new mom

A Postpartum Doula is more than a babysitter

August 25, 2015

As Postpartum Doulas, RMDS offers a lot of care that is typical to the job. Some examples are assisting with breastfeeding, offering education, companionship and nonjudgmental support, offering baby wearing and cloth diapering support, evidence-based information on infant feeding, infant soothing, emotional and physical recovery from birth and coping skills for new parents and making appropriate referrals when necessary. But there are other experiences that Postpartum Doulas have….

-cuddling a sleeping baby and hoping you can make that transition to the crib

-helping baby breastfeed, while mom is sleeping (overnights)

-baby baths

-walking baby stroller on a movie set because mom is in the industry

-washing baby clothes

-playing pokemon cards with a sibling

-making waxing appointments for mom while loading the dishwasher

-rocking a colicky baby all night once a week so mom can get SOME sleep

-sweeping while singing baby beluga to an older sibling

Our role as a postpartum doula is to support a new mother. We do nearly everything (minus yard work and bathrooms!) If that means making her feel supported, comfortable and confident by keeping her precious new baby safe and cared for while Mom goes to the gym, gets her nails done, gets a physical from her care provider, has a nap or shower then that’s what we do. We are trained professionals that have seen many, many babies, understand child development and know the community well for referrals. We are not teenage babysitters that are eating chips and using you for free wifi, we are doing this job to educate the mother and to mother your own intuition.

Family Day

February 5, 2015

I had known my whole life I would one day become a mother. Some people do, others may take a bit longer to decide. There isn’t a right or wrong way, it’s all just a path we wander along at our own pace.

The day it happened, I felt prepared. I knew things would change; that each day going forward would be different than each that had passed. You hear things from everyone when you begin your family, those words of wisdom that get handed down from generation to generation. The obvious clichés. Of course life changes with kids! You will do anything for your children! You learn an entirely new level of love! But these phrases don’t seems to really speak at full volume until your kids finally do become a part of your family.

It all changes from that special moment when you look into their eyes, (which may not be until later in their lives- baby blues post to come soon!), and you realize that yea, you would probably do anything and everything in your power to give this person the best life imaginable.

You learn to accept the difficulties; the sleep deprivation, the early mornings, the wasted food. You learn to enjoy playing on the floor all day, repeatedly drawing semi-trucks, and laughing maniacally at something just because it makes your kid laugh. You embrace the idea that sometimes you don’t get to do what you want to do, and instead you just have to enjoy what it is your kid wants you to do. Just because they love you, and you love them.

We learn what it’s like to be a family, all over again, when our kids are born. That generation old advice finally has a new grasp on us, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone we know. We reignite the cliche for the next generation.

Happy Family Day to each of you incredible parents out there- go spend some time with the little people in your lives who make them so worth living!

-Erin

Breastfeeding in the Heat of Summer

July 11, 2014

Teresa Pitman, co-author of La Leche League’s The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, shares this information, “The composition of your breast milk will change in response to the need of your baby – a higher water content in the hot weather and a higher fat content in the colder months.”

Tips to breastfeeding in the hot summer….for baby
-liquids other than breast milk are filling, they don’t have as much nutrients and may effect your breast milk supply. avoid water and stick with your milk.
-breast milk is supply and demand, feed baby frequently.
-Breast milk is designed to be thirst quenching and full of vitamins, fat and other goodness. Remember how thirsty you are in the heat, baby is too. Give him some thirst quenching foremilk.

Tips for breastfeeding in the hot summer…. for Mom
-Try and offer skin to skin. While this can me a sticky sweaty option it can increase your milk supply and offer more hydration for your little one. Oxytocin! (bonus if you can find AC!) If this is not possible have a thin receiving blanket between you and baby
-breastfeed side laying— this way baby isn’t sweat induced suction cupped to you.

Tips for supporting breastfeeding… for fathers and other family members
– Offer a cool drink for mom as she is breastfeeding
-offer encouragement. You know what it’s like when someone tries to snuggle up to you in the heat of summer, imagine this every few hours. Remind her of her awesomeness and dedication to the health of her baby.

Breast milk is perfect for summer. Wither you are going to the beach, playground or camping breast milk is always available. It’s super easy! It requires no preparation, no refrigeration, doesn’t spoil, and often comes in easy to access packaging, (think tank tops and maxi dresses)

Anything else to add? Please comment below.

Baby, Belly and Kid Show

March 18, 2014

I was asked to host a table at the Belly, Baby and Kid Show at the Act in Maple Ridge. It was first a shock that someone knew who I was to contact me. I started my little business formally in May 2013. That’s when my website and blog went up and when I decided to try and turn this passion into a career. So for me to know in less than a year I have a) made enough money to afford a table and b) get recognized in the community makes me very proud I followed my heart.

Besides over 40 vendors a few other things are happening…

-interactive family fun zone
-stage performers (dance, karate, magician)
-mini seminars (sleep consultant and nutritionist)
-the Easter bunny!
-queen Elsa is visiting
-200 swag bags

Come out to support local businesses in our community and to spend time with family and friends.

Oh, and don’t forget to come by and say Hi… Maybe buy an essential oil or book a birth doula interview. My and my assistant will ready to help you!

Essential Oils for Healing

February 18, 2014

So, when I’m not at a birth, helping a mom postpartum, encapsulating a placenta, being a mom or a wife or working full time…. Phew, I decided to distribute Essential Oils For Healing.

Now this is not something I thought i was going to do, it was actually something that was relativly new to me. Not until I was pregnant in 2009 did I learn more about Essential Oils and the benefits. I’ve since used them in cleaning products, in my cloth wipes, in baths, in diffusers, orally, topically…. (and probably more). I’ve decided to write a few ways I use them in my day to day life.

Diffusing

If you asked my husband he would say my new favorite past time is researching diffusers and then purchasing them. Well, partially true, I have 3 very different diffusers. I have one that is a plug in (think Glade without chemicals, only pure essential oils) and I have a candle diffuser (I think its about 15 years old from the Body Shop, but it’s a goody) and lastly my most prized possession is a cold air humidifying diffuser.

These allow me to diffuse my favorite scents (right now eucalyptus, lavender and grapefruit). Some are for healing– (I have a nasty cold right now and the eucalyptus helps my nostrils do their job properly). And some are for air freshener– our bathroom smells like grapefruits, better than what it has smelled like in the past.

My Every Day Cleaner

When I was pregnant I started reading labels of household cleaners and freaking out a bit. So many chemicals! To make me less paronoid I started concocting my own cleaning products. After many attempts I think I perfected my everyday cleaner. Here is a simple one I use on a regular basis.

4 cups of water

1/4 cup vinegar

20 drops or tea tree oil

1 tbs castile soap

Home Made Bum Wipe Solution

This is so simple and much easier and healthier for your baby. No nasty ingredients you can’t read or pronounce.

–Roll up your soft cotton wash cloths and place in a wipes warmer

–add 2 cups of warm water

–5 drops of Tea Tree Oil

–1 tablespoon of coconut oil

What do you use Essential Oils for?

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