Holiday Office Hours

Happy Holidays to all from our family to yours! 

Please note that our offices will be closed from 12/24/14 through 12/28/14 AND Dec. 31st - January 1st of the following week.

What's Cooking with the doulas in Philly?

Welcome to our newest blog series, What's Cooking!

Philadelphia, PA Dec. 16th 2014

One of the wonderful tasks you can expect of our doulas is to cook nutritious, delicious, nurturing, restorative meals for the newly postpartum mom and their family. So in this blog series, we will feature photos and recipes that we love to cook for our clients.

How cool is it that one of doulas, Louise, was a pastry chef in her former work!So needless to say, Louise has some amazing recipes up her sleeve, and she makes foods that aren't just delicious, but also healthful and nutritious... but if you want to indulge, don't worry, we'll do that too.


Philadelphia: How to Take Care of Baby His First 7 Days


How to Take Care of Baby His First 7 Days


During the first few months, a baby undergoes developmental changes. However, a baby cannot do this all by himself/herself; he needs the help of a caregiver to fully meet his/her needs.  A baby’s developmental ability is greatly affected by three main factors, namely nutrition, health, and relationships. Thus, it is essential that parents in Philadelphia hire a doula who is knowledgeable of these ideology.


Doulas are not only involved during pregnancy and postpartum but also in basic newborn care. Philadelphia is one of the leading cities in the United States that provides training and certification to doulas, making sure that high standards for education and practice are met. Hence, the best doulas in Philadelphia are expected to be versed on the following concepts of newborn care:


Physical Development.


The first development that occurs in a baby’s life is the physical form. This is characterized by the change in baby’s size. Doulas serving Philadelphia are aware that shortly after a baby is born, a baby normally loses weight, falling between 4 to 8 ounces. However, this weight should be regained within 10 to 12 days. Nonetheless, by the end of the first month, the baby’s length increases by 1 to 1.5 inches.

Cognitive Development.


 This development is defined as a baby’s ability to think, learn, and remember. When a baby is born, his brain can be compared to a ‘tabula rasa’. His brain is composed of billions of neurons (brain cells) and trillions of neural synapses (brain cell connections). These connections are formed faster when someone interacts with the baby. Thus, it is essential and best for parents to make sure to find a doula in Philadelphia that interacts in a positive manner. The very reason for this is that babies are fast learners and can mimic anything introduced to them.


Emotional and social development.


In this stage, a baby undergoes a basic conflict between trust and mistrust. In order for a child to develop trust, one of the factors that should be considered is the presence of a constant caregiver. This constant caregiver can either be one of the parents or a doula. This should be someone who can provide the needs of the baby. Since a baby cannot talk, the best way for him/her to communicate his/her needs is through sounds or facial expressions. When baby’s needs are achieved by the constant caregiver, eventually the child overcomes mistrust and develops the milestone of trust.

Language development.


Language development is similar to cognitive development. A newborn listens and absorbs both the basic and distinct sounds of language. Although a baby cannot mimic or say the same spoken words, those words will be embedded in his/her subconscious. This process forms a baby’s speech foundation. On that account, it is important for a doula to frequently communicate with the baby to hasten and fully develop his language skills.

Sensory and motor skills development.

All newborns have all five senses, but these are not yet fully developed when they are born. As they grow up, these skills are gradually built up. The important function of a doula is to assist the baby in developing his/her motor and sensory skills by stimulating him/her according to the child’s developmental capability. For example, a baby’s vision is believed to be developing, but is said to be the weakest during the first months. Therefore, it is important for a doula to watch for dangers such as falls.


In a nutshell, besides the parents, doulas are important caregivers of newborns. They provide a milieu rich in stimulus, comfort, and warm affection that enhance many areas of a baby's development.

4 Tips on How Mothers Can Improve their Sleep While Taking Care of Newborns

  4 Tips on How Mothers Can Improve their Sleep While Taking Care of Newborns

One of the serious challenges that new parents face is constant sleep deprivation. The ugly truth is a good night sleep does not come easy to mothers who have newborns. They wake up in the middle of the night to fed babies, calm them and change their diapers relentlessly.



On a serious note, sleep deprived mothers may face serious health consequences if they do get little sleep or not at all. The health impacts of sleep deprivation are but not limited to: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, accidents and poor performance at work. Peruse the following tips on how new mothers can help improve their sleeping habit while bringing up newborn.


1.      Involve your partner. 

New mothers need to recuperate from birth, and this can be done by getting good quantity and quality time of sleep. Get your partner involved by taking turns in caring the newborn. You can also outsource several household tasks to your partner such as taking up the majority of the chores or assigning him to feed the baby while you are taking a short, light sleep.

2.      Sack out when your baby sleeps. 

This is a no-brainer. When your baby is taking a nap, leave whatever you are doing and hit the hay too. Take advantage of the circumstance, and spend time wisely. Don’t be bothered when you have never done the laundry, swept the floor or washed the dishes, because when your newborn is up again, you have to get up too. Additionally, never use the free time in making phone calls or catching up several episodes of your favorite TV program – all these can wait.

3.      Seek the help of a doula. 

A postpartum doula is similar to a newborn care specialist but so much more. The best place to look for doula is Philadelphia area. Finding a doula in Philadelphia is beneficial and remedying for first time mothers or new parents. Doulas not only support the newborn, but certified doulas in Philadelphia also teach mothers how to bathe, feed and calm the baby. Hence, doulas not only provide support but also education. Also, by accepting the help of doula, you can get added hours of sleep.  As of 2014, Main Line Doulas has 18 doulas serving in Philadelphia. To find a doula in Philadelphia, click here.

