Every parent’s needs are different which is why Oh, Baby offers two distinctive services.
In my effort to be upfront from the beginning, I tell parents that all babies are different. Forget about “sleep training” as newborns did not read the books! One of the reasons I am awake all night is I listen to the babies sounds and observe their movements. With a four week contract I can see their sleeping rhythms. Some babies just squirm a lot or just noisy! Some are silent sleepers. Every noise is not a need to be picked up – just soothed. I try to help you understand their sleep habits.
Traditional Newborn Care:
- I answer your questions in the prenatal time frame via texts or emails or phone calls.
- I maintain the nursery and try to make sure all bottles or breastfeed pumps are clean before I leave.
- I take care of the night feedings unless you request differently. This can mean either bottle feeding or bringing the baby to mom for breastfeeding at appointed times
- I help parents establish good sleeping and eating routines.
- I encourage moms to take naps and eat properly.
This coverage is ideal for first time parents and who want to increase their newborn care knowledge. You need help as you learn how to balance your life and need the one-on-one coaching concerning care of the newborn. The longer contract of 4 weeks with possible options to extend takes the pressure off being parents in that first month.
If the mother is nursing, I will help keep her pumping equipment sterile.
This service is often desired by parents who are having their second baby. They want time to be with their toddler and keep their routine. They need a newborn care giver who can give complete care to the infant at night so they can stay rested.
I’ve had parents talk to me about how they felt that the first child got off to a bad start as they didn’t understand routines, sleep habits etc. and want to make sure that this second baby gets off to a better start. They are depending on the newborn caregiver to use their expertise to help them establish solid feeding and sleeping habits.
In keeping with my reputation as being a bit “different”, I also saw that some parents wanted more alone time with their newborn. This is especially true if this is their first child. How do you get confident in your ability if someone is always around to rescue you?! The reason I encourage weeknights only is I think parents gain confidence as they care for their newborn on weekends. They get a chance to practice the techniques we talked about during the week. Yes, they are glad to see me on Monday! But when I leave, I hope to leave behind confident parents.
This is a great choice for mothers who have a C-section and need a little more TLC or if fathers work late and want some alone time with their wife and baby.
At Oh, Baby! I am committed to supporting parents regardless of the type of care they choose to use.
