If you are having a baby in Tucson, Colleen can help. Welcoming a baby brings joy, questions, and
often a lot of uncertainty. These are some of the most common questions I hear
from expecting and new parents. My goal is to offer reassurance, clarity, and
support, without feeling pressured or judged. If you’re asking or wondering about these questions, you are not failing; you are seeking education to learn, answers, and planning and preparing for the adjustment. Support during pregnancy and postpartum isn’t a luxury; it’s part of healthy family care.

Having family and support nearby is amazing, but sometimes having a non family member available to answer your questions is important for your confidence and sanity.  Everyone has their own opinion and advice when it comes to parenting.  I bring my unbiased knowledge and experience to help you form whatever parenting philosophy works best for your family.

This is different for every family and changes daily. I adjust to whatever you need when I arrive.  Some days you might want to discuss bathing, swaddling and calming methods while others you want to focus solely on feeding. Organizing the nursery or setting up another changing station somewhere in the house to make your life easier can be helpful as is setting up a meal train so family, friends  and neighbors can bring you hot meals. There may be days you will want to process and have adult conversations?   Other days, I may sit and read with your older child or walk through a hands on demonstration with your partner while you take a bath or shower, catch up on emails or more importantly take a nap. Every day is different!

Since each family’s needs are different, the choice is ultimately yours.  I realize that this is a learning curve for you and baby, so I can take as much or as little time as needed to help you master task(s). I am incredibly patient and work on baby time, not regular time. Most families purchase a package to get started and we can usually accomplish everything in that amount of time, but I always try my best to stay on and help out as long as you need.  My goal is to foster your independence and confidence. If I have available hours, you may purchase more as you need them.

Since each family’s needs are different, the choice is yours.  I realize that this is a learning curve for you and baby, so I can take as much or as little time needed to help you master a task(s). I am incredibly patient and work on baby time, not regular time. Most families purchase the 20 hour package to get started and we can usually accomplish everything in that amount of time, but I will always stay on and help out as long as you need.  My goal is to foster your independence and confidence. If I have available hours, you may purchase more as you need them.

I typically work in 2- 4 hour shifts; however, some exceptions do apply. If a task is taking longer to master, then I will stay until it is completed for that day. My minimum shift is 2 hours long.  No, I don’t provide overnight care, but I have amazing referrals who I can send you to. I will occasionally work in the evenings to help with fussiness that inevitably happens when everyone is tired from the day’s activities.  I offer tips to help increase sleep for parents, newborn sleep shaping, and sleep consulting but until babies are about 4 months, their internal clocks are still developing. For more information on helping with sleep read this article: http://sleeplady.com/newborn-sleep/newborns-wake-night-10-things-can/

Some FSA’s and HSA’s cover for postpartum and breastfeeding services while others do not.  I encourage family’s to call and check in with their insurance provider prior to delivery.  Once that has been determined, I can give you an invoice with my NPI number on it so you can submit it to your insurance for reimbursement.

Yes, my services make a great baby shower gift and families are so appreciative to get something that they can really use for advice, education and support. This is especially great for those out of town family members or friends who can’t be physically here to help with the hands on support or don’t know much about taking care of moms, dads and babies.  They can call, text or email me and purchase a gift certificate for hours or a particular package.

How you choose to feed your baby is a personal choice. I have training and experience in helping with all kinds of feeding and will support you 100% in your decision. I will work with you on a plan that best meets your needs, whether you will be staying at home and exclusively breastfeeding, returning to work and worrying about keeping up your supply, introducing a bottle, tandem nursing with another child, or wanting/needing to supplement with formula from time to time.  There are lots of different ways to make it work for you, your baby, and your family. My job is to help however you need without judgment or pressure. FED is best!

This is a very common concern with parents.  Being able to read your baby, see their contentment after feeds, and monitor wet and dirty diapers will help you feel confident that your baby is on the right track.  I also have a scale that I can bring to each visit to track the baby’s weight.  I will not hesitate to refer you to your Pediatrician, an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), or support group for further assistance. Feeding concerns are common, and support can help clarify what’s normal and what needs adjustment

Babies cry a lot, it is their only source of communication. Many parents want to know how to help soothe and calm their babies. Again, there are many different methods of soothing, so we can go through them together to figure out which one(s) work best for your baby. Some of the time, just taking a deep breath and walking away from your baby will help both of you feel more calm and relaxed. Here are two articles and a video that my clients have liked over the years: http://purplecrying.info/  https://happiestbaby.com/five-simple-steps-to-calm-your-babys-fussies/  and  http://qz.com/564290/watch-this-pediatricians-magic-method-to-soothe-a-crying-baby/

The birth of your child can trigger all sorts of emotions from excitement and joy, fear and sadness, to anxiety and/or depression. It is common for some mothers to experience “baby blues” (mood swings, crying, difficulty sleeping) after delivery and up to 2 weeks but if it lasts longer and seems more severe, it may be postpartum depression (PPD).  Those who have suffered from depression in the past are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression after delivery.

PPD is the most common complication of childbirth, and it can affect anybody. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 women who give birth each year may experience postpartum depression symptoms.  Your mental health is a priority to me.  I spend a lot of time assessing, asking questions, and making sure mom and dad are doing ok throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.   PPD is not something to be ashamed of. It is a chemical imbalance and very treatable when help is sought. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health and am part of Tucson’s Perinatal Mental Health Coalition (https://www.tucsonpostpartum.com/) and work closely with therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists who specialize in Perinatal Mental Health.  

The earlier you start child-proofing your house, the better.  Doing a little bit at a time will help you feel less overwhelmed when your baby is on the move.  My first suggestion is to get down on the floor on your stomach and look at everything your baby can see.  I will go room to room with you and check out potential safety hazards. Then, I leave you with a list of things you need to take care of before your child is really mobile. Babies grow up quickly and get into everything. Once they start moving, they never slow down.  Get a head start and start child-proofing your house

Colleen, I have been working in the OB/Postpartum/Breastfeeding field for over 26 years.  I have worked in hospitals, homes, clinics, and schools.   I wear more than one hat;  so families don’t have to piece together support from multiple providers. I combine my knowledge, passion,  and education as a mother/baby RN, Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Educator, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant so families get whole-family care, not fragmented advice.  My families love that I have personal relationships with a variety of specialists and baby-related professionals in town.  If I do not have an answer for you, I will find one! If you are having a baby in Tucson, assistance with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or pumping, struggling to feel like yourself again, or need sleep support, I can help. I offer both in-home and virtual support for those who don’t live locally.  I am just a phone call, text, email, or direct message away.

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