Even as parents start to feel more confident, a baby may become more dependent or fussy causing parents to feel drained or unsure of what to do.
The “Cry it Out” Method. Many parents turn to the “cry it out” method, also known as Ferberizing, as a last resort. Most parents don’t necessarily feel they will use this type of method, until they are extremely sleep deprived or have “given up.”
A baby’s cry is a baby’s language. It provokes a response from the parents, letting them know something isn’t right. A parent’s (especially a mother’s) response is to nurture the baby. Nature intended that instinctive response to ensure survival.
The profile of a fussy baby can look very for each child. Your baby may have one or more of these character traits:

• Intense. These babies put more energy into everything they do, from urgent demanding feedings, to persistent crying.
• Hyperactive. Does not like to be swaddled, can’t seem to sit still.
• Draining. Constant holding, nursing, and comforting.
• Feeds frequently. These babies learn quickly that the breast is a great place for food AND comforting.
• Demanding. Similar to an intense baby, these babies demand attention, very loudly in fact.
• Awakens frequently. Small cat naps throughout the day, and/or waking often at night.
• Unsatisfied. You’ve tried everything; nursed, rocked, walked, wore, drove, but still not happy.
• Unpredictable. These babies portray extreme mood swings.
• Super sensitive. Easily bothered, like “walking on eggshells.”
• Unable to be put down. These babies crave physical contact.
• Uncuddly. Resist close physical contact or being swaddled.
• Not a self-soother. Babies with this trait need help being comforted.
• Separation-sensitive. These babies only trust a couple of people, usually just the parents.  

There are multiple causes of fussiness in babies. The type of cry, the behavior of your child, the body language and facial features all help uncover the answer. Do not forget to also use your intuition as a parent. If you feel something isn’t right, trust your gut!

As professional postpartum doula, I am specifically trained in supporting families during the postpartum time up to one year after delivery. I am there to offer emotional support, physical support and educational support to your entire family. A postpartum doula doesn’t just focus on the baby; mother, partner, and siblings are all supported with the goal on helping mother and family adjust to the new family member.

A newborn night nanny (also known as “baby nanny,” or “night nannies”) primary role is to take care of the baby(s). Currently though, there is no credential or training necessary to use these titles.
 
Lastly, a baby nurse is there solely to take care of the baby only. It should be noted that a baby nurse should be up to date with his/her current nursing license.
 
So how can I help give your family adequate sleep? I offer both daytime and overnight postpartum support. This includes:

• Evidence based information. I can help you filter through all the advice, tips, and tricks others may have given to you.
• Essential baby care needs. I can help parents learn to care for their baby with confidence. This includes assisting with what’s considered “normal,” soothing techniques, feeding, bathing, and yes: SLEEP!
• Overnight care. To help parents get adequate sleep, I offer overnight care so that parents feel well rested during the day. If breastfeeding, baby can be brought in to nurse and then brought back to the nursery with me to soothe back to sleep with very little interruption to mother’s sleep.
• Household help. Light housework (even during the night) can help ease a family’s transition. Simply errands can also be run during my shift.
• Emotional support. Adding a new member into your family is life changing and it can be overwhelming at times. Having someone there to talk to without judgment, can make a huge difference.
• Community referrals. If you are need of additional care such as lactation consultant, or psychologist for example, I can refer you to well-known and respected professionals in our community.

 
I can certainly support you if you are looking for a night nanny, baby nurse, or postpartum doula. I am passionate about supporting families in the Syracuse area to help your family rest and enjoy your new family member!

Contact me today if you are considering having support in the postpartum time!

