Newborn Nights

What's my overnight doula shift look like?

Dinner with husband, one episode of a TV show on DVR, and I'm out the door.
I arrive at my clients house, mom, dad (or both) welcome me with a smile, usually saying something like "I'm glad you're here!"  THAT is music to my ears.

We have a brief chat; talking about the days events (feeding/pooping/sleeping), how everyone is feeling and our collective plan for the evening (estimated feeding times, feeding method, whether there's laundry to fold, a kitchen to tidy up...)

Mom goes off to feed baby while I get the room ready:
Diaper/wipe supply? Check.
Vaporizer filled? Check
Clean clothes and burp cloth supply? Check
Swaddle unfolded and ready? Check
Nursery cool, dark and comfortable? Check
Floor clear so I don't trip over anything? Check

One last visit with mom to see if she needs anything; she smiles, hands me a full and content baby (most times) and settles in for a restful sleep.

Baby and I get ready for our night together - a comfortable swaddle for baby and a warm baby for me to snuggle. The darkness takes over while we breathe together and become one.
When hunger cues are visible, baby either goes to mom for nursing or I lovingly bottlefeed.
The night stretches on, the family sleeps while I keep constant watch of their precious new family member.
Daylight approaches as the world and the house yawn awake.
Mom comes in the nursery, rested and happy.
I smile, hand over a contented baby and go home for my own restful sleep, usually dreaming of babies.

The Five S's of Soothing a Crying Baby

These great tips simulate life in the womb. Use as many as you can, all at once if needed, to soothe a crying baby.
Swing.  Either in your arms or the mechanical version.
Suck. A finger, knuckle or pacifier will do. Of course, your baby has been fed already.
Shushing. Long stretches of the shushing sound simulate the flow of blood your baby heard in the womb. It works wonders for both baby and caregiver.
Side. Holding baby on their side is comforting to them. The left side is best for digestion, so start with that.
Swaddle. Babies like to feel contained and safe.

Postpartum Doulas: We wear a lot of hats!

When you hire a postpartum doula, you are hiring a multitasking, mind-reading, troubleshooting Super Hero. Guess what? All these attributes are needed when you’re learning how to care for a new human being. A Postpartum Doula is definitely more than a babysitter or the person who cleans your countertops.

10. Bouncer: We can gently inform excited family members to back off your baby and that you're resting and not taking visitors.
9. Home Administrator: Laundry is not your priority, but very important after your precious baby soils your comfy leggings. If you feel like Old Mother Hubbard and the cupboards are bare, it’s time for the home admin. to go grocery shopping. 8. Partner Mediator: In case you need help suggesting your loving partner to take a nap - go out for a beer - give you space - get your mother-in-law off your back. 7. Nonjudgmental Analyst: You'll want to discuss every detail about your birth, but your partner is so done. I can really listen for hours. 6. Your Parent: You'll probably need someone to gently remind you to take a shower. But not someone to tell you how much easier breastfeeding was years ago. 5. Your Backup Brain: Sleep loss can sometimes lead to you doubting your own gut instinct. It helps to have someone to reassure you that you're dressing the baby correctly and that it’s ok to set your newborn down for a moment so you can hit the bathroom. 4. Confidential Informant: Most 2 month olds do not sleep through the night, and many 12 month olds don’t either. Don’t fall for all those perfect stories that your relatives share. 3. Nursing Technician: Feeding positions? Breastmilk storage? Clogged milk ducts?  I can help. 2. Personal Assistant: You deserve to be taken care of as you learn to take care of your newborn. I'll take overwhelming tasks and break them down for you. 1. Baby Virtuoso: As postpartum doulas, we've seen it all. We don't get rattled or nervous.