4.      Modify the atmosphere.

 A sleep-conducive environment is one that is dark, cool, quite and cozy. When your baby hits the sack, create the best sleep environment for you – turn off the radio, shut off the television, put cell phones on silent mode, or play relaxing background music.




Getting a good night sleep is not only for newborns, but mothers also need it as much as their babies do. Sleep deprivation seems to be a standard feature of motherhood. But sleep deprived mothers should never underestimate the aftermath of constant lack of sleep. It brings serious consequences for their health and also, for their families. Mothers lose their ability to function at their best and they tend to commit mistakes and worse, cause accidents. It goes without saying that sleep deprivation put you, your baby and your family at risk.

Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods Class

Comfort Measure for Childbirth Class, Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods
I am really looking forward to the FREE class tonight at the Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods. The topic is Comfort Measures for Childbirth and it will be at 7pm in the community room in the produce section. Register here for free: http://www.mainlinedoulas.com/p/plymouth-meeting-doulas-whole-foods.html

5 Things Pregnant Women Should Do For Healthy Pregnancy


5 Things Pregnant Women Should Do For Healthy Pregnancy

by Aliza Bancoff, founder of Philadelphia area doula practice, Main Line Doulas


Pregnancy is probably the best and the most wonderful thing that can ever happen to women. While pregnancy can be a very exciting experience to every parent, it can also be one of the most intrepid undertakings. To keep up a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby, there are 5 key ideas expectant mothers should take under advisement:


1.      Consume a healthy diet. 


Fruits and vegetables are surely good for expectant mothers. However, certain foods are must-haves when trying to conceive, to achieve maximum nutrition for the health of the mother and the baby. The best pregnancy diet contains the following superfoods:


  • Whole grains include cereals, oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.  Whole grains are rich in folic acid, which is necessary for baby’s brain development; fiber, which helps in digestion; and iron, which plays a role in red blood cell production.

  •  Beans. Beans of any type are good sources of calcium, which is necessary for the development of bones and teeth; zinc, which strengthens the immune system; folate, which prevents neural tube defects; and iron, which plays a role in red blood cell production.

  • Salmon. Salmon is rich of omega 3 fatty acids that are crucial for baby’s brain and eyes development.

  • Eggs. Besides a dozen of vitamins and minerals, eggs contain choline, a nutrient that helps in improving brain functions.

                     Note: do not eat raw, undercooked eggs.

  • Berries. Berries are known to be rich in antioxidants. But for pregnant mothers, berries provide potassium, folate, fiber and vitamin C.


2.      Take supplements. 

Not all vitamins and minerals can be obtained from regular diet. Hence, taking prenatal vitamins along with healthy meal plan is the best way to bridge any gap of nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. There are three most recommended supplements when a mother is pregnant, and these are folic acid (to prevent neural tube defects), iron (to reduce preterm birth risk), and calcium (to build strong teeth and bones).


3.      Perform light exercise. 

Pregnancy is no exception for mothers to get fit and stay in shape. Light exercise does not only relieve body discomforts but also helps diminish sleep problems. Equally, light exercises are found to be beneficial to babies by enhancing their brain activity and strengthening their cardiac functions. Best exercises for pregnant women are swimming, yoga, brisk walking and stretching. Make sure to talk with your doctor about the best exercise for you.


4.      Avoid hazardous activities. 

There are certain things mothers should avoid during pregnancy. These activities not only exhaust their energy but they can also be detrimental to baby’s health. Pregnant women should steer clear of the following practices:

-         Smoking and alcohol drinking

-         Consumption of illegal drugs

-         Taking unprescribed medications such as aspirin (it causes bleeding)

-         Eating uncooked meats and fish high in mercury content (e.g shark, swordfish)

-         Drinking too much coffee

-         Cleaning animals’ feces, cat litter

-         Eating food high in preservatives

-         Taking vitamin A supplements

-         Performing procedures that involve X rays and microwaves

-         Lying on water bed and electric blanket

-         Utilizing pesticides, fumes and house cleaning products

-         Taking long baths, saunas


5.      Consult a doula. 

Find a doula in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has one of the largest seats of doula. Doulas are trained and experienced professionals in childbirth and postpartum. Most doulas are mothers themselves. They do not take medical responsibility, but their primary role is to enhance pregnancy experience. Hence, doulas do not replace the roles of doctors, midwives or nurses.  Main Line Doulas has many doulas serving Philadelphia. Click the link below to find a doula now.

Re: Last minute whole family doula support

Re: Last minute support

I want to write a quick open letter to our website visitors about the last minute support that Main Line Doulas offers. This week we were able to serve 3 last minute clients, yay! We pride ourselves on meeting families were they are at.

As a postpartum doula and the director of our wonderful team of doulas serving Philadelphia and beyond, it is my passion to help families during this beautiful transition. Adding a new child is never easy, but it's always worth the new adjustments.

For those reading this and finding themselves feeling overwhelmed or exhausted or struggling, please reach out. Send us a text or give us a call. It's truly an honor to be able to support families at such an important time in their lives.

Not everyone has the proper support they need and deserve. This can create an unexpected crisis for families. It's one of my goals that Main Line Doulas educate the public about all of the  available options for support so that expecting families can make the best decisions for their family.

In an ideal world, Main Line Doulas will meet with expecting families months in advance, begin a service agreement and participate in a postpartum planning session. But sometimes families don't know about us before they have their baby, or maybe they just didn't think they'd want or need a postpartum doula until now. If you fall into either catagory, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for you.

Feeling like you need support? Send me a text at 484-802-6100 or email me at aliza@mainlinedoulas.com and I'll check our availability.

It would be an honor to provide experienced support, by your side.