How many times have you heard women telling stories about their cesarean and the term “emergency” was included? Emergency: a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. 
Did you know in the United States only about five percent of cesareans are a true emergency? (cnn.com) Then why do we as mothers hear these stories over and over again? 
We know that interventions presented during your labor may often increase the risk of cesarean by 35-50%. And that the likelihood of you getting induced in a hospital setting is 22%. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Epidurals and Pitocin are the next two culprits of increased cesareans. But are these cesareans emergencies? How do you really know? 
Look around the room. Is your care provider stating you need a cesarean because you have been in labor a long time with little progress? Your baby is too big? You’re exhausted and your water has been broken for “x” amount of hours? If you haven’t already had an epidural placed, are you prepped and taken to the operating room and then have an epidural or spinal placed? These are not emergencies. 
Is there immediate commotion in the room, extra hospital staff rushing in to assist? Do you see panic on their faces? Are you gassed to sleep in the operating room? THAT is an emergency. See the difference? 
Tip: Change Positions 
Fetal heart rate distress is the primary cause. If your baby’s heart rate does not bounce back up after the contraction ends, this is a cause of concern. Often changing positions can return enough oxygen to your baby and return the heart rate back to normal, however if this continues, the watch and assess approach becomes a sense of urgency. 
Here are two real-life experiences as a doula, which I have witnessed: 
Story #1: 
My client was planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) for her second child. She went into labor on her own and without any pain medications along the way. She made it to pushing! We thought, this was it; she’s getting her VBAC! But then while pushing, the fetal heart rate was dipping continuously into the 60’s (extremely low), a cause for concern. Even with position changes, it continued.  With not enough progress made during pushing, my client was immediately wheeled into the operating room without having her husband or myself able to go in with her, she was placed under general anesthesia, and the cesarean was performed. True Emergency. 
Story #2: 
My client reached nine centimeters with her first child.  She had been at nine for a little while. Baby was posterior. The care provider came in and stated there had been some decelerations in the fetal heart rate that are starting to become a concern. However, with position changes, they would bounce back up. My client was checked again a short time later with “no progress.” Care provider stated she needed to have an emergency cesarean because of these decelerations. Nurse came in and prepped my client (shaved and cleaned). Another nurse came in and stated that my client’s surgery was delayed due to another emergency cesarean. We waited. The first nurse that prepped my client had already taken off the electric fetal monitor and had my client on the gurney to be wheeled to the O.R. Nurse came back in stating we were “bumped” again due to another emergency cesarean. We waited some more. No monitoring being done this entire time for the baby whose heart rate was of concern? She finally went in for her surgery, spinal placed. Unfortunately, not an emergency. 
In 2011 a group on moms started Improving Birth, whose mission is to bring evidence-based care and humanity to childbirth. Currently, the group expanded to become internationally known for its continuous work with advocating and educating women and families. There is even a link on their website to file a complaint regarding your care or previous birth experience. Together we can break the silence and prevent other women to experience negative or traumatic births. Find out more information at www.improvingbirth.org 
“Just like there’s always time for pain, there’s always time for healing.”
~Jennifer Brown

​Did you know that oxytocin (the hormone that contributes to contractions) levels the last few weeks of pregnancy are highest at night?
 
Did you know that melatonin (the hormone responsible for inducing sleep) synergizes with oxytocin to promote uterine contractions?
 
Did you know that I HATE to have my sleep disturbed? There I said it. I’m human! I’m also a mom of three crazy high-energy little monster children (sorry guys, Mommy loves you). And I am also a Doula.
 
Wrong line of work you might say? Nah, I love my job and have been at it since 2006. The majority of the births I have attended started labor between the hours of 9pm-5am.
 
Sometimes I just settle in to my cozy bed and other times I am startled awake by my obnoxious ringtone on my phone (I purposely found the loudest ring option my phone had). I’m not going to lie, either way I have a moment or two before I answer of whining because I know what this middle of the night call means.
 
And I have to mention that I also have nights of disturbed sleep brought on myself. This would include numerous times waking up and checking my phone in case I accidentally missed a call from a client who is due (a doula’s worst nightmare). Or a random loud noise that immediately wakes me and puts me in late-night doula mode. I wake up like a ninja ready to attack. Oh what was that? Just a Facebook notification! Curse you phone!
 
Now all jokes aside once I am finished moaning and groaning, I put my big girl panties on and head straight out the door. Doula clothes always ready to go at a moments notice, gas in the car, snacks in my doula bag, and I will never forget some much needed caffeine. I’ve got this!
 
When I arrive, I’m in work mode. I immediately forget that it’s the witching hour and I assist my client as needed. And as long as labor takes, I will be there.
 
Just as everyone has their “dislikes” at their job, I have mine. A tiny detail in the grand scheme of things. My job is rewarding and completely worth a bit of lost sleep. 

That's right! Starting January 2016 Perfect Peace Childbirth and Birth Beautifully are teaming up to give expecting families double-doula care. 

Two professional and experienced doulas for the cost of one. Why?! Doulas' 24/7 on-call lifestyles can be pretty stressful. This type of care allows a more structured schedule for the doulas and their families. The benefit to you; two dedicated doulas who have extensive knowledge and training in multiple areas surrounding birth, two doulas who are fully invested in your birth journey, and two doulas who are energized and ready to assist. Labors can be long! And your two doulas are ready to care for you! 

Bring on the births! Syracuse Doula Chicks are anticipating a busy 2016! But you will receive devoted, dedicated doulas by your side! 

Check out our new website: Syracuse Doula Chicks