To pump or not to pump, that is the question...

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To pump or not to pump, that is the question...

Mother’s Situation: I’m six months pregnant with my first child and I’m planning on trying to breastfeed. I’ll be returning to work, though, and I think it might be difficult. I’m considering breastfeeding just until I return to work because I don’t want the hassle of pumping and storing my milk. What inspires other mothers to keep on breastfeeding or pumping even after they resume working? 

As a postpartum doula who works with mothers in their homes after they’ve had their babies, I am inspired by the thought you are putting into this important decision. Many of my clients return or will be returning to work, and most of them choose to breastfeed. Many plan to breastfeed until they return to work, and some plan to continue pumping while they are working. 

Quite simply, what inspires them to continue are their babies! 

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Birth of a Doula

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Birth of a Doula

A brand new mother sat at home in her living room with her baby boy a couple of days after giving birth. She had done so much preparation leading up to her birth - she and her husband attended a childbirth class that focused on having the partner as coach to the laboring mother. Even so, she had hired a birth doula to support them both through the process. As part of her childbirth class she attended a breastfeeding support group to learn about feeding her baby once he arrived. She had her music picked out for her birth, lined up her photographer, and packed all the special items she wanted to bring with her to the birth center. 

Things didn’t go as planned. …

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"Birthing" a new website delivers newborn care and baby sleep tips

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"Birthing" a new website delivers newborn care and baby sleep tips

I’ve got exciting news to share! After 14 years in business, First Daze & Nightzzz is launching a new, professionally-designed website. It feels a little like birthing a baby. (I can relate almost anything back to birth.) I'm grateful to my web design team. Just like with birth, having a skilledteam can make a huge difference to the process and outcome.

The new site is more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing and brands our “flamingo parenting” philosophy. (Learn more about that on the About Us page.) The blog - packed with great tips and information on caring for (including sleep tips), feeding, and play for your babies and children is incorporated into the new site. You can sign up to receive blog updates directly to your inbox.

Also on the site are instructional swaddling videos for those who love good visual guidance, and a podcast on how to help our children sleep better. I’ll be getting more videos up in the near future.

One of the things my viewers enjoy most about my website — besides the relief that comes with learning skilled postpartum doula and sleep coaching help is available — is reading our Dream Team bios in the About Us section. The new website features beautiful, updated photos and bios along with a new group shot of our “dream team.” Come take a peek.

We’re also featuring some beautiful photos of our very own clients. What a joy to know that we’ve built such wonderful relationships with our families over the years that they would share themselves on our website. My heart is singing. ...

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Sometimes overnight doula help IS fun and games

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Submitted by guest blogger and postpartum doula Erica Aday

You might think doula work is all about the babies, but one of the best things about being a postpartum doula is getting to know and work with other doulas. The First Daze & Nightzzz doulas are an extraordinary and interesting team of women. Among us are devoted moms, daughters, grandmothers, wives and friends who do amazing things like practice yoga, run marathons, extreme bird-watch, downsize into a “tiny house”, paint murals, and travel the world. And yet, with such diverse interests and backgrounds, we are all united by our desire to help families adjust to and enjoy the journey of parenthood. Each of us has our own unique life story and has traveled a different path to become part of our community of caregivers. The variety of knowledge and experiences we share with each other allows us to continue to grow professionally and better serve families. We come together as often as possible to acknowledge and build upon these connections over good food, wine and laughter. ...

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