Warmly,
Aliza Bancoff
Founder and Director
Main Line Doulas

Here are a couple great articles on the topic of social support for new moms:

Psychology Today:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201301/new-moms-need-social-support

Building a Support Network:
http://www.ivillage.com/new-mom-6-simple-ways-build-support-system/6-n-137731

Babies don't come with manuals, but doulas do.



Doulas help us understand normal newborn behavior and bring a wealth of knowledge into the home as they work with your new or growing family. It's like having a baby encyclopedia by your side as you grow as a mom. Babies don't come with manuals, but doulas do. In this article, please read about some of the normal things you will see in your newborn. 

 Normal Newborn Behavior

Since the moment he is born a baby has a natural ability to react and to try to make us understand what he wants. He always tries to explain to us what he needs and requires for his comfort. Each baby is different and their reactions unique, we can talk to several parents, and doctors and all of them can tell that the baby is an individual that has its own trends and personality. But, has all behavior we can then quantify and study the common trends in all that we can observe. 

There are six main compartments where we can place the behaviors that we observe in newborn babies. They are Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, Drowsy, Alert and Active and Alert. This classification may vary inside the literature and may be reduced to only three but in this article we will assume the total of six. Let’s see in more detail each one of these behaviors. We can talk about deep sleep when the baby’s eyes are closed, in this state we will see no eye movement, the breathing is regular, and we can occasionally observe startle (Prechtl, 1974).

 In the second behavior is the light sleep, this kind of sleep is characterized by the well-known Rapid eye Movement (REM) Sleep, in this stage the eyes of the baby will be closed, but briefly open. The baby will move in this stage and also may mumble (Bowers, 2014)

The third stage is the Drowsy state where the baby will have the eyes open, but the moments will the smooth and relaxed. In the alert stage, the baby will have his eyes wide-open, and he will be focusing his attention and hardly moving (Bowers, 2014)

The last stage will be active and alert, in this stage the baby will also have his eyes wide-open and moving around, in this stage he can also cry and startle. In the literature, as mentioned before, we can see only three stages, usually they assume deep sleep and light sleep as one behavior, and also Alert and active and alert as another, reducing the number of characteristics (Bowers, 2014).

 All behaviors that the baby can present and all his activities will be done inside a certain state and a certain moment. He should be receptive for that behavior so that he can perform an action, eating, crying, holding your hand and so on and so forth. It is the parents “job” to interpreted and recognize the patterns on the baby’s daily behavior. Soon they will be able to understand his needs and desires, what he needs and wants at that moment (Prechtl, 1974)

This understanding benefits your baby in many ways, when you finally understand him you will be able to help him relax. This is because the time of your response will be quick and you won’t be trying to find what he needs by trial and error. This leads to the decease on his stress levels this also benefits the parents because you will feel better and more organized, being more attentive and calmer near him, helping him to control his emotions.



References
Bowers, N. (2014). Normal Newborn Behaviors and Activities - Online Medical Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical CenterUrmc.rochester.edu. Retrieved 15 October 2014, from http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02629
Prechtl, H. (1974). The behavioral states of the newborn infant (a review). Brain Research76(2), 185--212.

About a Boy on NBC, Fiona becomes a doula!

A few days ago one of the doulas sent me a text message, "Hey Aliza, make sure to DVR the Minnie Driver show on NBC, About a Boy. The new season starts tomorrow and a little birdy told me that the main character is training to be a doula!"

I was so curious to see how they were going to portray doulas, so I DVRed it and got to watch it this morning.

Click here to watch the clip on NBC.com, the scene starts at about 4:25

The scene starts with the male character Will hearing a funny sound coming from the other room/apartment. He opens the door to see what's going on and finds Fiona making loud screaming /pushing sounds and her son Marcus emerging from under a rebozo style looking piece of fabric draped over her legs, chairs and table. Marcus emerges from under the fabric, runs toward Will, is attached to his mom by a thick fabric style rope and says to his mom,

Marcus: Cut my umbilical cord so I can hug Will!

Will: Umbilical cord! What?

Fiona: Don't get judgmental, we are simply reenacting Marcus's birth.

Will: And here I was thinking there was no logical explanation....

Fiona: Marcus is helping me stir up my personal birthing memories ot help me with my training to become a doula.

Will: What is a doula??

Fiona: Of course you don't know what a doula is. A doula is a magical person who helps restore the faith and dignity of birth that the medical establishment has frankly destroyed.

Will: ((Interrupts Fiona)) Okay moving on...

Marcus: Would it be okay if Will cut my umbilical cord as a symbolic way of showing our mutual independence?

Fiona: That is brilliant.


The scene's use of the rebozos instantly reminded me of the wonderful Gena Kirby's trainings for use of the rebozo during childbirth and although I have no insider information and I am only guessing here but I am imagining that her work must of influenced the director.

Awareness and Educating the Public on the Availability of Doula Support


Although I wouldn't say Fiona's description of a birth doula was 100% accurate, I believe it was a good step forward for the term "doula" to become a more household word. I have had so many clients come to me for their second pregnancy saying, "I so badly wish I knew that doulas existed before having my first! I only first heard about doulas AFTER my first. I am so glad I found you!" One of the missions of Main Line Doulas is providing education and awareness about what birth and postpartum doulas do here in Philadelphia, so that more woman who could benefit from the service know that it exists.

So thanks About a Boy for helping us make "DOULA" a household word!!


Ardmore Baby Basics Class!

We are looking forward to tonight's Baby Basics Class at Lulu's Casita in Ardmore! See everyone soon!!
-Aliza Bancoff and Wendy Mandel

NICU Charity Run for Main Line Health Paoli, Bryn Mawr, Lankenau, Riddle Hospitals!

Main Line Doulas Sponsors BabySteps 5K Charity Event

The Main Line Doulas Team is so excited to be Sponsoring the BabySteps 5k Run on Saturday October 18th, 2014 to support the NICU's of Main Line Health System including Paoli, Bryn Mawr, Lankenau, Riddle Hospitals!!!!! We hope to see everyone there!

