Have you ever wondered what ALL the names given to postpartum professionals mean?  It can be a confusing and daunting task trying to figure out who can best support you and your family’s needs after the birth of your child(ren). My ALL inclusive, comprehensive, postpartum support is based on your individual needs. I come ready to […]

Have you ever wondered what ALL the names given to postpartum professionals mean?  It can be a confusing and daunting task trying to figure out who can best support you and your family’s needs after the birth of your child(ren).

My ALL inclusive, comprehensive, postpartum support is based on your individual needs. I come ready to help foster independence and build your confidence as you begin your parenting journey.

Postpartum, Newborn Nursery, Mother/Baby, Couplet Care, Community/Public Health Registered Nurse: I have worked as an RN in all of these capacities and always give the same superior and passionate care in and out of the hospital/birth center and in home.  As an RN, I use my training, education, and 16 years of experience helping families transition to provide you with the utmost in postpartum support.

• Postpartum nurses wear several hats – advocate, assessments, patient and family educator, counselor, nutritionist, spiritual advisor and resource liaison.
• Utilize observation and clinical skills in head to toe assessments to get a complete and thorough understanding of how the mother and baby are adjusting.
• Watch for signs of postpartum depression/anxiety and to provide support and treatment
• Oversee patient/family education and treatment; educate mothers on how to care for themselves and their infant, address concerns or questions by the mother and family.

CPD (Certified Postpartum Doula)

My most recent certification demonstrates my desire to further nurture, educate and foster independence in families as they transition into their postpartum period.  I like to say this certification is the cherry on top of my ever increasing postpartum knowledge base, which encompasses various aspects of my nursing training and other certifications.

• As a postpartum doula, I draw more from my emotional mom side and less of my medical side to be able to provide the reassurance, a listening ear, give an encouraging word, lend a helping hand and help the mother and family tap into their abilities and instincts.
• Pay close attention to the development of postpartum mood disorders and will help clients screen themselves and make referrals to clinicians or support groups as needed.
• Respect the partner’s role and input and provide parents the tools they need to go forward with confidence.  This is accomplished through personalized, non-judgmental support, that allows them to focus on what they really want – meeting their baby’s needs!

CLE (Certified Lactation Educator)

Obtaining this certification came naturally after working many years with families trying to get their baby off to the best nutritional start possible.

• Provide support by knowing the anatomy of physiology of lactation
• Assisting mother with breast feeding, proper positioning, identifying signs of correct latch-on, recognizing feeding/hunger cues, assessing infant hydration status and pumping.
• I teach the mother about breast and nipple care along with the importance of proper nutrition and rest for her.
• Help to make the partner and other family members feel included and give them tips to help support the nursing mother, as well as make appropriate referrals to lactation consultant and/or support groups.

For the families that choose to bottle fed with formula or expressed breast milk (EBM)

• Demonstrate and explain bottle sterilizing and cleaning, formula prep and storage, as well as discuss bottle and nipple flow types.
• Inform family members on bonding, feeding patterns, number and volume of feedings, hunger cues, burping and stooling and voiding patterns.
• Discuss safety issues regarding bottle feeding and discourage propping of the bottle (choking hazard), feeding at room temperature, examining expiration date and when to discarding formula after use.
• When or if lactation suppression is necessary, proper education will be given as well.

CCBE (Certified Childbirth Educator)

I decided to obtain this certification after years of listening to family, friends and patients talk about their disappointments of not getting the anticipated outcome for the birth they wanted or desired.  I also heard from labor and delivery nurses, obstetricians and midwives talk about their frustrations with uninformed patients.  My goal has always been to help expectant parents prepare for pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting. It is important for parents to make informed decisions about their care and take an active role in preparing, all the while remaining flexible as childbirth can be unpredictable.  My role as a childbirth educator is to educate and empower parents to make informed choices based upon research, evidenced-based information and best practice.

Postpartum Plan Consultant (PPC)

If you feel like you will have plenty of help and support at home, this may be just what you need. Planning and preparing for your postpartum period without the in home support after delivery can help alleviate fear of the postpartum period.  This can include creating a postpartum plan (like a birth plan) with focus on specific postpartum areas.  Topics include, what to expect in the hospital immediately following delivery for mom and baby, what physical and emotional issues one might encounter and how to care for them, where to find lactation support, meal support, going back to work/school, birth control, sibling care, relationships, new roles and responsibilities, to name a few.  Just as you prepare for having a baby, you can prepare for your postpartum period before it happens!

Newborn/Infant Care Specialist (N/ICS)

I have 18 years of professional experience working with newborns in a variety of settings: primarily as an RN in the newborn nursery but also with child development classes, CPR and NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) classes and teaching and writing evidenced based curriculum for newborn care classes.   I have spent years honing my newborn assessment skills and teaching about the development and unique needs of newborns.

Nursery Consultant (NC)

Helping families prepare for what is necessary in their nursery and what is not. For example, even though crib sets come with bumper pads, the American Academy of Pediatrics states, “there is no evidence that bumpers protect against injury, but they do carry a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment because infants lack the motor skills or strength to turn their heads should they roll into something that obstructs their breathing.”  More is not always better, so finding out what is most important for the nursery is essential as well as having a second location in the home to set up as a changing station fully stocked with diapers, wipes, creams, pacifiers, breast pads, change of clothing, burp clothes and other necessary supplies as an additional convenience for the recovering mom.

Home Safety Consultant (CHSC)

I will walk through your house from room to room and together we will develop a plan to keep your curious toddler safe.  I know you may be thinking that it is too soon to start baby proofing your house, but it is NEVER too early to start!  The list is long and can be overwhelming.

• From outlet covers, to stove and door knob covers, dishwasher and refrigerator latches, window and fireplace guards, safety gates near stairs or to keep child in a specific area, putting ALL medicines and cleaning supplies up high, door pinch guards and corner cushions, anchoring and securing heavy furniture, toilet latches, checking the hot water heater, plants, electrical cords and power strip safety covers.
• All these safety measures do NOT take the place of adult supervision; the potential dangers are real and could mean the difference between serious injuries and death.

 I also have an extensive list of resources to direct parents on how to find and connect with various agencies and programs throughout Tucson.  I am adjunct faculty at the University Of Arizona College Of Nursing and actively participate in the Mother Baby Wellness and Postpartum Depression Coalitions in Tucson.