Parenting Resources

Parenting & Safety

Feeding & Lactation

  • Colostrum Harvesting

    Harvesting colostrum prenatally builds comfort and confidence so that once your baby arrives, you won’t worry so much about how to feed them! You can focus on bonding, and knowing that you are effectively removing colostrum which aids your body in transitioning to mature milk.

  • Hand Expression & Breast Massage

    Did you know that hand expression can be more effective at removing colostrum, boosting production, and increasing the duration of breastfeeding than pumping alone?

  • Engorged?

    Try reverse pressure softening! If you receive any fluids during birth, your chest will be more engorged than if not. Also, if this is not your first time giving birth, it is likely that you will be more engorged than previously since your milk makers know what do do!

  • Breast Gymnastics...Say What?

    Prime your chest for feeding and get that milk flowing with Maya Bolman’s Breast Gymnastics! Sounds silly -sure- but it works!

  • Newborn Hunger Cues

    Crying is a late response to hunger and other needs. Once you get to know your baby, you will start to learn their individual patterns and cues. Here is a guide to help you in the early days.

  • Paced/Responsive Bottle Feeding

    All babies who are given bottles before they are able to hold their own should be fed using “paced bottle feeding,” also known as “responsive bottle feeding.” This not only makes it easier for the baby to transition from body to bottle and vice versa, but allows them to be in control of the pace, teaching caregivers their cues and lessening the chance of overfeeding a baby. It is also less likely to make babies gassy when compared to cradle-hold bottle feeding positions.

Sleep

Baby Play & Development

  • Period of PURPLE Crying

    The period of PURPLE crying is a normal part of infancy that peaks around month 2, and lessens from there. If you are worried about the amount your baby cries, or are concerned about your reactions to your baby during these stressful times, please tell your primary care provider and/or support people.

  • Infant Massage

    Massage is a wonderful way to connect with your baby, aid digestion, and help relieve tension that may be present.

  • Guppy Pose

    The “guppy pose” is a fun way to work on baby’s tracking, back extension, and “tummy time” skills for infants who may otherwise be uncomfortable or unable to do traditional tummy time.

  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire

    ASQs are a great place to get ideas of how to interact with your baby in a developmentally appropriate way. Please note that the latest ASQ revision was in 2009, and what we know about developmental milestones have evolved since then; if you are at all concerned about your baby/child’s development, please contact your trusted primary care provider.

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