The event is being held on the lovely Chester Valley Trail, Exton Park entrance, to benefit the Mainline Health Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Separate walking course (strollers welcome) and Kids Fun Run.
  
Trailhead is located at 132 Church Farm Lane in Exton. Take route 30 east to Ship Rd. Left onto Ship Rd, right onto Swedesford Rd then right onto Church Farm Lane.
Main Line Doulas Babysteps 5K Team 2013

Whole Foods Expecting Parents Event October 14th, 2014

Main Line Doulas is excited to announce a partnership with Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting to bring you a FREE 1 hour Comfort Measures for Childbirth class. Thanks for having us Whole Foods, we look forward to coming!

Sign up is not required, but will ensure that you receive the curriculum folder upon arrival: http://www.mainlinedoulas.com/p/loading.html


Main Line Doulas partners with Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, PA

Main Line Doulas is excited to be partnering with Whole Foods to bring you a very special FREE Seminar


Main Line Doulas, the Philadelphia area's premier source for pregnancy, birth and after birth education and support will be presenting this hands on event to learn the advanced tips and tricks the experts use to help you have a comfortable birth. This two hour class will be spent learning non-medical comfort measures including teaching you and your partner how to properly use positions, touch and  tools to bring you the most comfort during birth. Come meet like minded new parents for a fun evening out to prepare for your upcoming birth on October 14th 2014 at 7pm at the Plymouth Meeting Whole Foods.

What Your Friends Might Not Tell you About the Beginning of Labor

What Your Friends Might Not Tell you About the Beginning of Labor

As this classic scene from Friends demonstrates, this is exactly what happens when you go into labor: You feel a twinge of what may be a contraction and that means labor has begun. It’s time to panic! Your baby is coming. NOW! There will probably not be any time to get out the door to a hospital or birth center, and that means anyone near you must become an instant expert on delivering babies. Oh, and, let’s not even mention the mess! You can always trust your Friends, right?

Well… maybe not in this instance. 

Let’s talk about what the beginning stages of labor really look like.


In many cases, it may not be so easy to decipher when labor has officially started. Especially if you’re a first time mom that has never experienced a contraction, it can be difficult to know when your Braxton Hicks contractions, which can become more frequent near the end of pregnancy, stop and when real contractions begin. You may also experience Prodromal labor for several days before active labor starts.

Prodormal Labor, which is also called false labor, produces contractions that feel like stronger Braxton Hicks. However, unlike true labor, these contractions are irregular. They may show up at the same time each day, and last only for a few hours disappearing as quickly as they arrived. The length of each contraction will also vary. When true labor begins, your contractions will not go away. You will know the difference between false labor and true labor when your contractions become stronger, longer, and closertogether.

If you experience false labor, it can be confusing and emotionally draining. But, take heart! The work of Prodromal labor is not in vain. It can help to begin the process of dilating and softening the cervix, which may cause you to lose part of your mucous plug – this is a good sign that true labor is coming! There’scertainly nothing false about the bloody show.

So, what can you do if you’re experiencing false labor? Take a hint from your body: it’s practicing for the rigors of labor, which can be a cue for you to take some time to practice your coping mechanisms,relaxation techniques, and breathing. This is also be a good time to double check that you have everythingpacked and ready to go, or to simply to take some time to relax and enjoy some time to yourself before you begin your transition into motherhood.

When true labor begins it’s also not usually an emergency situation, which is how it’s often depicted on TV or in the movies. During the early stages of labor, you will likely have time to labor at home, take a shower, or even get some time to rest before heading out the door to the hospital or birth center. It’s true that there can be a lot of variability, but an average length of labor for first time moms is between 10 to 20 hours. Additionally, it generally progresses more quickly if you have already given birth vaginally. So, there’s no need to start cutting sheets and boiling water at the first sign of a contraction. If you are at all confused about whether or not you are in labor, you can always give your doctor or midwife a call; they will be able to answer any questions you have and help you assess if it’s time to come pay them a visit.

And of course, one thing you can always be sure of when it comes to your labor, just like your Friends,your doula will be there for you.

Aliza weighs in with CafeMom

Philadelphia based doula, Main Line Doulas Founder Aliza Bancoff celebrates World Breastfeeding Week by sharing with CafeMom some information about nursing strikes:

"These so-called nursing strikes may be baffling but are surprisingly common -- and while some moms might assume it's a sign their baby is ready to self-wean, breastfeeding counselor Aliza Bancoff, founder of Main Line Doulas, says that's rarely the case." Click here for the full article: http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/175588/baby_stopped_breastfeeding_suddenly_why

Philadelphia doula helps in the home after a Cesarean Section Birth

Help after a C-Section(cesarean section) birth is here in Philadelphia!


Our postpartum doulas have specialized training in helping the new family after the surgical birth of their baby. At Main Line Doulas, we understand that many families are not able to predict the need for a csection, and that often csections are unplanned emergencies. Given the huge change in plans, families are often left without the support they need. The new mom is physically recovering from surgery while also handling the intense stresses of caring for a newborn. Somethings gotta give.

We understand that many families are suddenly left desperately needing additional help from trained professionals who understand all of the needs of a mom in the days after a cesarean birth.

Here's the good news: Help is just a call away.


Call now to have an after cesarean doula out to your home as early as tonight.

 To speak to someone right away please call 484-802-6100

The Switch from Liquid to Solid Food

The Switch from Liquid to Solid Food

When and how is it appropriate to start serving solid foods to a baby? Us doulas here in Philadelphia love talking about this fun time! There is a ton of different advice out there which can become foggy and discouraging but your postpartum doula is there to provide helpful information. Not all babies are the same so introducing new foods is not entirely about age. It is more important how each individual baby develops and responds to food. 
                So what factors show that it is time to switch to solid foods? In the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) book, Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know, there are some very finite guidelines that should be helpful. 



