Birth in Bloom

Wrap me up

There is nothing more soothing to a baby than the scent of her parents, the sound of their heart beating, and the feel of being snuggled in close. Babywearing allows baby to enjoy all of these sensations and more.

 

In a study published in the Journal  of Pediatrics, researchers found that babywearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43% overall and 54% during evening hours. Tiny babies cry to communicate, not to manipulate so why are babies that are worn crying less? Because their needs are being attended to and they trust in their parents responsiveness to their needs, leaving them with the ability to relax and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment

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“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”

– Dr. Benjamin Spock

 

The Moby Wrap 

My very favorite babywearing tool is the Moby Wrap. With solid colors which can easily be worn by mom or dad, and the ability to transition between front or back carry, it’s ideal. The fabric has a bit of a stretch to it and crosses in back to evenly distribute weight, making it easier on your back than most carriers. But what I like most about is best described in this photo. See how baby is right there on your chest, close enough to kiss, love and snuggle and yet your arms are free to do all the other things our busy lives require of us! Check out all the beautiful wraps they offer at www.mobywrap.com

 

Here are a few positioning tips for safe babywearing:

• While you are getting used to wearing your baby, support him or her with your hands. As you go through the learning phase of moving and reacting, the urge to support your baby with your hands is instinctive. After you become a babywearing veteran, you can safely carry your baby in the sling or wrap with one or both hands free.
• Baby should not be curled tight chin to chest because this position partially closes baby’s airway. (With correct positioning there should always be at least one finger’s width of space under baby’s chin.)
• Sling fabric should not be draped across baby’s face. For slings made from thin, airy fabrics please check the airflow of the fabric by placing it over your own nose and mouth. No matter how breathable the fabric looks, if it is difficult for you to breathe through the fabric it will be difficult for baby as well.
• Baby should not be rolled so that his face is pressed tightly against the parent’s body. Position baby’s face upward when he or she is not actively nursing and when nursing ensure that baby’s nose is not blocked.
• An infant should be repositioned if he is having any sign of respiratory difficulty. Symptoms include: rapid or labored breathing, grunting or sighing with every breath and/or restlessness.
• Wear baby cautiously in the kitchen. Do not wear baby while cooking or working with sharp or hot objects.
• When wearing your baby and stooping over, bend at the knees, not at the waist, and hold baby in a sling style carrier with the sling with one hand.
• Do not ride a bicycle or other moving vehicle while wearing your baby. Baby carriers are not substitutes for an approved carseat.
• When going through doorways or around corners, be careful that baby's body does not stick out past your arm and strike the wall or doorjamb.

The positioning recommendations are for infants 0 to 4 months of age or until baby achieves good neck and head control. Once baby has good head control the neck muscles are generally strengthened sufficiently to support baby’s airway, even if baby becomes slightly curled or slumped in a baby carrier (or car seat, swing, bouncer etc.). However, please use common sense and monitor your baby frequently no matter his or her age and weight.

 

For more information about the benefits of babywearing check out these additional resources:

Babywearing International

Dr. Sears - Babywearing

Babywearing.com - an online babywearing forum

 

 

Swaddle me!

Swaddling is an age old tradition of wrapping baby securely in her blanket. There are many great reasons to swaddle your baby, most of which you may already know. Swaddling helps ensure your baby feels safe and secure, snuggled tight just like she was in your womb, allowing her to ease into her new environment and helping her to adjust to all of the new experiences.

Here's my little one swaddled in one of my favorite blankets.  Swaddling is typically done with with receiving blankets, muslin wraps, or special baby swaddles.

Some medical studies maintain that swaddling appears to be a positioning technique that can enhance neuromuscular development of the very low birth weight infant and that it might have a role in further lowering SIDS risk. Research has also found that swaddling helps infants sleep with fewer awakenings and stay in REM sleep longer.

Mastering the Art, a step by step guide to the newborn Swaddle*

I've seen several variations on the standard swaddle, this is what worked best for me. The photo does not show the correct positioning of the back of the swaddle, there should be no fabric above the baby's chin.  I recommend trying different ways and seeing what works best for you and your baby.  It's my opinion and experience that not all babies like any swaddling and I feel it's important to respect that.  Watch your baby for signs and cues on his or her preference for swaddling. Each baby is unique in his or her own way if your baby does not like being swaddled that should be ok too.

1. Lay a blanket on a flat surface with one corner at the top (works well with a square blanket but can be used with other shapes)
2. Fold the top corner down so that the tip of the corner is even with the side corners
3. Lay your baby so that the fold is at the top of her neck
4. Pull one side of the blanket over her arm and across her body and tuck snugly behind her opposite side
5. Pull the bottom corner up over her legs and tuck into the piece that is across her body
6. Pull the last side of the blanket over her other arm and pull snugly behind her body
7. Some blankets will have enough of the wrap to tuck in but it's not necessary

The modified Swaddle  

Older babies need more freedom of movement and may not be comfortable in a swaddle that restricts their arms. If your baby is able to pull his or her arms out of the swaddle then it may be time to modify your swaddle to accommodate that.

To swaddle without the arms simply make the fold a little deeper and place baby on the blanket with the fold level with her shoulders.  Then follow the steps above without covering her arms.

