What is a Doula?

A Doula is there to help with the journey into parenthood. A Doula is a woman who helps other women transition from pregnancy to the parenting of a new baby, helping with any questions, obstacles, feelings or situations that may arise. The word Doula comes from the Greek language meaning “to serve”, “to take care of” “to nurture”. There are two types of Doula’s. A Labor Doula and a Postpartum Doula.

A Postpartum Doula

• can guide you through breastfeeding in those first hours or weeks, and give precious advice on parenting and newborn care
• can explain how your body behaves in the first weeks after birth and give practical tips on abdominal and perineal care as well as nutrition
• can show you how to bathe, diaper, clothe, wrap, massage and carry your baby.
• can reassure you about your baby’s behaviour or appearance
• can help you choose the right products for baby, at home and away
• can put you in contact with reliable healthcare professionals such as pediatricians, lactation consultants, osteopaths or massage therapists
• The postpartum doula comes to your home on your time
• Research shows that hiring a postpartum doula
• -lowers the rates of postpartum depression
• -enhances breastfeeding rates
• -encourages more confident parenting
• -encourages fathers to feel more confident and involved

You can also click here for a very good informational video about the role of a Doula with real parent comments.

Click here for a great Postpartum Doula Informational Video

When can I bathe my baby?

You’ll want to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm washcloth for the fist week or so,  not putting your baby in a bath tub of water, until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals. You need to keep the umbilical cord stump area dry, until it falls off, which takes anywhere from 5-14 days after birth. Your baby is left with a beautiful inny or outy belly button. After that you really need to bathe a newborn only once or twice a week. Babies just don’t get that dirty until they start crawling around. After six weeks, you can begin bedtime routines if you choose, by bathing every night before bed. Us a gentle soap and shampoo recommended for babies.

What can I use on sore nipples?

The best treatment of sore nipples is prevention. The best prevention is latching the baby on properly from the first day. Sore nipples are usually due to one or both of two causes. Either the baby is not positioned and latched properly, or the baby is not suckling properly or both. Freshly expressed breastmilk applied to your nipples will not only soothe your nipples, but also reduce the chances of infection, as human milk has antibacterial properties. You can use hydrogel dressings also, keep refrigerated for a more soothing affect. Read packaging before use.Many of my clients love using Mother Love nipple cream. It will soon be available for purchase on this web site.

When can I take my baby out of the house?

Many parents worry about taking a very young baby outside of the house. There is no medical reason not to take a healthy baby out of the house. Fresh air and a change of pace can be good for baby and mommy. It’s exposure to other people that can cause baby to become sick. Limit the time you spend in close quarters with crowds. Stay away from anyone who is sick. Dress your baby in the same number of layers as you would wear, though you may want to add a light blanket or jacket for good measure. Protect baby from the sun with shade. You can use a hat or drape a light blanket over the stroller when in direct sunlight