First ask, can the baby hold his or her head up? If the baby does not show good head control in a high chair, infant seat, and feeding seat, he or she is not yet ready for solid food. 
Next, does the baby open his or her mouth when being fed? Some things to look for are when the baby begins to start watching adults eat, becomes eager for food, or begins to reach for food. The final question is can the baby swallow food? It is not uncommon for the baby to push food out of his or her mouth when fed for the first time. If this happens either dilute the texture and gradually make it thicker or, wait for a couple weeks to try again. Most recommend using solely liquid foods for the first six months. When converting to solids, it is ideal to still continue with liquids. This combination should last twelve months or longer depending on the baby’s preference.

Baby led weaning vs. Pureed baby food

The most common method of introducing solid foods to baby is by introducing pureed or mashed, soft foods. The less popular method is known as "Baby Led Weaning" referring to allowing baby to feed him or her self with small finger foods that they can mash with their teeth or gums and swallow.   
Pureed foods will be the focus of this article.
                Now that it is more clear as to when to begin to feed solids, the question of how to go about feeding remains. Most mothers begin by feeding only half a spoonful of food at a time and by talking their baby through the process. Say things like, “Yum, open wide” or, “Mmmm, eat up” because encouraging the baby can make a huge difference. Another idea is to give the baby some milk or formula before feeding solids for the first time. This is helpful because it decreases the chances of irritability. Don’t be surprised if the baby wrinkles his or her nose, roles the food around in its mouth, makes a huge mess, or even rejects the food all together. This is very new to him or her so it is important to be patient and to not force it.
                When it comes time to feed solids, what should the first foods be? If the baby is mostly breastfed, it would be best to begin with meat because, from ages four to six months more easily absorbed iron and zinc is required. Likewise, talking to a doctor about vitamin D and iron supplements for the first year is not a bad idea. Contrary to popular beliefs, there is no medical evidence that feeding single grain cereals first and vegetables before fruit is beneficial. When feeding cereal for the first time, do not put it in a bottle because that can lead to unnecessary weight gain and choking. Also, all cereal should be made for babies and be iron-fortified. 
Some popular starting foods include  cereal, vegetables and fruits. When making homemade baby foods steer clear of spinach, beets, green beans, squash, and carrots. These ingredients have a lot of nitrates which can cause anemia (low iron count). On the other hand, sweet potatoes, corn, and peas are suggested for homemade baby foods. 
How should a mother go about adding new foods to a baby’s palette? Well, this should be a gradual process. Only one new food should be introduced at a time with two to three days in between each food. If the baby experiences rash, vomiting, or diarrhea after trying a new food, check with a doctor to make sure that it is not an allergic reaction. 
After baby food is successfully added to the baby’s diet, it is time to add finger foods. The best way to determine when to add finger foods is to wait to give them until the baby begins to sit up and bring hands to his or her mouth. New finger foods should be cut into small pieces, be soft in texture, and be easy to swallow. Keep in mind that baby foods made for adults are high in sodium and preservatives and should be avoided. Also, all fresh foods, except bananas, need to be cooked and mashed before serving. Some starter finger foods include small pieces of banana, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, well-cooked and cut up squash, peas, and potatoes. The rule of thumb is if the food requires chewing, then the baby is not yet ready. As for how much a baby is being fed, four ounces per meal should be good. If the baby shows signs of fullness do not force him or her to continue eating because that can lead to overfeeding.
 So what changes should be expected when switching from liquids to solids? Stools are noted to become more solid, vary in color, have visible undigested food, and to develop a stronger odor. Another common change is that urine may become red when the baby is fed beets. If the stools become watery, full of mucus, or loose, slow down on feeding solid foods and call a doctor.
The switch from liquid to solid foods is one of the first steps from infant to toddler. It can be a very difficult and stressful decision to make. For those that are still unsure, asking a postpartum doula can be the best course of action. This will ensure that the time is right on a case by case basis. Remember, it is a mother’s job to provide the nutrients that her baby needs. Beginning on solid foods incorrectly can be hurtful to the baby so it is important to do the research. 
Works Cited
                "Switching To Solid Foods." HealthyChildren.org. N.p., 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 5 July 2014. <http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.aspx>
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Philadelphia Area Doulas Recognizing Birth Order When Starting a Family

Philadelphia Area Doulas Recognizing Birth Order When Starting a Family

Birth Order

Birth order is one of the main factors that influence a baby’s personality and behavior. Philadelphia area postpartum doulas often are on the front lines, as toddlers and older siblings adjust to the new baby. Children have different views of themselves depending on birth order and, believe it or not, parents subconsciously have different expectations for each child based on birth order. It is important to understand family structure before having children as to cater to each child’s personality. Having a doula knowledgeable about the differences in birth order can be very helpful in setting up the foundation for sibling adjustments.

First Born

A first born child is typically described as cautious, controlling, conscientious, reliable, and achievers. It is not uncommon for the oldest child to act like a mini adult and strive to impress. As the head of the pack, they feel responsible for their other siblings and thus assert themselves as leader.

 

Middle Child

Middle children are usually less concerned about impressing adults but more so about impressing their peers. They often feel like they don’t have a place in the family because they do not have the power of the oldest sibling or the attention of the youngest. Consequently, they work for outside relationships. Middle children often have large social circles, thrive on friendship, are people-pleasers, are a little rebellious, and make great peacemakers.

