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New Parent Habits: 5 Routines to Ease the Transition

New parents often get swept up in the chaos that can be having a new baby. You’re learning, they’re learning…you’re meeting for the first time! All changes in life come with a measure of zapping your brain space but a new baby? That’s a whole other level. We’ve developed a few helpful daily “new parent” habits that can offer you a little peace as you navigate your new normal.

Daily Habit 1: Fill your reusable water bottle (and drink it!)

Ok, this one seems elementary but we put a lot of stock in it. Our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water! When we are low on hydration it affects how our brains work, our emotional state, and all of our body systems. Have you ever tried to comfort a crying baby with a raging headache? Not pretty. This very basic step helps you ensure your baseline is covered and you can push through things more easily. Trust us, drink up!

Daily Habit 2: Kick the phone out of your room.

We all know the jokes of the iPad babies who can’t do anything without a screen in front of them. What if we told you that we are often the iPad babies? It’s been proven that starting your day with doomscrolling can negatively affect the rest of your day. There has even been a small study that showed starting your day with your phone can increase stress levels. Some have also said that because your brain receives Dopamine hits while scrolling social media that it can shift the rest of your day towards wanting to be on your phone more.

By plugging your phone in outside your bedroom you can avoid being on it just before bed and at the beginning of your day. When you avoid your phone for the first 30 minutes to and hour, you’re likely to be in a more grounded headspace. Especially during sleep regressions – you’re going to need that grounded start! Create new parent habits: snag yourself a traditional alarm clock and keep those devices out of your bedroom or at least plugged in out of reach!

Daily Habit 3: Develop a morning ritual that feels good to you

Ritual carries a connotation of spirituality with it but, at its core, a ritual is just a routine that you carry out with regularity and intention. Now that baby has arrived, your morning ritual is probably thrown off. Redeveloping one that supports your day is important and worth the effort. Often we hear advice of “wake up before the baby does” but anyone who has ever given birth to an early riser knows that a 4AM wake up is simply out of the question.

We’re not going to give you a rigid suggestion. Rather, we invite you to create a morning routine that supports your family’s unique needs. For some this may be setting a kettle to boil for tea while you brush your teeth. For others this may include setting baby back down for an early nap and taking a shower. Whatever it looks like for you, we encourage you to put in the time to develop it.

Daily Habit 4: Movement

Movement is important for every living being. Our body systems need the support of movement to build and maintain muscle, for bone health, and even just for general mental wellbeing. Building in movement throughout your day could feel daunting when you have a new baby needing you seemingly their every waking moment. A great thing to introduce? Babywearing! Not just a trend for “crunchy” parents, this technique has been around for ages to simplify parents’ lives and soothe sleepy babies effortlessly. Incredible new parent habits: schedule in a morning walk, attend a baby and me Yoga class, or find another way that feels good to get your bodies in motion.

Daily Habit 5: Closing Shifts

If you’ve ever worked in a service industry job you know all about the closing shift. If you haven’t, here’s the main goal: to make the opening shift’s job easier. At home both of these shifts just happen to be yours. A closing shift could be as simple as this: tidy up after dinner, start the dishwasher and washing machine, wipe down countertops, and do a quick spot sweep of the main areas. If baby is waking overnight, it’s also a great idea to prep bottles, pump parts, and a snack for yourself/your partner and have them ready and waiting. The closing shift is one habit we think is definitely worth your time to implement!

Let’s be honest, a baby changes everything. New parents don’t need to get swept up in the chaos. With a lot of intention and a little structure, you can help train yourself alongside your baby. Setting these helpful routines can be the difference between stressed and smooth sailing.