Practice makes perfect

Once you've practiced on a doll a few times it won't hurt to try it on a friends baby (ask first of course) until you get comfortable.  I began practicing on my doula clients babies as well as friends who humored me.  I was determined to get it down to a science before our new addition arrived and the expertise paid off immediately.  I could swaddle her quickly and confidently and even impressed her NICU nurse! 

Like to swaddle? Next give Babywearing a try, it's an easy way to keep baby safe, secure and connected. For more information on the benefits or to get some hands on instruction please feel free to contact me at birthinbloom@gmail.com.

*Parents and caregivers who use these techniques do so at their own risk. Please note that it is never advisable to keep a baby tightly swaddled in a warm room as overheating has been shown to be a SIDS risk. 

The power of touch

There are a seemingly endless number benefits of human touch and the research on massage supports what we already know.  From a simple hug to a gentle foot massage, touch can bring about powerful feelings but even more powerful is the way it chemically affects your body.  A study done by Duke University found that after massage therapy, the human body secretes lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These hormones not only make you feel anxious but they can actually bring about stress-related diseases - including heart attack. Reducing their presence through massage lowers stress hormones' negative effects and treats a whole spectrum of senses.

Effleurage

Effleurage is the use of light touch over a wide area of the body. In childbirth, Doulas and birth partners use efflurage on the laboring woman which promotes relaxation, alleviates pain and encourages sleep. We know that relaxed muscles break the FEAR-TENSION-PAIN cycle which can allow the mother to labor with less pain. The use of deeper effleurage can improve circulation, while stretching and relaxing tense muscles.

Touch during childbirth seems only natural but what about massaging your baby?  Have you ever noticed how a gentle stroking down your baby's back can soothe her? Your nurturing touch enriches physiological, emotional, and mind/body/spirit connections for your baby as well as for you. Being touched and caressed is like food for your baby and is as beneficial to her as minerals, vitamins and proteins.

Make it a daily ritual

I like to massage my little one at the end of the day, after a warm bath and in her room with music and some soothing lavender scented baby lotion.  She didn't take to it right away so I began with just her feet for 1 minute and now she will let me give her a gentle massage for about 10 minutes.  We talk and sing and enjoy intense amounts of connecting.  It promotes secure attachment, furthering our bond and providing her with a "secure base" from which to grow and flourish. 

For more information on Infant Massage or massage in Childbirth feel free to contact me at birthinbloom@gmail.com.

Inspiration and Motivation

"Even when I'm a mess, I still put on a vest with an S on my chest, oh yes I'm a Superwoman"

Recently I was watching the American Music Awards with my 10 year old daughter and I heard those lyrics, and to me is was a powerful feel good message.  Alicia Keys gave a stunning performance of her hit "Superwoman" with guest artists Queen Latifah and renowned opera singer Kathleen Battle. It reminded me how all over the world women get up every day, some hungry, tired, overworked, underpaid, and do amazing things for their children.  But we are more than just parents, we are our own unique individual souls, and that is a powerful gift as well.  I was reminding a friend recently of the importance of caring for our own needs to, giving us renewed energy and a fresh view of our every day. 

 

Treat Yourself

Tis the season to give to others but don't forget to give to yourself as well, give to your inner self and treat your body and mind to a "time-out" from all the things that are pulling you in a million directions. Here are some things I've done for myself recently that have given me inspiration to reach for the stars and the motivation to keep plugging along.

Took a long, hot bubble bath complete with candles and music

Stopped to smell the flowers (see photo)

Turned off the TV and ignored the phone (for the most part) and in the process read two books in a matter of days

Got a $15 pedicure, worth every penny and then some

Hope you have an opportunity to thank yourself for all the amazing things you do and treat yourself to something just for you, it could be as simple as a cup of coffee or extra time in the shower...whatever makes YOU feel good and special. Love yourself and you'll never run out of love for the world around you.

Mommy Networking

I have found that one of the most challenging things about being a new mommy is finding other new mommies in my neighborhood to connect with, share with and gather insights from.  I remember being 23, at home with a new baby and feeling completely isolated and alone in my new role, and this time around I was determined not to feel that way again.  So I began looking into mommy groups before Emma was born and turns out there are some wonderful opportunities all over to connect with other mom's of all ages, with kids of all ages.

Mingling with other Moms

Most people who know me would say that I'm an outgoing person who loves to talk and interact all the time, so it may be hard to believe that I'm not so at ease when walking into a room of women I've never met before.  Luckily I have Emma, and the other mom's in the groups have their kids, so there is always plenty to talk about.  Anyone who has a friend with kids knows what I'm talking about.  Sometimes once you become a parent you find yourself talking about your kids all the time, it's easy and it comes naturally.  After putting off going to two meetings I finally went to a general meeting of the Burke Mom's Group earlier this month to try it out and ended up meeting some really wonderful women. I was SO happy and energized when I got home.  I immediately joined the group and signed up to be on two committees.  I'm looking forward to becoming more involved and getting to know all these great ladies more in the months to come!

Get Networking Moms!

Believe it or not, I found my moms group on Google - I typed in Burke moms group and there it was!  There are all types of groups out there designed for all types of moms in all types of situations: 

• Stay at home moms
• Working moms
• Single moms
• Religion based moms groups
• Culture based moms groups

I found a lot of interesting groups through Meetup.com, including a local home birthing group!  So get out there and get yourself a support group, I truly believe it takes a village to raise a family and what a perfect place to start.