 Last Child

The last born child is typically a little bit more fun-loving than the rest. By the time parents have their last child they are usually a lot less strict which allows these children to be free spirited. They are described as, attention-seekers, self-centered, uncomplicated, manipulative, outgoing, and fun-loving.
 As for only children, they will monopolize their parent’s resources and attention and are typically perfectionist, conscientious, leaders, diligent, and mature for their age.
In some cases, children are not first born, middle children, last children, nor only children.
 In blended families, if the child is five or older it usually means that his or her personality will not change. Otherwise, this child will conform to the new position in the family.

Twins

 As for twins, they don’t have the individualistic treatment like the youngest nor do they feel out of place within the family like a middle child. Therefore, most twins, regardless of birth order, will take the personality of a firstborn child.

Gap Child

 Another special case is gap children. When there is at least five years between sets of children, a gap child is born. This causes the birth order to restart. The first gap child takes on the personality traits of the first born and so on.

Adopted Child

 Finally, for adopted children it really depends on the age that the child was adopted. Like blended families, if the child is older he or she will keep the personality of his or her original birth order, while babies and toddlers are more likely change to fit the new structure.

 When it comes time to plan a family, it is beneficial to look at every detail that goes into birth and raising children. Although hiring the perfect doula, decorating the baby room, and creating a birth plan are all very important things, looking at the long term aspects to raising children is also important. Your doula can help you create that foundation for a lifetime.  After all, starting a family is a lifetime commitment.




Works Cited
Bartell, Dr. Susan S.. "HavingAnotherBaby.com." HavingAnotherBaby.com. havinganotherbaby.com, 5 July 2014. Web. 6 July 2014. <http://havinganotherbaby.com/articles/birthorder.html>.

Voo, Jocelyn. "Birth Order and Personality." Parents Magazine. American Baby, n.d. Web. 6 July 2014. <http://www.parents.com/baby/development/social/birth-order-and-personality/>.

What Your Friends Might Not Tell you About the Beginning of Labor

What Your Friends Might Not Tell you About the Beginning of Labor

 
 
As this classic scene from Friends demonstrates, this is exactly what happens when you go into labor: You feel a twinge of what may be a contraction and that means labor has begun. It’s time to panic! Your baby is coming. NOW! There will probably not be any time to get out the door to a hospital or birth center, and that means anyone near you must become an instant expert on delivering babies. Oh, and, let’s not even mention the mess! You can always trust your Friends, right?

Well… maybe not in this instance. 

Let’s talk about what the beginning stages of labor really look like.


In many cases, it may not be so easy to decipher when labor has officially started. Especially if you’re a first time mom that has never experienced a contraction, it can be difficult to know when your Braxton Hicks contractions, which can become more frequent near the end of pregnancy, stop and when real contractions begin. You may also experience Prodromal labor for several days before active labor starts.

Prodormal Labor, which is also called false labor, produces contractions that feel like stronger Braxton Hicks. However, unlike true labor, these contractions are irregular. They may show up at the same time each day, and last only for a few hours disappearing as quickly as they arrived. The length of each contraction will also vary. When true labor begins, your contractions will not go away. You will know the difference between false labor and true labor when your contractions become stronger, longer, and closertogether.

If you experience false labor, it can be confusing and emotionally draining. But, take heart! The work of Prodromal labor is not in vain. It can help to begin the process of dilating and softening the cervix, which may cause you to lose part of your mucous plug – this is a good sign that true labor is coming! There’scertainly nothing false about the bloody show.

So, what can you do if you’re experiencing false labor? Take a hint from your body: it’s practicing for the rigors of labor, which can be a cue for you to take some time to practice your coping mechanisms,relaxation techniques, and breathing. This is also be a good time to double check that you have everythingpacked and ready to go, or to simply to take some time to relax and enjoy some time to yourself before you begin your transition into motherhood.

When true labor begins it’s also not usually an emergency situation, which is how it’s often depicted on TV or in the movies. During the early stages of labor, you will likely have time to labor at home, take a shower, or even get some time to rest before heading out the door to the hospital or birth center. It’s true that there can be a lot of variability, but an average length of labor for first time moms is between 10 to 20 hours. Additionally, it generally progresses more quickly if you have already given birth vaginally. So, there’s no need to start cutting sheets and boiling water at the first sign of a contraction. If you are at all confused about whether or not you are in labor, you can always give your doctor or midwife a call; they will be able to answer any questions you have and help you assess if it’s time to come pay them a visit.

And of course, one thing you can always be sure of when it comes to your labor, just like your Friends,your doula will be there for you.

Doulas- The Expert Family Assistance And Post Birth Guidance Professionals

 Doulas- The Expert Family Assistance And Post Birth Guidance Professionals

The most important day for a family with a newborn is when the little angel opens its eyes and is welcomed by a crowd of happy relatives into this world! However, the blissful feelings of an ecstatic mother and a proud father suffer a reality check when they realize that they have no idea whatsoever of how to take care of the little tyke and have limited knowledge of its various important needs.

Moreover, the little baby and the mother need expert support especially for the first few days after birth, to ensure that there are no breastfeeding complications which could affect the wellbeing of either of them.

With the addition of such an important new member into the family, the hassle of trying to adapt successfully into the changed daily routine, adds to the stress and workload of new parents. With the baby to take care of, household chores to complete, along with the important need to ensure the health and safety of the little angel and the mother, it becomes nothing less than a challenge for the family to deal with such a big change in their life! But doulas are the experts they need to take care of all their worries and help them acquire a sense of routine organized family lifestyle, which suits the baby while being conveniently acceptable to the parents too!


Doulas- The Answer To The Worries Of New Parents!

If you are lucky enough to celebrate the addition of a new member to your family, then enjoy the happy moment without any dread of how to handle the little cherub. With the services of postpartum doulas easily available for expert assistance, you can conveniently ensure the efficient work routine of your house, along with the much needed support required for the mother and the baby.

