What Does Non-Judgmental Support Mean?

Whenever we meet with a new family, we are often asked for our opinions on their parenting style, wishes for their birth, for our own birth stories or for how we have supported our clients in the past.

Ultimately, non-judgmental doula support means keeping our personal opinions out of your care and providing you with unconditional, unbiased support so that you can make a confident and supported decision for you and your family.

In a world where everyone has an opinion, what you do for your family and how you tend to your body during birth are definitely not the places for other peoples opinions. Truly, you know your body best, and you know exactly what feels right for you in your birthing process.

Similarly, you know your family and the inter workings of the members in your family best. No one is in a better position to make decisions that impact your family other than you! So, from where we sit, it would be doing you an your family a disservice if we pretended to know what would work for you, or ever implied that one way of parenting is better than another.

Our stance will always be, do what is best for you. And we will support it.

xoxo
Shannon

5 Bottlefeeding Tips for New Moms

Whether you are breastfeeding and want to be able to offer a bottle every now and then, or have chosen to exclusively bottlefeed, there are a few things that can make feeding time a little bit easier for both you and your baby.

1. Prefill your bottles - Fumbling with pouring breastmilk or formula into a bottle in the wee hours of the morning isn't fun, nor is the gas that can be caused by the vigourous shaking and mixing of powdered formula. Premix and prefill your bottles, and allow them to chill and settle in the fridge. Warm them slightly in a cup of hot water, under a hot tap, or serve at room temperature after taking out of the fridge for a few minutes before feeding time.

2. Set up a feeding station in your bathroom or bedroom - This tip is great for overnight feeds. Set up a little station with a couple of bottles, a washcloth, bottle brush and formula so that you don't have to be running down to the kitchen in the middle of the night. Babies will only wait so long!

3. Do your research - Different bottles do different things. If you're breastfeeding and only offering bottles occasionally, look for a bottle nipple that resembles the shape of your own nipple, and a wider neck that mimics the shape of your breast. If you're using bottles all the time, look for one that has a ventilation system so as to limit the amount of air bubbles in your babe's tummy.

4. Have a comfy chair - As with  breastfeeding, being comfortable while you're feeding your baby is imperative to a successful feeding session. Use a pillow under your warm to help prop baby up, and give your neck and shoulder some support as they grow. If you have a recliner and can sink into a bit of a mellow rest while baby is feeding, great. If you prefer a traditional rocking chair, awesome. Just be sure to stay comfortable and relaxed so that baby will pick up on those cues.

5. Don't stress over ounces and millilitres - The amount of formula or breastmilk at any given feeding session may change, and that's ok. As with breastfed babies, you will still be feeding on demand, and while the stretches may be a bit longer in between feedings, your baby will know how much they want to take, and how often. Trust your instincts (and theirs), and try not to stress over leftover formula or breastmilk.

Remember, however you choose to fed your baby is awesome and we support you no matter what! You're doing a great job, mama!

xoxo
Shannon

How Dad Can Support Breastfeeding

If you have decided to breastfeed your baby, there may be a chance that your partner will feel like they are out of the loop or helpless.  Here are some tips to get Dad involved in the feeding process.
 

 

1.       Bring baby to Mom – During those late night feedings, take the opportunity to bring baby to Mom! Why not see if you can soothe the baby down first & hand a nice calm baby to Mom.  Not only will Mom appreciate the break (since she’s exhausted too), Dad gets extra bonding time.

2.       Prop her up with pillows – Give Mom the option of sitting in your comfiest chair. Ensure she’s comfortable and ask her if she would like the nursing pillow or a pillow to support her back.   If she’s lying in bed as if she would like her feet propped up. 

3.       Make her a snack – Since baby is eating Mom mind as well take the opportunity to eat too.  For obvious reasons a one handed snack would be your best option. 

4.       Bring her a drink – It is very important that nursing moms stay hydrated!  It is not uncommon for mom to get quite thirsty while they are nursing.  Water would be a good idea, try to avoid anything that is caffeinated or high in sugar. 

5.       Wash bottles/clean pump – Be the designated dishwasher. Mom is preparing and serving the meal, do her a favour and offer to do clean-up. 

6.       Occupy older kids/pets – Try to keep distractions to a minimum; Mom will truly be grateful for this. She cannot exactly round up kids or pets while she has another child latched on. 

7.       Burp & change baby - Breastfeeding is a lot of work and it’s hard on the body.  Burping and changing the baby would be a nice break for mom. 

8.       Be supportive – If Mom wants to feed in public without a cover, support that decision.  If she is comfortable breastfeeding in public you should be comfortable with it too.

9.       No questions asked – When Mom decides she wants to wean baby off nursing, support that decision and be sure to let her know what an amazing job she did, even if she didn’t breastfeed for long.  

xoxo

Stephanie