Benefits of a Postpartum Doula
Benefits of a Postpartum Doula in Orlando
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Emotional Support for New Mothers
Physical Recovery Assistance
Breastfeeding Support
Infant Care Education
Partner Support
Reducing the Risk of Postpartum Depression
Creating a Calm and Nurturing Environment
Encouraging Self-Care for Mothers
Tailored Support to Meet Individual Needs
Enhancing Family Bonding
Long-Term Benefits
Conclusion
How IBCLCs make a Difference in the Breastfeeding Journey
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC
Make a significant difference in the breastfeeding journey in several ways:
March 6th is International IBCLC day- Cheers to all IBCLCs globally.
Expert Assessment: IBCLCs are highly trained in assessing lactation also known as breastfeeding with techniques, latch, milk transfer, and overall breastfeeding dynamics. They can identify any issues or challenges early on and provide recommendations for improvement.
Personalized Support: Every parent and baby pair is unique, and IBCLCs offer personalized support tailored to individual needs. They take into account factors such as the baby’s age, mother’s health, and specific challenges to develop a customized plan for success.
Problem Solving: Breastfeeding can present various challenges such as latch difficulties, low milk supply, nipple pain, or concerns about weight gain. IBCLCs have the expertise to troubleshoot these issues, offer practical solutions, and guide parents through the process of overcoming obstacles.
Education and Empowerment: IBCLCs provide evidence-based education to parents on topics such as breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and understanding infant hunger cues. By empowering parents with knowledge and skills, IBCLCs help them feel more confident and capable in their journey.
Support for Special Circumstances: IBCLCs are trained to support feeding in special circumstances. Such as premature infants, multiples, babies with medical conditions, or mothers with specific health concerns. They can offer guidance and strategies to address unique challenges and ensure optimal breastfeeding outcomes.
Emotional Support: Feeding can be emotionally challenging for some parents, especially if they encounter difficulties or face societal pressures. IBCLCs offer compassionate support, encouragement, and reassurance, helping parents navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence and resilience.
Continuity of Care: IBCLCs often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers such as pediatricians, obstetricians, or midwives to ensure continuity of care. They communicate and coordinate with these professionals to address breastfeeding concerns comprehensively and provide holistic support to families.
Postpartum Support: The postpartum period is a critical time for establishing breastfeeding, and IBCLCs offer valuable support during this time. They can assist with management, address concerns promptly, and provide ongoing support as needed to help parents succeed in their breastfeeding goals, even when baby isn’t going to the breast.
Overall, IBCLCs play a crucial role in supporting and guiding parents through their journey, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve successful outcomes for both parent and baby.
Reach out if you would like to meet with an IBCLC virtually. In person visits available in the Central Florida area.
Should I go to a Childbirth Class?
Childbirth Class
Often times I hear pregnant moms say “I don’t need to go to childbirth class I am going to use an epidural” and it is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about childbirth class that exist. Before the electronic era and wide spread use of pain medication for pain control, the common way expectant parents could learn about what was going to happen to them during birth was to attend a childbirth class. Over the years the childbirth education classes have seen a decline in attendance, yet a lot of people spend more time and resources researching how to remodel a bathroom or kitchen than learning about bringing a baby into the world.
Options
Today offers a lot more options. With YouTube and the internet, one doesn’t even need to leave their home or put down their hand held device to get advice and information on giving birth. It is true that babies will come into this world without their parents taking a class on “childbirth”. After all, childbirth classes didn’t exist 100 plus years ago and babies still arrived. Fast forward to a very busy society. Today 80% to 90% of laboring patients use epidural and c-section rates are the highest they have ever been across the United States.
Learning from a childbirth expert what you can do to increase your chances of a positive birth experience is worth your time and money. Most hospitals offer some type of class, but it is also very popular to see other classes offered in the community. For those with busy schedules, private classes are the perfect option and are not as expensive as you might think. Most classes whether group or private should cover basic items like when to go to the hospital or birth center, stages and phases of labor, basic terminology, comfort measures, partner tips, interventions. Some classes include newborn care and breastfeeding. The hot topics usually are pain medications.
Thoughts on Pain Management
In my 34 years of experience there are generally three types of thinking when approaching pain control;
1. I definitely want an epidural.
2. I will wait and see if I need one.
3. No thank you, I do not want one.
There is no right or wrong answer, only you can decide, but I also encourage you to stay open about options. For example if you are planning on an epidural learning about when the ideal time is to get an epidural can help you to decrease your chances of a C-section. Most moms don’t realize that the number one way to decrease their chances of a C-section is to wait until active labor to come to the hospital. We call this the 511 rule – contractions at least 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute long, for at least 1 hour. Also using a peanut ball decreases chances of surgery as well.
If you are planning on not having an epidural, have you thought about what it takes? Do you have good labor support? Have you thought about hiring a doula? Key to laboring without an epidural is movement, use of hydro therapy, access to many comfort measures, and understanding all the ins and outs of labor. Do you understand when an epidural can be beneficial? Yes, even for those “natural” mamas, sometimes interventions can be helpful in unique situations. Being prepared and not afraid makes a world of difference.
Birth planning and birth itself is not 100% black and white.
Education Empowers
The more you are educated and understand the value in good communication with your nurses, midwives and doctors the more satisfied you will be even if the need arises for a C-section.
Your childbirth educator is the expert that you can ask all kinds of questions to and bounce things off that you have read or heard.
It’s is your birth, and education is key!
Virtual Classes email [email protected]
Kathy Bradley, CD, ICCE, IBCLC has been in the Maternal Health field for 34 years and has taught countess families. She taught for 14 years as the 2nd largest volume hospital in the US, located in Orlando.
Surviving the Holidays: A Self-Care Guide for New Parents
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for new parents, this time of year can also bring a unique set of challenges and stressors. Between caring for a newborn, sleepless nights, and the pressure to create magical memories, it’s easy for self-care to take a back seat. In this “Holiday Edition – Self-Care for New Parents” blog, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help new parents not only survive but thrive during the holidays.
Prioritize Self-Care:
New parents often feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but self-care is crucial for your well-being and the well-being of your family. Consider it an essential part of your parenting routine, not an indulgence.
Manage Holiday Stress:
The holiday season can be overwhelming. To manage stress:
- Set realistic expectations for what you can accomplish.
- Create a holiday budget to avoid financial stress.
- Learn to say no when necessary.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded.
Time Management Tips:
- Create a holiday schedule that includes self-care breaks.
- Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
Healthy Eating Habits:
- Aim for balanced meals and stay hydrated.
- Don’t skip meals, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
- Allow yourself occasional treats but in moderation.
Setting Realistic Expectations:
- Your baby doesn’t need elaborate gifts or perfect decorations. Simplicity can be just as meaningful.
- It’s okay if things don’t go as planned; flexibility is key.
Gift Ideas and Wish List:
- Create a wish list of self-care gifts and share it with loved ones. Consider asking for items like spa vouchers, massage sessions, or house cleaning services.
Creating Meaningful Traditions:
- Focus on creating traditions that are manageable and enjoyable for your family.
- Think about activities that bring you closer and create lasting memories.
Holiday Well-Wishes:
Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for being the best parent you can be. We wish you a joyful and self-caring holiday season!