Tully spoke to each of us in so many ways. As a parent of 2 and owner of TLC, I could relate to the chaos and sleep deprivation of a Postpartum mom and the demands of a special needs child while managing a household. Patricia, who has helped over a dozen families over the last 5 years navigate the demands of adding a new baby to a family could relate to the the sensitive nature of working in an intimate family environment. Throughout the movie Pat would lean over to me saying things like “she should wash her hands when she walks in the house,”  “she shouldn’t be wearing that midriff,” and “she needs to give the mom more personal space.” When things get weird in the movie and she brings Tully to the bedroom we both look at each other like ‘ok, now this is really weird.’  At the end of the movie we discovered the reason for a lot of the immature oversharing behavior and took a sigh of relief.

After the movie Pat and I discussed Marlo’s (mom) lack of support. We both questioned why Marlo was not willing to take the gift of the night nanny when offered. Why is there a stigma that women have to do it all?  Had Marlo accepted help or at least engaged the support of her husband and family she might not have ended up where she did. ***I don’t want to give away any spoilers!***

Postpartum depression and manic behavior require professional help. Hiring a Newborn Care Specialist will not treat postpartum depression. But Patricia and I both feel that the help would have given Marlo support and perhaps directed her to the right professional.  Like Marlo, many moms suffer sleep deprivation and loss of identity aftee the birth of a baby.  This is because they feel they like they have no support and help.   Hiring a Newborn Care Specialist can help moms get on track to feel like themselves again.

Reach out to Chrissy Wheelington, TLC’s Newborn Care Director, to learn more about the different newborn services TLC offers.

Written by Sharon Graff-Radell owner of TLC Family Care.

The post ‘Tully’ Through the Eyes of a Newborn Care Specialist appeared first on TLC Family Care.

Postpartum Doula

A Postpartum Doula provides support for the mother and the rest of the family. A big part of the Doula’s job is to “mother the mother” and help the new mother recover after birth. With a Doula there is a lot of focus on education. The Doula can offer breastfeeding and bottle feeding support, help establish newborn procedures and routines, along with other infant care needs. The Postpartum Doula aims to make the mother comfortable and confident in her new role, and to empower the parents to care for their new baby themselves. The Doula can also provide some light housekeeping, errand running and meal preparation. In Miami and Fort Lauderdale Postpartum Doulas can range from $14-$25 per hour.

The hours typically range 4-6 hours a day, but overnights are also possible. The parents can also decide if they want the Doula every day or just a few days a week. There are certification programs that some Doulas complete through these organizations: DONA, CAPPA, Maternity Wise, or Childbirth International.

Baby Nurse

In South Florida parents typically use the word “Baby Nurse” to describe around the clock infant care assistance. This person is usually not a registered nurse. She is typically a non-medically trained caregiver whose main focus is on the infant. The Baby Nurse has a bed in the room with the baby. She is responsible for feeding, changing, burping, rocking, soothing, and swaddling the new baby. The baby nurse may also assist with the infant’s laundry and bottle washing. In the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area a live-in Baby Nurse charges between $200 and $275 per day.

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)

The responsibilities of the NCS include feeding, bathing, changing the infant, washing/cleaning/sterilizing bottles, and initiating a schedule for sleeping, meals, nap and play time. Other responsibilities include advising and providing any requested consultation on infant needs, swaddling, breastfeeding guidance, cord and circumcision care and nursery organization. An NCS can work days, nights or around the clock. The training a NCS receives can vary from more official groups like Newborn Care Specialist Association (NCSA) to smaller trainings led by individual agencies or no specific training at all. Many NCS have been providing care to new moms for decades! They bring to the family years of practical experience.

All three caregivers offer overnight services. A good night’s sleep is by far the biggest need for parents with an infant! The caregiver typically arrives at 10 pm and stays until 6 or 7 am, allowing parents to sleep and feel well rested for the next day.

For more information, call TLC and ask about Postpartum Doulas, Baby Nurses, and Newborn Care Specialists today. TLC can provide an extra set of loving arms for you and your new baby!

The post What is the Difference between a Newborn Care Specialist, a Baby Nurse and a Postpartum Doula? appeared first on TLC Family Care.