dads

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.

Gay Dads Need Doulas, Too

Mamma Chard

Mamma’s Instincts is Postpartum Doula support that embraces your unique family~
“Whether you’re starting (or expanding) your family via birth, surrogacy, or adoption, the first few months of a baby’s life are both challenging and joyful for ALL parents. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer doesn’t magically improve one’s ability to cope with sleep deprivation, blowout diaper changes, an inconsolable infant, or postpartum depression. However, being prepared with the right support team in place…….”
That Doula Guy says it all clearly……..

That Doula Guy

rainbow-dadAs a postpartum doula supporting LGBTQ families, and a queer-identified man myself, I often feel that my community gets left out of the early parenting support world.

Labor support is usually tailored to the gestational or birthing parent, as it should be. But babies come into this world with all different types of parents ready to welcome them, including eager mommies/daddies/abbas/mamas/papas/babas/zazas/spunkles, etc. Why not make the support that’s offered just as diverse as the many different types of families out there?

Postpartum support needs to be culturally competent. Families who don’t fit the mold of your average two-parent heterosexual household deserve sensitive care that’s attuned to the whole family’s wellbeing. If you’ve just done the exhausting work of birthing a baby, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether your doula will need a primer on terminology or “trans 101” in order to effectively serve your family. If you’ve…

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Let’s Not Forget That Partners Are Also Transitioning When A Baby Arrives

Mamma Chard

The following is a quote taken from DONA, Doulas of North America, in regards to new dads. I would like to remind families that all partners (not just the “traditional roles” often referred to) are adjusting to a new baby’s arrival. Partners can also benefit from postpartum doula support when their families and responsibilities grow. 

“There are many ways in which the doula’s support benefits the father. Research has proven that mothers and babies have an easier transition with support. However, fathers, experiencing great life transitions of their own, may not be able to be the primary provider of this support. Fathers are redefining their roles; they may also be adjusting to sleep deprivation, financial pressure and other stressors, as well. The doula’s support is for the father as much as the mother or children. A sympathetic ear, source of encouragement, gentle educator and friend is something from which we could all benefit throughout our lives. The postpartum doula provides all of these during this defining life experience.”

Jacquie Procopio   ~Postpartum doula support that embraces your unique family.