newborn care

newborn care

Childbirth Education Classes: so many options

 

Childbirth Education Classes
Childbirth Education Classes

Childbirth education classes were created to help inform, educate and empower parents so they feel confident and knowledgeable about their birth and early parenthood experiences.  Anecdotes and studies alike will agree: it is an extremely good idea to start learning the ropes and making major decisions before you are in the throes of labor, breastfeeding and the early days of parenting.  Prepare ahead of time.  Dr. Google—while we all love to rely on him from time to time—is NOT where you want to turn at a time like this.  Plus, the internet is widely known for providing a plethora of misinformation, and it’s sometimes difficult to discern current, research-based best practices from all the rest.

Whether you are planning for a medication-free birth, an epidural, a scheduled c-section, or have no time in your busy schedule…make childbirth education classes a priority.  The investment of time and money are well worth the decreased anxiety and increased probability for healthier outcomes (outcomes, I might add, that will last you and your child a lifetime). [Read more…] about Childbirth Education Classes: so many options

Umbilical cord care

Cord Care: What do I do with this stump?

Caring for your newborns umbilical cord

Your baby’s umbilical cord is the life line between mom’s placenta and baby. It is developed between the 4th and 8th week in utero and contains two arteries and one vein. The umbilical vein supplies the baby with oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta and the umbilical arteries carry de-oxygenated blood and waste from the baby to the placenta.

Once the cord is cut and clamped after birth, what do you do with the umbilical stump? In short, nothing! There used to be two main schools of thought when it came to taking care of your newborns umbilical cord; some hospitals and birthing centers left it alone completely while others directed you to clean it with alcohol after every diaper change to help it dry out faster. [Read more…] about Umbilical cord care

Due to COVID 19, Colleen will be providing virtual and/or in home support.

Feel free to call, text or email her for virtual support in the comfort, safely providing virtual and in-person support based on families needs!