In the few weeks after a woman delivers her baby, she will need encouragement, help and support. For most couples, this is a trying time, especially when family is far away and women don't have a mom or a sister around the corner. Women are getting used to their new role as mothers, and newborns are learning all about their moms! Getting into a routine can be very daunting, tiring and frustrating.
As a postpartum doula, I visit the new family at home and help them get situated.
I help with basic baby and mom care
I cook for the family
I take care of baby's laundry
I can take care of simple household needs
I make phone calls/ appointments for the family
As far as the scheduling goes, I work that out with the family before the baby is born
I can come every day
I can come very other day
I can help out for as many or as little hours as I am needed
I have a Mommy and Me Group that meets every Friday at Innovative Baby. This group helps new mothers connect with other new mothers, and I have guest speakers who cover many different topics.
Part of my skills as a postpartum doula include cooking healthy meals for the new family. I come up with easy menus and then prepare the meals at my house, and deliver them to your home. By planning ahead, I am totally aware of any dietary restrictions, allergies as well as likes and dislikes!!
With my childbirth package, I offer one complete meal for two: appetizer (soup or salad), main course, homemade bread, and a dessert!!
Most
babies go through a "colicky" period of unexplained crying episodes
from "pain". There are many theories about colic, but none of those are
conclusive. Adaptation of newborn G.I. tract to food and environment is
the most common theory.
Colic starts around 2-3 weeks of age, peaks around 6-7 weeks of age and slowly goes away, by 2 1/2 to 3 months of age.
Crying is usually worse in the late afternoon and may last for several hours each day.
Stools, appetite, temperature usually remain normal.
What to Do?
Don't
let baby "cry it out". Try to console baby, more crying causes more
discomfort, and more cry. Tight swaddling can help along with
rocking,singing, whispering. A warm bath may also help.
Breast
milk is the best food for baby, and so mom should be on a dairy free
diet, since one of the colic theories is based on allergy to "cows
milk".
Control constipation. Constipation and colic are two
different problems, but constipation will make baby more uncomfortable.
If baby is formula fed, a little boiled water between feedings can
help. Mom should get the ok from baby's doctor, and must not exceed 2
oz of water per day.
Try not to change baby's feeding type if baby has colic.
There
are some over the counter remedies that work for colic. Mylecon drops
are often recommended and are carried by pharmacies and health food
stores. Always check first with baby's doctor before giving anything to
baby.
When do you need to contact the doctor?
If baby's eating has changed If baby is vomiting (new onset) If baby's rectal temperature is more than 100.0F If baby is lethargic If baby has mucous or blood in the stool If baby cries uncontrollably for more than 4-5 hours