Doulas not only offer breastfeeding assistance and newborn education but also provide the new mother with the physical and emotional support they need to adjust into their new lifestyle, and recover efficiently. They assist and guide mothers to take care of the needs of the child and ensure its complete comfort and health, along with taking care of their own health.

They provide support in baby feeding and share techniques for soothing the child, along with providing references for lactation support and pediatricians.

Postpartum Doulas- A Valuable Resource!  

Not only do Philadelphia area doulas offer expert guidance on how to take best care of the baby, they also facilitate the mother by running small errands and helping her adapt gradually into the new lifestyle. Their support proves invaluable to new mothers, who find the added workload very difficult to cope with, and with the help of doulas easily fit into the new routine without any trouble.

Doulas also ensure services for light housekeeping along with sibling care, for the help of a family having multiple children. They educate and guide the couple along every step of the way, in order to help them easily understand the needs of the child and the best way to meet them, while experiencing the transition in their lives.

They offer flexible services and can be counted upon to provide overnight duties if needed. Being experienced experts, they provide assistance for dealing with the challenging task efficiently, letting new parents enjoy the addition of their new baby into the family.      

Things Never to Say to a Pregnant Woman in Philadelphia

Things Never to Say to a Pregnant Woman in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love has many many thousands of women pregnant at any give time. So let's practice what NOT to say to them! Having recently been a pregnant woman for the second time, I’ve heard my fair share of unwelcome comments. Most notably someone chiding my husband that he might need to cut the doorways in our apartment bigger so that I’d be able to fit through them (and as you’ll see below, rule number one is to never comment about a pregnant woman’s weight… ever). For whatever reason, some basic rules of courtesy seem to fly right out the window when people are talking to a pregnant woman. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but consider it a guide to help you avoid some faux pas when chatting with your pregnant friends or relatives.

Was it planned?

Asking if a pregnancy was planned might be taken to suggest that you disapprove of it for one reason or another. It also digs a bit too much into a couple's private life. Let her keep the personal details personal.

Are you sure you aren’t having twins?

Unless twins run in one of the expecting parent’s families, stay far away from this question! What you’re really saying by asking this is: “are you sure you sure you’re not getting too fat?”, and asking that question would never be okay.

Are you sure you're not due sooner?

See explanation above - this is another question that is subtly commenting about the mom-to-be's weight. Even when they’re pregnant and know their bodies will be growing, women still don't like to have their size called into question.

Are you really pregnant? You look so small!

On the flip side, while this may seem like a nice compliment, a pregnant woman may also begin to worry that something is wrong because not gaining enough weight . I guess what I’m driving at, in a nutshell, is that you should just stay away from any questions or comments about a mom’s weight. Leave any judgment regarding her belly being too big or too small to her doctor or midwife.

Can I touch your belly?

Basic rule of thumb, if you have to ask, it's probably not okay. Even worse: actually touching her stomach. I'm sure you don't like random people touching your stomach, right? Hands off the pregnant lady!

So, you're hoping for a boy/girl, right?

If a mom already has a boy, people tend to assume that she wants girl, and vice versa. It can be a touchy question. Sometimes women do long for one or the other and are worried about being disappointed if they have the opposite (and may be scared to admit it). And, usually, the woman is having another baby simply because she wants another child regardless of the sex. Either way, this question gets old fast.

You can't eat/drink that!

There are so many (sometimes confusing) rules about what women can and cannot consume during pregnancy. Most of the time, the mom-to-be is well aware of the rules and has already made an informed decision about how they want to follow them. Calling them out for enjoying a deli sandwich or a sip of wine will, at best, annoy them, and at worse, make them feel attacked.

Get all the sleep you can now...

I'm not sure why we, as a culture, tend to lean towards regaling pregnant women with the worst parts of our birth stories. It's not exactly helpful to make women terrified of having a baby - especially when there's obviously no going back. Let's make a pact to change this and lift women up by encouraging them with the most wonderful parts of our labor and delivery and work to create a culture of beautiful births.

Telling pregnancy and birth horror stories

I'm not sure why we, as a culture, tend to lean towards regaling pregnant women with the worst parts of our birth stories. It's not exactly helpful to make women terrified of having a baby - especially when there's obviously no going back. Let's make a pact to change this and lift women up by encouraging them with the most wonderful parts of our labor and delivery and work to create a culture of beautiful births.

Opting For Doulas- Means To Mother A Mother!

Opting For Doulas- Means To Mother A Mother!

Philadelphia families celebrating the arrival of a new baby within the household is one of the most beautiful experiences enjoyed by a family! While the mother is happy beyond measure, the father carries the newborn angel proudly in his arms, reveling in the pleasure of the recent introduction of the beauty which had graced and completed their family. But, all at once the baby starts crying for an inexplicable reason, and both parents are besides themselves on how to stem the flow of tears of their baby, and this is where a doula comes into the picture!

Having a baby and tending to all its various needs is a challenging task especially for a couple going through their very first experience. The parents are usually unaware of the different needs of the baby, and are uncertain about how to provide their dear one with all the comfort he needs. Moreover, the mother requires both physical and emotional support, during and after the birth procedure, in order to recover quickly and take care of the baby easily, with no complications.

A Philadelphia doula is the ideal answer to all these various needs!

Doula- Exactly What You Need

A doula is a person who provides emotional as well as physical support to the mother of the infant, both before and after the birth of the baby. These experienced women recognize and understand the needs of the mother, for taking care of the wants of the baby, and provide careful instruction to ensure that the mother tends to all the needs of the infant in the appropriate manner.

