I now had to be on complete bed-rest. I was not allowed to pick up my toddler or stand longer than it took to walk to the bathroom. I was instructed to only do the stairs once a day…in my tri-level house. I could not play on the floor or cook my family dinner. My priority was to keep my little baby in the womb as long as possible. For just about, 6 weeks I was captive in my own home and in my own body hoping the best for our unborn son.

Can I tell you something? 

Having no immediate family living in our state. Having a husband who had to work to provide for our family. I was left hopeless.

I was surprised in the most unbelievable and humbling way. There was a tribe that rallied around our family.These women made meals, watched our children, and cleaned our home as if it was their own. I had never seen anything like this!

Part of the reason why I became a doula, both birth and postpartum, is because of this tribe. I hope that no family is left unsupported. There are trained professionals ready to help you with newborn care, bed-rest situations, breastfeeding difficulties, nanny the siblings, make you meals, and lend a hand during your postpartum time.  Support matters, because it made a difference to me!

Parenthood

Parenthood SOS

Have you ever wondered which diaper is best?  How to care for an umbilical cord?  Why you want to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby?  Who has the best stroller or carseat for your precious bundle? How do I get my 5 month old to sleep for more than 4 hours at a time?  Do I always need to use diaper cream?  How can we bond as couple now that we have this baby?

These questions and more will be tackled in a series of upcoming blog posts (With the hope of becoming classes in the future for the postpartum stages of parenthood.)

Parenting is hard and each parent is unique! Your baby is unique too! I remember being a new parent and reading every book, website article, blog and magazine I could get my hands on! How many of you are the same way?

Then this sweet little baby was placed in my arms and POW…I immediately knew nothing! 

NOTHING!

My birth was harder than expected.  My baby struggled to nurse right away.  I was deliriously sleepy, and my partner was too! We tried everything, twice! Do you know what I mean?

Dear sweet new parents or parents again,
Your baby is special and you might be finding that you need support!  Well,  I don’t claim to know everything, however I want nothing more than your success as a parent!

Stay tuned as I unpack some of the great mysteries.  Be prepared to laugh with me and maybe cry as I share the reality of becoming a parent.  My hope is to put tools in your arsenal as you jump of the cliff into the greatest calling there is…PARENTHOOD.

Feel free to message me with questions.  I will respond with links of ways you can educate yourself! And feel free to share yours! Parenting well is a two way street and it takes a village!

Until next time!

Live Inspired,
Ang

Birth, Dads, Parenthood, What's a Doula

Doulas, Baseball and Dads

What’s a doula from the Dad’s Perspective?

Okay dads, this is written just for you. Yes, I am a doula. I also love sports. I know you probably have a hundred questions, but I hope to answer a few here. If not, please email.

What is my role in birth?

doula, also known as birth supporter or labor coach, is a person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth. This coach may also provide encouragement to the spouse and family by providing physical and emotional support.  Continuous support during labor has been linked with improved maternal and fetal health, including lower risk of induction and interventions. These benefits are particularly significant when continuous support is provided by someone who is not there as family/friend or as medical staff (such as a doula). Sometimes, a doula is hired to support families in the postpartum stages for as long as needed (sometimes, this support can be ongoing for several years)1. A doula, in this role, may care for the newborn while the parents sleep, work or take care of their physical or emotional needs. 

 

So, let’s put that into a sport. How about baseball?

Baseball Analogy

Mom is the pitcher. She is going to control the game. She wants this win!

Dad is the catcher. Not to say you will do the catching, but it is the relationship between the pitcher and catcher that will win the game! The catcher can calm the pitcher and knows her the best.

The doula is the base coach. They watch the field, encourage the players, and knows the game very well.

Head coach is your care provider. He/she is there to take lead of the game when necessary.

 

Does that make sense? Dad’s you have an amazing opportunity during the birth of your sweet baby to become a new dad and to be the hero of your spouse.

Doulas want you to feel supported and cared for too! This a family job. We care for mothers, babies, and fathers. During the birth process, which can go on for many hours, a doula is there to grant you opportunities to go for nourishment or to take a brief break. Your spouse will be supported the entire time. Once the baby is born and you are enjoying those precious new moments as a family. Many doulas will take pictures for you. When you are settled, your doula slips away to allow further bonding.

In a few weeks, your doula will make an appointment to follow-up. At that time, they will make sure the family is adjusting well. She will offer encouragement, support  and be on her way. She is available for other services as requested.

Take care new dad and enjoy your family!

 

1 Doula. n.d. In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 28, 2017.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula