Do You Need Someone With Newborn Care Specialist Training?

By Laura Fisher


When couples bring home their first baby, they are always surprised at the enormity of the work involved. Not matter how many books and blogs they read, the reality is something unique to each family. This is especially true when it comes to multiple babies. Some new parents are so overwhelmed, they consider bringing in professional who has newborn care specialist training to help out and answer questions for the first few weeks of their young one;s life.

These specialists are not necessarily nannies. Most do not stay with one family for an extended period of time. They are there for the first few weeks, or as much as three months, to help parents establish a schedule for feeding and sleeping. Caregivers are trained to assist mothers who have trouble breastfeeding initially. Many parents hire them to work during the night so they can get more than one or two hours sleep for themselves.

Not all babies have an easy time adjusting to the outside world. Some have digestion problems that result in reflux and colic. Professional caregivers have techniques parents may not know about to ease the little one's discomfort. More and more families are bringing home multiple babies. This can be overwhelming without qualified help. Extended family may be able to assist temporarily, but hiring a full time caregiver for the first months may be more helpful.

Although these caregivers can be invaluable for new parents, it is important to know exactly who you are hiring to help with your baby. The agencies who send the specialists into homes have websites that give information about the services they provide. They should clearly define what certifications and experience their caregivers have, such as CPR. No parent should leave a young child alone with a caregiver without this certification.

Not all parents want or need a full time caregiver who moves into their home. Some only want a person to handle the nighttime feedings and diaper changing. Others want a professional they can trust to work several days a week or when they need to be away from the house. The cost of this type of care varies widely according to the number of hours required and the experience needed.

Not all caregivers who advertise their services are the same. There are nannies, baby nurses, and postpartum doulas, for example. Baby nurses are registered nurses who come into homes where babies have medical challenges. They may have been born prematurely or have genetic abnormalities that require special attention. Nannies provide general care and are often employed on a long term basis.

A postpartum doula nurtures the new mother. It is this person's job to help the mother through the first few weeks and months of the newborn's life when she may be feeling overwhelmed and depressed. A doula often handles household duties like shopping and laundry to give the mother time to rest. Some doulas are also baby specialists.

Infants are a transformational change in any household. Even parents with plenty of prior practice can get overwhelmed by the new responsibility. Temporary professional help can make a big difference in the lives of parents and newborns.




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