Victoria's Helping Hand

10/03/2023

✨ Newborn Sleepy Cues ✨

When we think about newborns sleepy cues, tired eyes and big yawns typically come to mind. While those can be common sleep cues, there are more subtle signs that caregivers often don't notice. If you've ever tried "drowsy but awake" but your little one never seems to stay settled, or if they seem impossible to soothe for their daytime naps, you may be missing their sleep window. This post is meant to help you look for some of those early tired signs and offers some suggestions for what you can do at each stage to help build and establish healthy sleep habits. Happy sleeping!

09/20/2023

07/07/2023

The topic of how to feed your baby has always been a passionate one. Often you'll hear the phrase "breast is best," and while we know about the benefits of breastfeeding, it may not always be the best choice for new parents.

There can be many reasons breastfeeding may not be ideal:

- Emotional and physical burnout
- Complications/interventions during birth
- Low milk supply
- Previous breast surgeries (mastectomy, reduction, etc)
- Infant weight concerns
- Return to work/unsupportive work policies
- Medical reasons

Additionally, some parents ultimately choose not to. While there can be many stigmas amongst mothers about their feeding choices, we must remember that as long as a family is using safe milk alternatives, such as regulated formula, our opinions are just that, our opinions.

No one should feel guilty for choosing to pump or use formula, whether they have a medical need or simply prefer not to breastfeed. It is our responsibility as birth workers to support families in whatever method they are comfortable with. As a friend, parent, or relative, remember to check your biases, and if your "advice" is anything less than support for your loved one, please, keep it to yourself.

12/12/2022

Regardless if your c-section was planned or unplanned, recovery can feel like a long and daunting process. Often times the birthing person can feel pressure to return to "normal" even after having major surgery. Giving yourself the time and space to recover can make all the difference in your healing journey. I'm hopeful that this post will be helpful if you are planning on having a c-section, or just want to feel a little more prepared in the face of the unexpected.

Cover photo courtesy of Image by Freepik

09/06/2022

Sleep coaching is more than "cry it out." As a certified sleep coach, I educate families on healthy sleep habits, children's biological needs for sleep, and fostering independence.

Before I create sleep plans for families and their children, I need to find our starting point.

✨What is the schedule like?
✨What sleep associations are we working with?
✨Are we dealing with night wakings or early risings?
✨ What is your child's daily mood?
✨What is your child's temperament?
✨What is your parenting style?
✨What's out of your comfort zone?

Asking these questions is so important when creating an individualized sleep plan. Sleep is not linear, and not all children are the same.

I hope this post is able to debunk some popular sleep training myths I've heard from families. Don't let the fear of the unknown keep your children from getting the sleep they deserve.

09/01/2022

Bringing home a new baby can be challenging. Having feelings of uncertainty as the days and weeks progress is something I see often. Newborns are constantly changing, and because they can't quite communicate in a way we understand, trying to figure out how to meet their ever-changing needs (while running on little sleep) can seem daunting.

In this last year of working postpartum, one of the questions I hear the most is, "what comes next?". While all infants have individual temperaments and personalities, there are a few basics that can help families feel more prepared for those big changes in the first few months. I have compiled some general expectations for infants in the first 16 weeks that can offer support to families as they go through their newborn journey.

08/10/2022

Families often ask me, "what should my baby wear to sleep?". If you find yourself wondering the same thing, I hope you find this guide helpful.

TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade. Many sleep sacks and swaddles will have a TOG rating that indicates the level of insulation they provide. It is important to pay attention to the TOG level when choosing swaddles and sleep sacks.

It is important to pay attention to your child's body temperature, their breathing patterns, and any temperature fluctuations in their sleep space. In infants under 6 months, avoiding overdressing and overheating is key in reducing the risk of SIDS.

Many experts suggest keeping sleep spaces between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, however, current AAP guidelines do not specify a "safe" temperature range, but instead focus on making sure children are dressed appropriately for the enviornments they are in.

04/29/2022

Breast milk is like liquid gold. That is why it is so important to make sure that when you pump, your expressed milk is handled and stored correctly so that not a single drop goes to waste!

04/28/2022

Let's face it, the topic of SIDS makes every new parent cringe. It's so scary to talk about something that science still has yet to explain.

However, it is important for us to talk about Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, otherwise known as SUID. While SIDS just one cause falling under this category, several other causes are completely preventable.

Taking the time to educate ourselves about the difference between SIDS and SUID can help save little lives.

Please take the time to read and share. You never know who needs to hear it!

04/26/2022

Celebrate Mother's Day by giving yourself or someone you love, the gift of sleep! Sleep packages are 30% off now through Mother's Day. Limited spaces are available. Please visit my website, or send me a message to reserve your spot!