Goal Of The Doula - Mother The Mother

Though it is not the only service provided by a doula, it is definitely one of the most important ones. A mother needs careful instruction and guidance, along with a companionable care, which ensures her assistance and help during the trying process of taking care of the baby, and a doula ensures proper support in this regard.

Doulas ensure support and comfortable assistance to a new mother, something which she needs more than anything else. They also help her to take care of the baby and understand the baby feeding process, dressing and soothing techniques. They run small errands and offer help, to prevent the mother from becoming overwhelmed with the extra work along with the routine house chores.   

Besides taking care of the needs of the mother, doulas also provide sibling care and provide careful guidance and instruction to both the parents, about how to incorporate changes within their lives after the arrival of the new member of the family.
They also provide referral assistance for parenting classes, support groups, lactation supports and pediatricians for the relief of a family. There are birth doulas as well as postpartum doulas, which offer services based on the needs of a family.

Birth doulas provide emotional assistance and guidance during labor and birth to a family while postpartum doulas ensure help after the birth of the infant. They ensure companionable assistance and experienced support at time of urgent need to a family, though besides themselves with happiness, but completely unaware about how to deal with the new circumstances at hand. A doula serves as a family’s support for entering into a new sphere of life!

Homemade Sunscreen for baby with Step by Step Instructions

Homemade Sunscreen for baby with Step by Step Instructions


This blog post will be personal reflection about sunscreen and my own journey in research and finding the right fit for our family. First I have outlined 3 popular store brands, then I will give instructions for how to make your own.


We are preparing for our annual week down the shore! This year we will have a 12 month old with us. So sun protection will be high up on the priority list, especially given his fair skin. But after some research over the years, I've found there are only one or two brands I really feel safe with. As it turns out, even the brands labeled and designed for babies, aren't so safe after all. Most of my research was done at a fabulous website called EWG's SkinDeep Database. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ So this year I decided to research the safest ingredients and make my own. And surprisingly, most of the ingredients were already in my house!

So here's a glimpse into my research:

Below please find a list of three of the most popular sunscreens you can find at the local drug store or supermarket. 

Please click on each of the active ingredients to see information from the Environmental Workers Group Skin Deep Database to see the risks associated with their use on humans.(by the way the inactive ingredients are pretty awful too, feel free to look them up yourself) 

 

Coppertone Water Babies Ingredients

(http://www.coppertone.com/products/kidandbaby/waterbabies/lotion/regular.aspx)

Ingredients: Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 55, Zinc Oxide 14.5% (Sunscreens).

Inactive Ingredients:Water, propylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate cylopentasiloxane, cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone crospolymer, triethoxycaprylylsalane, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, ethylhexyl palmitate, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium chloride.

Banana Boat Baby 

Active Ingredients
Homosalate (15%) , Octinoxate (7.5%) , Octisalate (5%) , Titanium Dioxide (2.4%)

Inactive Ingredients
Water , Isohexadecane , Ozokerite , Cetyl/PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone , PEG 8 , C30 38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate/MA Copolymer , Glycerin , Sodium Citrate , Sodium Chloride , Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) , Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) , Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A) , Dimethicone , Phenoxyethanol , Methylparaben , Butylparaben , Ethylparaben , Propylparaben , Isopbutylparaben , Disodium EDTA , Alumina

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock Spray

Active Ingredients
Avobenzone3.0% , Homosalate8.0% , Octisalate4.0% , Octocrylene (2.35%) , Oxybenzone5.0%

Inactive Ingredients
SD Alcohol 40 2 (68%) , Isobutane , Diethylhexyl 2 6 Naphthalate , Trisiloxane , Dimethicone , Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer , PPG 5 Ceteth 20 , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) , Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) , Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A) , Cyclopentasiloxane , Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer , Fragrance

Now that you've seen how toxic your run of the mill sun block is, check out my recipe!

My baby sunscreen recipe:

Ingredients needed:
I have again put a link to the Environmental Working Group listing of each ingredient for you to read about them, as I have above for the drug store brands.

Shea Butter 
Coconut Oil
Carrot Seed Oil
Beeswax
Zinc Oxide(non-nano)
Chamomile Extract
Vanilla Extract 

Other materials needs:
Glass jar
Pot
Boiling water

All of the above ingredients in my recipe have a risk catagory of ZERO, except the Zinc Oxide which has a catagory 2-3 risk. Zinc has a risk for allergy and immunotoxicity of LOW, and zero for cancer and developmental and reproductive toxicity. The concerns of zinc are only for when it is airborne in sprays.

All of these ingredients I either had in the house, or was able to get delivered to me through Amazon.com in two days.

Step 1:

Gather all ingredients.

Step 2:

Slice beeswax into tiny peices.

Step 3:

Boil water

Step 4:

Put most ingredients into a glass jar:

3 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp zinc oxide
1tbsp beeswax
1 tsp carrot seed oil
1/2tsp chamomile extract(you could use the oil instead, I just used what I had in the house)
1/2tsp vanilla extract for scent

At this point, leave out the chamomile extract and zinc.

Place jar in hot pan with hot water and carefully let it begin warming and stir often. Be careful not to let water boil too much and shake the jar or splash into it. Continue to stir until everything is melting and well incorporated. The beeswax will melt last, but hang in there, it will melt.

Now that everything is well combined, remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. 
Carefully stir in the zinc oxide until it is completely incorporated into the mixture. Now add chamomile extract and vanilla extract.

Stir well, let cool and there you have it, you're very own SAFE sunscreen. The whole process took 15 minutes and now I have a wonderful sunscreen that is both sun protecting and soothing to the skin, that I can feel good about applying to my baby and young children while we are down the shore this week!

 safe sunscreen recipe for baby
Ingredients for homemade baby sunscreen














This recipe has not been evaluated by the FDA, use at your own risk.