Pro tip: if you find yourself struggling with motivation or commitment to new parent habits, try setting a timer. Knowing the amount of time a task may take can help you reason your way through starting it. If you can say, “I give myself 15 minutes to reset the kitchen,” it may seem like a more attainable goal. The key? Stick to that time. Anything not done is for the morning shift. 😉

The Witching Hour: The Scariest Time of Day for New Parents

Nearly every parent can recall a moment during those early weeks of their baby’s life. Their sweet, innocent little bundle of joy seemed more like a terrifying little monster! Often referred to as the “Witching Hour”, this alarming time’s name is derived from folklore to mean the time of day when the ghosts, monsters, and demons were said to have appeared.

Like the term ‘morning sickness’ (which frequently happens far more often than just the morning), the phrase ‘witching hour’ is also a misnomer. Your newborn may spend well more than 60 minutes in this seemingly inconsolable state. Particularly during the cooler months, (when the sun sets earlier) it is not uncommon for the witching hour to include the hours leading up to and immediately following sunset.

So what IS the witching hour?

The witching hour is a period of excessive fussiness, crying, irritability, and/or sleeplessness, sometimes spanning several hours, often occurring during the late afternoon into evening. It is extremely common for newborns, particularly in weeks 2-4 of their lives, to exhibit this behavior but can extend for weeks.

What causes the witching hour in newborns?

Overstimulation

At the end of a long you’ve often been bombarded by noises, lights, sounds, textures, smells, and other external stimuli for hours on end. It’s enough to make adults want to retreat to their happy place! Now, consider a newborn, only weeks into this journey that is life, experiencing all of these same stimuli. The number one cause of the ‘witching hour’ can be attributed simply to overstimulation. As humans, when we are overwhelmed by external stimuli, it is difficult for our mind and body to rest. Overstimulation leads to being overtired too.

Gastrointestinal Discomforts

Your baby’s GI system is also brand new, working hard to learn how to suck, swallow, and digest milk, absorb nutrients, and pass gas and stool. It can be expected that this immaturity can contribute to increased gas (and the ensuing fussiness and discomfort), particularly after a full day of feedings. It’s also not unusual for excess gas and discomfort to compound throughout the day.

Hunger

A baby’s nutritional needs change throughout the course of the day. It is not uncommon for babies to appear more hungry during the late afternoon and evening hours. This is partially a biological response for breastfed babies in that breastmilk production and supply tends to be at the lowest during this time of day. Babies who are bottle fed may exhibit hunger cues even after finishing their usual portion of milk.

Tricks & Treats: What can we do to help our baby through the witching hour?

Reduce stimulus

If you have taken DOB’s Baby 101 workshop, you have likely learned about Dr. Harvey Karp and his 5 S’s. These are: Swaddle, Sway, Side-lying, Suck, and Shhh (or Sound). Combining these five activities can help to reduce external stimuli and, hopefully, encourage baby to close their eyes. A favorite trick for our postpartum doulas is taking baby, swaddled and with a pacifier, into the bathroom, turning off the lights and turning on the exhaust fan! And baby-wearing can be a treat for the whole family. Putting baby in an inward-facing wrap or carrier is a great tool to get through this time, too.

Encourage burps and toots

Encouraging baby to burp and pass gas frequently throughout the day can help alleviate fussiness and bloating in the evenings. Whether breast or bottle feeding, burping baby mid-feeding is always a good idea. Giving baby time to lay and move their limbs can also aid in teaching them how to release gas as well. Ultimately, time and maturity are the only true ‘fix’.

Feed frequently

While we can’t eliminate baby’s desire to feed frequently in the evenings, sometimes preemptively increasing afternoon feedings can help. This may mean waking more frequently for shorter durations between feedings (2-2.5 hours maximum would be our recommendation). Or increasing the amount or duration at the last feeding session prior to the anticipated witching hour time frame. Cluster feeding, especially in the evenings, is very normal for breastfed babies in anticipation of a growth spurt. Again, this is an instance where time may be the only solution.

Is there a way to eliminate the witching hour?

While it can be difficult to accommodate for every family, one of the benefits of this time of year is the earlier sunsets. If their witching hour is around 5 pm, ensuring they have a quality late afternoon nap may help. Take advantage of the darkness to push baby’s bedtime back a bit. If baby seems cranky, irritable or inconsolable by 7:30 pm every night, aiming to have them settled and to sleep by 7 pm could help (and mean you might get a few minutes of peace!).

While we can not guarantee that these tips and tricks will work every time with every baby, we can assure you that you are not alone, and ultimately, this time will pass.

Why is My Baby Crying? | Reasons and How to Soothe Them

The question parents everywhere have to answer: why is my baby crying? Babies cry to communicate. It’s one way they tell you they need food, warmth, or attention. Because we know a baby’s cries mean that it needs something, it can also cause us stress, concern, and frustration. Ultimately, too much crying makes us and our babies tired and frustrated. Let’s explore some common reasons why baby might be crying and some soothing tools you can try!

Why is My Baby Crying?

When babies cry, they are trying to tell us something. Figuring out what the exact reason is can prove overwhelming. Typically, the reason for baby’s distress can fall into a few common buckets.

Normal Physical Discomfort

Babies are new here! Many sensations that we would consider mild discomfort they consider extreme pain. This includes sensations like hunger, gas, and moisture. When baby appears to be in phyiscal discomfort, run through this list:

When did baby last eat? Could they be hungry?
When was their last diaper change? Could it need to be changed?
How is the temperature where we are? Could they be too hot/cold?
Is their belly tight or are they going “stiff as a board” when they cry? Could it be gas or bloating?

Tiredness or Exhaustion

Brand new babies typically spend long stretches of time asleep between wakeful periods. Being tired is a very common reason for baby’s fussing. This may not even mean phyiscal exhaustion. Remember, most stimuli is new to baby. Their brains can get tired from processing new faces, new smells, and new experiences. When they get overwhelmed, they often cry. Keep this in mind when attending family gatherings or big outings and plan naps accordingly!

Symptoms of Illness or Other Problem

Crying can be one of the first symptoms baby is beginning to get sick. Prolonged crying with no discernable reason could also be an indicator that something is wrong with baby. We recommend that you trust you intuition. If something feels off, that’s enough of a reason to call your baby’s care team. Even if it’s just a call to a nurse line or your doula, no concern is too small if it feels important to you.

The 5 S’s

Dr. Harvey Karp writes that babies are, in a sense, really born 3 months early. The newborn nervous system is not fully developed and unequipped to manage the external stimulus of the world outside the womb. It helps to think of doing what you can to recreate a womb-like environment during baby’s “4th trimester.”

The 5 S’s are for once baby’s biological needs (like eating and changing diapers) are met; a means of reducing external stimulus which generally results in baby calming down and falling asleep.

The 5 S’s are: Swaddle, Side-Stomach Position, Shush, Swing, and Suck. Swaddling helps babies through recreating a womb-like sensation and providing and can help them fuss less and sleep better. While babies should only sleep on their backs, you can help calm baby by holding them in Side or Stomach position. A baby is surrounded by sound in the womb, and a white noise shushing sound can help calm crying. A womb is also swinging as a pregnant person moves around, and babies are used to this motion. Finally, many babies can find calm in sucking–hence the popularity of pacifiers and thumbs with babies.

Baby Soothing Tools

There are also gadgets and tools that can help you with soothing techniques. In a recent post, we discussed the Snoo, which Dr. Karp developed as a smart bassinet to help with automatic calming through movement and noise. There are also other bassinets that offer movement as a way to soothe baby, and shushers that create the whooshing sounds baby was used to in the womb.

A less high-tech way of employing one of the 5 S’s is through a pacifier (for sucking) or a swaddle sack (just make sure you are swaddling your baby correctly).

Want to get prepared before baby arrives? We teach you all of this and more, including baby soothing and communication techniques, in our Baby 101 class. Get signed up for the next class here!

