Congratulations to Rosie and Taffy on your two sweet babies!
After much deliberation, my kiddos finally agreed on the names Cookie (because, cookies!) and Clara (because we'll be off to see the Nutcracker at the Overture Center for a family date night).
Don't worry, Rosie did spend several days in bed after the delivery, and the whole family seems happy and very much in love!
Since we can't touch the elves we have no idea about normal baby stats, but we do know that they are adorable, and our whole family is REALLY hoping that when they grow up they get to stay here (4 elves!) and don't go to live with a different family. Anyone know how fast baby elves grow??
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #lakemillswi #madisonwi #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #childbirthclasses #madisonbirthprofessionals #elfontheshelf
I couldn't believe how many days it took for our kiddos to notice that Rosie's belly was growing and growing!
Once they finally did they were so excited, and very curious about her upcoming delivery! Would she deliver at the North Pole, or our house? Would her baby be born in the water or on land (two of my three labors were waterbirths)? Would she have a belly birth?
With a doula as a mom, my kids are exposed to a lot of information regarding bodies, birthing, and babies! I love to hear their thoughts and how normal the process of growing and delivering babies is to them. Can't wait to meet the new little elf!
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #childbirthclasses #madisonbirthprofessionals #elfontheshelf
I made up the motions to go with this song when my kiddos were babies, and I use it all the time during my postpartum doula work!
Any time a baby seems gassy (observed by grunting and moving the lower half of their body side-to-side or kicking), and any time I am about to put them down for a nap or sleep, I want to make sure they're as comfortable as possible!
Tip: If you baby feels stiff or is resisting the movements, don't force them. Make smaller motions until they relax, or wait and try again later.
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Some people who are on the fence about having a doula work with them are hesitant about adding someone to their labor team - they want the birth of their baby to be intimate and special, and something for just the two of them to treasure. Did you know that working with a doula can actually make it easier for the two of you to spend more time together in a calm, peaceful environment? Contact us today to learn more about how a doula can support you!
https://aligndoula.com/contact-us
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses
Help! My baby has cradle cap!
First, pour some olive oil on a paper towel, and gently rub it over the flakes in a circular motion. (Use a generous amount of oil, but it shouldn’t be dripping). Let this sit for a few minutes to loosen the flakes.
Next, use a soft brush (like this one from the hospital) to gently brush in circles over the flakes.
(It should feel soothing for baby - see how he sleeps right through it!)
Wipe or rinse the comb as needed. By this time the oil has been absorbed, so no need to wash it off. Repeat as needed!
What is cradle cap? Cradle cap is the presence of patchy flakes or thick crusts on the scalp (as seen by the photo in the video), that can also extend onto the forehead, ears, eyelids, nose, and groin. The cause of cradle cap is not known, but luckily it is not itchy or painful for your baby. It is very common on infants, and it is not contagious nor is it caused by poor hygiene. It usually clears up on it's own, but you should contact your baby's doctor if it doesn't go away with home treatments, or if it spreads to your baby's face or body. (Info from mayoclinic.org).
Keeping your baby clean can help some (depending on if your baby has dry or oily skin) but even if bathing daily you should only be using mild baby soap a few times per week.
Follow for more helpful information!
Align Doula Services.
The support you deserve for an empowering experience.
AlignDoula.com
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“As many as 1 in 7 moms (1 in 10 dads) experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during the postpartum period.”
-Postpartum Support International
Call the PSI Helpline at
800-944-4773,
or text at 503-894-9453.
You are not alone.
You deserve help.
You are a good parent.
If you need more support, contact us to learn about postpartum doulas. Catch up on sleep, find reassurance, get help with daily tasks that feel like too much.
We are here to help.
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonbirthprofessionals #madisonmoms #worldmentalhealthday
What the heck does a postpartum doula do?
This is SUCH a tough question to answer, because the possibilities feel pretty endless!
At this visit, I did a bath demo for Baby L (Mama watched and assisted while I talked her through the steps), I demonstrated some infant massage, and then I showed Mama how to file baby's nails, since she's nervous to try clippers or scissors.
Other possibilities include: Accompanying the family on errands or outings, talking through postpartum recovery topics, providing care for baby while family rests/showers/eats/etc, helping with meal prep, tidying, folding laundry, demonstrating baby care, hanging with older siblings, and organizing calendars and events.
Our overall goal is to help families transition into life with their baby. Whether you schedule 1 or 20 visits, we are there for you!
www.aligndoula.com
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #laborsupport #lakemillswi #madisonwi #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses
A common question that we get asked during consultations is "how do you work with partners?"
The answer is - however you want us to! I've worked with families before where the partner knew that they were NOT going to shine as a birth support person. Both partners were open and accepting of that - and that's why they wanted me with them. Partner stayed in the background, and I provided all of the emotional and physical support.
I've worked with other families where the partner wanted to do EVERYTHING possible to offer support, they just needed some guidance and help knowing what the options were. In that case, I was the one in the background while the partner offered support. I offered suggestions as needed, mainly supporting the partner so that they could support their wife.
Doulas don't come into your space with an ego or plan about how they will support you. Our goal is always to help you have the birth you desire, no matter what role that places us in. Wherever you need us, that's where we'll be!
www.aligndoula.com
#birthdoula #aligndoula #postpartumdoula #laborsupport #lakemillswi #madisonwi #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
Early breastfeeding support is essential for success! In the beginning most people face a huge learning curve and it can take days, weeks, or even months to feel like you're an expert.
Did you know that after delivery, our birth doulas stay with families for 1-2 hours? For families who choose to breastfeed, we make that first latch a priority during that time.
In the home, our postpartum doulas help breastfeeding families by answering questions, helping with positioning, and making connections with other professionals if needed.
We're so grateful for our local IBCLCs who are the breastfeeding champions of the community, and help so many families find success.
Wisco Lactation is hosting a special breastfeeding group tomorrow at Haumea in Sun Prairie - be sure to check it out!
Looking for a postpartum doula? Visit aligndoula.com to learn more!
#aligndoula #postpartumdoula #birthdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses @haumea.yoga @wiscolactation @lori_theisen_rn_ibclc #worldbreastfeedingweek2024
What is a postpartum doula?
It's so hard to explain, because it really looks different for every family.
It's like having a one-on-one newborn care class in your home, in real time, where the instructor will also hold your baby while you rest, help you prep meals, fold your laundry, ask about your mental and physical healing, and help you transition every part of your life to include your child.
Aligndoula.com
#aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #birthdoula #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses
Why do we boil water when making bottles with powdered formula?
Spoiler - it's to kill the bacteria that could be present in the can of formula. Powdered formula is not sterile, so this is a step you cannot skip!
Unfortunately, popular formula mixing and warming machines do not get the water hot enough, so you need to do it the old fashioned way for now - hopefully they'll come out with an updated version at some point!
If you will be on the go with no access to boiling hot water, prep the bottle at home and keep it in the fridge or cooler until you need it (up to 24 hours).
#aligndoula #postpartumdoula #lakemillswi #madisonwi #birthdoula #laborsupport #birthsupport #madisonmoms #madisonbirthprofessionals #childbirthclasses
