Nurtured By Ruta

07/20/2026

What to Expect After Birth

We spend months preparing for labour and birth, but the postpartum period often comes with surprises.

Here are a few things that are completely normal in the early days:

✨ Your emotions may feel like a roller coaster as your hormones shift.

✨ Recovery takes time, whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean birth.

✨ Your newborn may want to feed frequently, sometimes every one to three hours.

✨ Sleep will come in short stretches, and rest may look different than you imagined.

✨ It is okay if bonding does not happen instantly. Love often grows through the everyday moments of caring for your baby.

✨ You may need more support than you expected, and that is okay.

The postpartum period is not about bouncing back. It is about healing, adjusting, and finding your new rhythm as a family.

Be gentle with yourself. Accept help. Nourish your body. Rest whenever you can.

You deserve care, too.

🌿 *When we nurture the mother, we nurture the whole family.*

07/07/2026

✨ Ottawa Families ✨

I'm excited to share that I'm currently in the process of becoming a **Certified NICU Doula**.

Supporting families has always been at the heart of my work as a Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, and I'm looking to connect with parents whose babies have spent time in the NICU or are preparing to bring their little one home.

The NICU journey can be filled with uncertainty, overwhelming emotions, and a steep learning curve. My goal is to provide calm, compassionate, evidence-informed support as families transition from hospital to home.

As I complete my certification, I'm looking to connect with Ottawa families who may benefit from additional postpartum support, including:
🤍 Emotional support for parents
🤍 Newborn care guidance
🤍 Feeding support
🤍 Establishing gentle routines
🤍 A calm, non-judgmental presence during the transition home

If you or someone you know has a baby in the NICU and would appreciate extra support, I'd love to connect. Even if you don't need my services, sharing this post with a NICU family could help them find the support they're looking for.

With care,

Ruta | Nurtured by Ruta
Postpartum Doula • Newborn Care Specialist

07/05/2026

Ottawa Parents, Can I Ask You Something?

What do you wish someone had told you about the first few weeks after bringing your baby home?

For many families, the postpartum period is filled with love—but also exhaustion, questions, and the feeling that they're expected to figure it all out on their own.

You don't have to.

As a **Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist**, I provide calm, evidence-informed support so you can focus on healing, bonding, and settling into life with your baby.

Whether you need support for a few hours during the day or an extra set of knowledgeable hands as you find your rhythm, I'm here to help.

🌿 Services include:
• Newborn care and guidance
• Feeding support (breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding)
• Emotional support for the transition into parenthood
• Gentle routine support
• Infant sleep education
• Light newborn-related household tasks

📍 Proudly supporting families throughout Ottawa

If you're expecting, have recently welcomed a baby, or know someone who could use a little extra support, I'd love to connect.

💛 Send me a message to learn more or book a complimentary discovery call.

Please feel free to share this post with an expecting or new parent. Sometimes knowing support is available can make all the difference.

Nurtured by Ruta 🌱

Postpartum Doula | Newborn Care Specialist

07/04/2026

Brewer's Yeast Lactation Cookies 🍪

Small rituals can bring comfort during the postpartum season.

Brewer's yeast is often included in lactation cookies for its naturally occurring B vitamins, protein, and minerals. While many mothers enjoy them as part of their breastfeeding journey, the strongest support for milk production continues to be frequent milk removal, a comfortable feeding relationship, adequate nourishment, hydration, and rest.

Rather than seeking a single solution, consider lactation cookies as one gentle ritual within a broader foundation of postpartum care.

Nourish your body. Honour your recovery. Trust that caring for yourself is also caring for your baby.

Every mother's journey is beautifully individual, and support should always reflect that.

✨ Because thriving in postpartum begins with feeling nurtured.

06/28/2026

🍼 How Much Does a Newborn Eat in the First Week?

One of the biggest questions new parents ask is, "Is my baby eating enough?"

The answer might surprise you—newborn tummies are incredibly small!

🍼 Day 1: About the size of a cherry (5–7 mL per feed), 1 teaspoon

🍼 Day 3: About the size of a walnut (22–27 mL per feed), 4-5 teaspoons

🍼 Day 7: About the size of an apricot (45–60 mL per feed), 1 1/2, 2 oz

Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, babies typically feed **8–12 times every 24 hours** during the first week. These frequent feeds are completely normal and help support healthy growth, establish milk supply, and provide comfort and connection.

Rather than watching the clock, watch your baby. Feeding cues, steady weight gain, and an appropriate number of wet and dirty diapers are often better indicators that your baby is getting enough.

Every baby is unique, and feeding journeys can look different. If you're ever unsure, reach out to your healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or postpartum doula for support.

💛 Tiny tummies. Frequent feeds. Growing one cuddle at a time.

06/28/2026

Postpartum Doula Available in Ottawa

Bringing a new baby home is beautiful—but it can also feel overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone.

I currently have availability for **postpartum doula support** in Ottawa and would love to support your family during this important transition.

I provide:
✨ Newborn care and guidance
✨ Breastfeeding and infant feeding support
✨ Emotional support for parents
✨ Evidence-based education and reassurance
✨ Gentle routines to help your family settle into life with your new baby

My approach is calm, compassionate, and rooted in nurturing both parents and babies. My goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and cared for as you recover and adjust to your new rhythm.

If you're expecting, have recently welcomed your baby, or know someone who could benefit from postpartum support, I'd be happy to chat.

💛 **Serving Ottawa and surrounding areas.**

Feel free to send me a private message to arrange a complimentary discovery call.

Nurtured by Ruta 🌱

04/23/2025

Did you know vision milestones for premature babies should be measured by their due date, not their birth date?

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/baby-vision-development-first-year

Explore our interactive Baby Brain Map to learn more about caregiving during key stages in early childhood development.