What is Head Molding? Caput Succedaneum in Newborns

“Why does my baby’s head look like a cone?!” New parents are often confused when their new addition’s scalp features bruising, swelling, or an odd shape. Not to worry, Caput succedaneum and head molding are incredibly common (temporary!) adjustments your baby made during birth. Let’s break down what these terms mean and why there’s usually no cause for concern.

What is Caput Succedaneum?

Caput Succedaneum is a soft, squishy, sometimes bruised swelling on top of the scalp, crossing suture lines (the seams between skull bones). You can think of it as localized fluid buildup.

What is Head Molding?

Head Molding is an elongated or cone-shaped head that is caused by the overlapping of the baby’s soft skull bones during passage through the birth canal.

Why do these conditions happen?

These conditions are caused by pressure from the uterus, cervix, or birth canal while baby is being born. They can present in any delivery but are more common when labor is prolonged, membranes are ruptured early, if a vacuum is used to assist delivery, or can even be seen in first-time pregnancies. While it can be unnerving for your baby’s head to look less than normal, remember that this is a very common thing that happens and it will in most cases resolve on its own without intervention.

What are the essentials to know about Caput Succedaneum and Head Molding?

Timing: These conditions will likely appear immediately or shortly after birth. Caput swelling typically resolves within hours to a few days. Head molding usually corrects itself within 1–2 weeks as bones shift back.

Appearance: Caput feels like a soft, puffy area; may have bruising. Molding makes the head look pointy or asymmetrical.

Pain Levels: Neither of these common issues are painful for your baby!

Other things to watch for: Another condition, Cephalohematoma, is similar in appearance to Caput. This condition is a hemmorhage that causes swelling under the skin but over the skull. While it typically isn’t anything to worry about, it can come with complications that are. That’s why it’s always important to work with your pediatrician to monitor and treat as needed.

FAQs

Q: Does this mean my baby’s brain was injured?
A: Absolutely not. Caput and molding are external or bone-related changes. They don’t affect the brain.

Q: Will my baby’s head stay this shape (head molding)?
A: Nope! Skull bones shift back naturally. By 2 weeks, most little heads have rounded out beautifully.

Q: Why does the swelling (Caput) move if I touch it?
A: Because it’s fluid under the scalp! Gentle pressure can temporarily displace it—this is normal.

Q: Do I need to treat these conditions?
A: Usually no treatment is needed. Just handle baby’s head gently. If bruising is present, it will fade like any other bruise.

Q: Is this the same as having a flattened head?
A: No, that’s a different type of positional head molding that can happen later on in baby’s life. Flattened heads typically occur due to prolonged time on flat surfaces and can be avoided or addressed by things like Tummy Time or a baby helmet (as prescribed by your pediatrician).

Q: When should I worry?
A: Contact your provider if:

Swelling worsens after 2–3 days.
Baby develops a fever, is excessively fussy, or refuses feeds.
Jaundice appears (bruising from caput can increase bilirubin levels).

The Bottom Line

Caput succedaneum and head molding are common, harmless, and temporary results of birth. They highlight the amazing flexibility of your newborn’s skull. While unusual head shapes can be startling, they’re rarely a medical concern. Trust your pediatrician to monitor progress—and trust your baby’s body to find its perfect shape.

Got questions? Your birth team and pediatrician are always your best resource.

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor: Essential or Overhyped?

With a sea of baby monitor options, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning. The Nanit Pro Camera was named NYT’s Wirecutter Best wifi video monitor so it’s not surprising the name surfaces at the top! With promises of advanced tracking, lowered anxiety, and crystal clear images, parents often wonder, “Is the Nanit Pro Camera the best baby monitor?”. Let’s break down what it is, the pros and cons, and our final opinion.

What Exactly is the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor?

