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QuoteMamma Chard

We worked with Jacquie as a post-partum doula after the birth of our first child, and I could not be more grateful for her kindness and patience. Though we didn’t spend a ton of time with her, her easy presence was immediately comfortable, and it never felt strange to have her in our home. Jacquie was able to help us problem-solve through our most difficult first few weeks challenges, particularly around breastfeeding. She never judged our decisions, and tailored her advice to what she sensed we were comfortable with, without pushing. Every time I have a friend in another state get pregnant, I feel sad that I cannot recommend Jacquie to them–she is truly a gem.  ~Sarah, 2018

Happy Doula Week! Eat your greens!

Mamma Chard

292D6A50-9340-47E9-9FF1-A05469D6EF72We are in the midst of Doula Week! Celebrate a postpartum doula and eat your Leafy Greens!!

Boost your nutrition prenatally and heal during the postpartum period. They are an excellent source of several nutrients, including iron, manganese and vitamins A, C and K.

They call me Mamma Chard for a reason!!       ~ Jacquie

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QuoteMamma Chard

We were so, so lucky to have had Jacquie become part of our lives as we welcomed our daughter. In those early, bleary postpartum days, Jacquie cared for our whole family, not just our baby. She was an educator and a cheerleader to two overwhelmed mommas, in ways that we didn’t even know we would need. She answered all of our questions, gave non-judgmental advice, and supported our decisions. She was a true professional, but also very warm… and she brought joy to a tired house, singing and dancing with our daughter while we took a moment to rest! ~ June Bug’s Mammas, October 2017

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QuoteMamma Chard

Jacquie has been my post partum doula. She helped me keep my sanity in the early months after my second birth. I had a long recovery time due to my csection, and my toddler was driving me nuts. Jacquie was a huge help. She came reccomended by my birth doula. I didnt need a regular post partum doula, but I did need some help from time to time whem it all became too much. Jacquie was the most responsive and dilligent helper I had at the time.

Jacquie was always on time, always responded very quickly to my calls and text, and even put in lots of effort in helping me find another helper if she was not available herself. My toddler loved her and so did the baby. She knows what to do with kids and is very nice. Finaly, her rates were reasonable. I highly reccomend her to any new mom.  ~O., September 2017

Mamma Chard

I can’t thank Jacquie enough for all of the dedicated support she has provided to our family. Jacquie made our transition from three to five so smooth and I have learned so much from her. She’s incredible! ~Owe’s and Ryan’s Mamma, 2016

Baby Wearing ~ Simply put…

Mamma Chard

Baby wearing can meet the normal needs of infants resulting with a baby that cries less. Baby wearing provides a secure safe nurturing space of motion that contains the primitive reflexes and the disorganized neurological system. Baby wearing fosters neurological connections for brain development by providing intimate learning experiences while in a quiet alert state. Baby wearing can also be beneficial to calm an overstimulated baby to sleep! Parents & caregivers get an opportunity to have hands free! Parents of multiples get instant control when only one set of hands is available plus exercise!

Not Just Father’s Day, Everyday!

Mamma Chard

9 Ways New Dads Can Bond With Their Newborn by Kim West

While this article has language that applies to the traditional male role in a child’s life, we know that all parents will play their roles differently. How each parent accomplishes tasks their own special way, uses their voice, plays games, and shows affection and love demonstrates to the children how each parent is different and creates special memories with each parent. These bonding ideas apply to all partners not just dads.                         Be who you are,  Jacquie.         Read Kim West’s article here.

In regards to sleep…

Mamma Chard
…let’s remember that each baby has different needs. Each parent has their own tolerance and personality. Every family is unique. Everyday provides a whole new set of circumstances. Having a degree of flexibility and trusting instincts can help parents to navigate the sleep in their home. Be kind to yourself because there is not a one size fits all sleep coaching plan, but here is an article on some sleep basics from Kim West, The Sleep Lady ~ “Good sleep breeds more good sleep.”

It’s Nap Time! Your Essential Nap Guidelines for Ages 0-4

 

THE NITTY GRITTY ON ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY blog post by: nittygrittylife.com

Mamma Chard

Would you believe me if I told you that I am a trained aromatherapist who doesn’t really like to use essential oils very much?

Oxy-moron?

It’s the truth. I have a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine through the American College of Healthcare Sciences, with a double major in both Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy. Roughly 100 different essential oils are currently in my possession. Furthermore, I love what essential oils can do and how they smell. I do use them in practice and when my client’s needs warrant them. But they aren’t the go-to in my holistic “war chest”. And they shouldn’t be the only tool in yours either. 

Why my aversion? It is all about strength. To illustrate my point– I love a good single malt scotch. I need to drink liquid. Scotch is a liquid. But I am not going to drink a single malt scotch to quench my thirst, when something else – water – is going to be just as, if not more, effective and altogether safer. So, why rub your feet with costly and potentially toxic essential oils when a cup of tea might do to ward off that nasty cold?

Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile essences of various plants, resins, and gums. While essential oils are reflective of the original plant matter, not all constituents are carried over during the distillation process. Most herbalists feel strongly that the “whole plant” is better than that sum of its parts – that there is inherent synergy in the natural state of the constituents. Distillation is thereby a refinement of sorts and a disruption of the plant’s natural synergy. As a holistic healthcare practitioner, my “front line” to address concerns of a client are always going to consist of nutritional, herbal and vitamin/mineral recommendations. Essential oils are an additional tool, but one that I put a lot of forethought and care into using.

I have been moved to write this post after biting my tongue too many times. Why? Because I see friends and family posting online about how they are using essential oils internally. Sometimes I overhear conversations about using essential oils on babies from other parents when picking the kids up from school. And finally (spoiler, I am gonna sound like a jerk here), when I mention that I am an aromatherapist, a frequent response is “oh, so is my mother/sister/brother/aunt/neighbor. She sells Doterra/YoungLiving/Melaleuca essential oils” (FYI, solely selling MLM oils does not a proper aromatherapist make). While this post is not intended to be derogatory to MLM companies or make people feel bad about their choices, it is intended to clear the air, give a little tough love, and offer real, actionable advice on the correct use of essential oils.

So, when we do decide that essential oils are appropriate, how do we use them correctly? Here is the nitty gritty on essential oil safety and use!                                   (Read the entire Nittygrittylife.com’s post)

Breast Feeding Education with Dr. Jack Newman

Mamma Chard

Dr. Newman shared some of his  breast feeding wisdom and experiences for a full day at the Nursing Mother’s Council Conference. As a certified lactation counselor I am energized and passionate about supporting new breast feeding parents so they can  achieve their breast feeding goals. All you have to do is reach out for support!