A Soft Embrace

10/07/2024

Message me about services and let me help guide you on the beautiful journey of parenthood. Whether it be your first time or your fifth time, everyone deserves a helping hand!

10/07/2024

Do you know how much your newborn is supposed to be eating? Do you know how often? How about normal output?

10/05/2024

Let’s talk sleep, do you know the sleep cycle of a newborn/infant? This will help you to learn your babies sleep cues and when the best time to safely put them in their own sleep space is.

10/01/2024

Postpartum can be scary, no one mother handles this the same. Know the difference between PPD and baby blues.

So, what is the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues?

It is important to first distinguish between baby blues and postpartum depression. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is the timeframe.

Baby blues usually occur five days after birth and last for two weeks, while postpartum depression symptoms can last over a year. The symptoms can overlap between these two diagnoses, so keeping the timeframe in mind is crucial.

Excessive Crying

Crying during the postpartum period is expected because of hormonal imbalances. However, if it tends to last for long periods without explanation, it could be a warning sign. Crying episodes should not be confused with the normal emotions that a new mom is feeling.

Sleep Troubles
Again, it is expected to have unusual sleep patterns with a new baby. Between feedings and changings, new parents rarely get all that much sleep.
There can be signs, however, that your sleep troubles are signs of a more significant problem. For example, if you notice that you or a new mom you know are having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, it could be a sign of depression.

Detachment from Baby
Being overwhelmed with the new responsibility of parenthood is a usual occurrence post-birth. However, you may want to speak to a professional about feeling overly detached from your baby. Some mothers wonder why they don’t feel the joy they expected or felt with their other children.

Brain Fog
Lack of sleep and being busy can lead to difficulties. These difficulties can include problems with memory, trouble concentrating, and decision-making. If this persists, then it can be an issue to do with postpartum depression.

Mood Changes
If you notice that you or a new mom you know suddenly have unexplained mood swings, this may cause concern. If these include anger, irritability, or anxiousness, and it is out of character, then you may need to consult a doctor.

Eating Problems
A new mom’s body has been through a lot and continues to undergo many changes. During breastfeeding, it is normal to be hungry due to the calories your body burns. However, if you are eating way more than usual or do not feel like eating anything at all, it can be a sign of postpartum depression.

If you have concerns that you or someone you know is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, it is perfectly okay to seek help. New moms require support, and it is right to ask for assistance or aid someone who needs it.

10/01/2024

What is colic and how do you treat it?

Colic is a condition that affects healthy babies who cry for long periods of time without an obvious cause. It's characterized by:

Crying
Colic is characterized by intense crying that lasts for more than three hours a day, three or more days a week, for more than three weeks.

Age
Colic usually starts when a baby is about two to five weeks old and improves by the time they are three to four months old.

Other symptoms
Colicky babies may pull in their legs, stiffen their arms, arch their backs, or clench their fists. Their face may also turn bright red after long periods of crying.

Cause
The cause of colic is unknown, but theories include food allergies, immaturity of the bowel, and gas.

Treatment
There's no cure for colic, but there are things you can try to soothe a colicky baby, including:

Skin-to-skin contact

Swaddling

Rocking

Gently stroking your baby's head or patting their back or chest

Singing or talking

Playing soft music

Tummy time

Gently moving your baby's legs

Simethicone drops, an over-the-counter medicine that can help relieve gas

It's important to seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed by colic, and to see your doctor if you're worried something is wrong

09/30/2024

Safe sleep can be difficult, especially on those long nights filled with crying spells, changing, feeding/pumping, colic ect. We’ve all been there, or know someone who has been there. While it may seem like a swing, car seat, bouncer or on a parents chest or in their lap is okay, so many things can go wrong! Always remember to practice safe sleep to keep your little one safe!

09/30/2024

Is there a difference between a Newborn Care Specialist and a night nanny?

A Newborn Care Specialist is explicitly trained in all aspects of newborn care and will have many years of experience with families during the first few months with a newborn. They will be able to help parents feel confident in their care of their precious newborn and will be familiar with common issues such as reflux and have proven solutions and resources to help. A Night Nanny works typically under the direct guidance of the parents, they may or may not have any formal education in the care of newborns, and this is often an add on to their daytime work.

09/30/2024

What are the benefits of hiring a Newborn Care Specialist?

The most significant benefit of hiring a newborn care specialist is sleep! Having peace of mind that a qualified newborn care specialist is handling the overnight hours (if you choose) having an extra set of hands during bath time and knowing there is additional support should any issues arise, allows new parents to get more and better sleep. Even a nursing parent only has to wake to nurse and can then go right back to sleep while the NCS settles the baby. New parents who have quality postpartum support tend to heal faster (if they have given birth) and have lower rates of postpartum mood disorders. They also can use their awake time to focus on their newborn as the baby laundry, nursery organizing, bottle and pumping parts washing, have been done overnight by the newborn care specialist!

09/27/2024

09/27/2024

Hello Grove City and surrounding area new parents! My name is Ashley and I am a Newborn/infant care specialist. I provide services to guide and educate new parents and offer hands-on care to the newborn(s) to help establish feeding, routine, and healthy and safe sleep habits. Most often, as a newborn Care Specialist, I handle the overnight care (if applicable) so that new parents can rest and recover from birth or adapt to new parenthood. I am explicitly trained in all aspects of newborn care and have many years of experience with families during the first few months with a newborn, including my own. I will be able to help parents feel confident in their care of their precious newborn and am familiar with common issues such as reflux and colic, and have proven solutions and resources to help.

What benefits come with a NCS? The most significant benefit of hiring a newborn care specialist is sleep! Having peace of mind that a qualified, trustworthy, and dependable individual is handling the overnight hours, having an extra set of hands during bath time and knowing there is additional support should any issues arise, allows new parents to get more and better sleep. Even if you are a nursing parent, my services allow you to only have to wake to nurse and can then go right back to sleep while I settle and care for your baby. My services allow new parents to have quality postpartum support which in turn allows mom to heal faster (if they have given birth) and have lower rates of postpartum mood disorders. You can also use your awake time to focus on your newborn as the baby laundry, nursery organizing, bottle and pumping parts washing, have been done by me.

Not all families want or need over night care, I do offer day/as needed care and support. Weather it be simple educational sessions on newborn care such as proper feeding positions, burping, changing, bathing, swaddling, proper hygiene practices, emotional support or even just a nap! I’m here for YOU! If you or anyone you know is in need of these services I would love to connect!