The Heartfelt Doula

09/09/2021

Perfectly said!

photo credit: Play Learn Connect

09/19/2020

🥳Yale is welcoming back doulas! If you need a doula reach out! I’ve gotta ya covered 😍

09/07/2020

Why delay your babes first bath? Why rub that vernix in to the skin instead of off? This is why 👇🏻🙌🏻😍

💟💟 VERNIX CASEOSA 💟💟
Vernix is a thick creamy waxy substance that covers the body of the newborn (reminds me of cocoa butter!). It's seen more in babies born a couple of weeks prior to the 'due date' as it reduces towards the end of pregnancy. It is made up of water, fats and proteins.

The vernix protects and nourishes the baby's soft skin, has antimicrobial properties and acts as a barrier in the uterus to stop the amniotic fluid macerating the skin in the womb. Can you imagine how your skin would look after 9 months in the bath!

Vernix is thought to help with an easier transition through the birth canal and it thought to aid temperature regulation at birth.

When a baby is born, the newborn skin undergoes a number of changes and adaptions to the outside world in terms of PH and hydration. Vernix helps to regulate these changes so its worthwhile not bathing baby to soon. Think of vernix as a moisturiser and rub it in rather than wipe it off!

It is recommended by WHO to wait at least 24 hours before bathing a newborn (I would even say 2/3 days) as it has its benefits including reduced risk of infection, better temperature regulation, more skin to skin time leading to better breastfeeding outcomes and blood sugar regulation. If your baby has a little dried blood in their hair and it bothers you, you can always wipe the hair gently with a cloth and warm water.

> > Was your baby born with a little or a lot of vernix?

> > How long did you wait to bathe your baby after birth?

To learn more, join my Private Facebook Group My Baby Experts Community ❤

Informative post by
Pic: VIA

07/05/2020

Amazing!

・・・
You see this... now turn your phone to landscape, either way... can you see the difference in the angle that the baby and pelvis make?

Your baby has a more direct exit if you are in an upright position.

If you are laying on your back, your baby has to travel round a bend to be born, which can take slightly longer in many cases.

The priority is your comfort and your instincts, you get in the position that feels right for you at the time. It is always worth baring in mind though, that it can help to change position 😊

Have you had any thoughts about birth positions?
Thank you
📸

06/24/2020

The first and last time my precious Hazel ever nursed.
I didn’t know that one person could feel so proud and so broken at the same time, right now I am a hormonal, emotional, and mental mess.
Raising my arm in this picture was very difficult for me as I had to fight through uncontrollable tears: this picture meant that I would never breastfeed my Hazel ever again. I have been nursing for so long, that I don’t know what it’s like to not nurse anymore. As I looked behind the camera, Tim is crying like I had never seen him cry before, like seriously, a deep gut cry. I was her comfort, her safe place, and I hope she still finds me that way. A month shy of 2 years old, she finally has a bed in a shared bedroom with her sister. We bought Hazel her first bed, used any distraction we could come up with, snacks and new toys to keep her mind off of it. Tim has taken over bedtime completely, including all nighttime wakings. We are on our third day, and every day gets a little bit easier. The guilt I feel for not putting her to bed is so intense and I can’t wait to go back to it once she doesn’t ask to nurse anymore. Closing a chapter is painful, but I am hopeful that this new season of our lives will also be special in its own way. Through this maturation step she will not only grow more independent, but I will get a much needed break. She unlatched for the last time and sobbingly I said to Tim: “I did my best”. He hugged me and responded with: “No. You did THE best, because you gave her your all”. I love my family and am so thankful for such special and unforgettable moments like these. 💛 *my lazy b**b has no clue about what’s going on, but thoughts and prayers are accepted for my good one, I really think it might explode🤱🏻
**thank you Tim, for insisting on filming this, I will treasure this forever.🤳🏼👩‍👧

• • • • • •

05/13/2020

For all the moms out there during this uncertain time! I see you❤️

05/10/2020

04/11/2020

Expecting during this time of uncertainty? Just because things aren’t our normal, doesn’t mean you should face pregnancy, birth, or postpartum unsupported or unprepared. I am offering virtual support during this time when I’m not able to be with you in person. Please reach out if your needing support or education. I’m here for you!💗😊

04/11/2020