The Nanit Pro is far more than just a camera you point at the crib. It positions itself as a “do-it-all”, high tech nursery hub that includes an app connected to your phone that is analyzed by AI to offer you insignts into your baby’s growth, sleep, and development. Here’s the core idea:

With a high definition camera it streams crystal-clear 1080p HD video and audio to your smartphone (iOS/Android) or tablet, day or night (thanks to excellent night vision with illuminating LEDs). Unlike tabletop monitors, the Nanit is designed to be securely mounted above the crib (or on a floor stand), giving a top-down, unobstructed view of the entire sleep space. This perspective is key to its advanced features.

The big selling point for Nanit is its AI-powered analytics. Using sophisticated computer vision (no wearable sensors needed!), it analyzes your baby’s movements and sleep patterns. This data is then added to the Nanit app where you can also watch the live stream and receive alerts. The camera comes with a 6 month free trial to Insights which is important in unlocking the full power of the analytics (sleep tracking, trends, personalized tips). After that, it is a paid subscription with mixed reviews.

In short: The Nanit Pro is a premium, wall/ceiling-mounted smart baby monitor that uses AI to not just show you your baby, but to help you understand their sleep patterns and development.

Is the Nanit Pro Baby Monitor Safe?

We’ve all heard the stories of baby monitors being hacked on the internet. Safety has to be a top priority when it comes to baby monitors, especially internet-connected ones.

Online Safety

According to Nanit, all video streams and data transmitted between the camera, Nanit’s servers, and your app are encrypted using industry-standard protocols (TLS/SSL). This makes it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept. Additionally, access to your camera feed requires logging into your Nanit account with your credentials. Two-factor authentication is highly recommended and adds a significant extra layer of security. Unlike some older monitors, the Nanit stream isn’t discoverable on the open internet. You must be logged into your specific account.

Nanit Pro Camera Safety

Physical safety is also important, nobody wants a camera falling into the crib! The provided mounting system is excellent when installed correctly according to instructions. Like all items, ensure it’s securely attached well out of baby’s reach.

When it comes to privacy, there are also many features. The Nanit Pro has a physical, sliding shutter you can close when the camera isn’t in use, physically blocking the lens if you choose. There is also an audio-only mode where you can choose to stream only audio for times when video isn’t necessary. Privacy zones are able to blur chosen areas within the camera’s view in the app.

Data Safety

When it comes to your private data, Nanit states they prioritize user privacy. While sleep data is processed to provide insights, they claim not to sell personal user data to third parties. We suggest you review their Privacy Policy for full details.

The Verdict on Safety and Privacy: Nanit takes security and privacy seriously, employing strong industry-standard measures. No system is 100% unhackable, but Nanit is considered one of the more secure options. Practicing good security practices that you’d use for any online data (strong, unique password, enabling 2 factor authentication, closing the shutter when not in use) further minimizes risks. To date there haven’t been major, widespread security breaches reported for Nanit.

What Are the Benefits of Using the Nanit Pro?

This isn’t an inexpensive device and there are many options out there that offer video directly to your phone. What sets Nanit apart?

Nanit App

Personalized insights do require a premium subscription (a new device comes with a 6 month free trial) and reviews overall are mixed on whether it’s worth if or not. Some parents say these premium features helped their peace of mind while others say there’s no point. Nanit accurately and automatically tracks when your baby falls asleep, wakes up, and duration of sleep sessions/naps. For data nerds and new parents alike, these are excellent details and can also work well for those who are sharing night duties with their co-parent, family, or Postpartum Doula.

Data collected can create charts and graphs over time (nights, weeks, months) identifying patterns, regressions, and improvements. These can help you understand total sleep, night wakings, nap consistency, and sleep efficiency. Nanit also offers data-driven suggestions tailored to your baby’s age and sleep patterns to help improve their sleep (and yours!).

Using a special patterned band worn on baby’s pajamas or sleep sack Nanit can monitor breathing motion and alert you if no motion is detected for a set period (e.g., 20 seconds). Some parents find this helped their peace of mind.

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor Camera Features

The top-down, wall-mounted view eliminates blind spots and gives a perfect view of the entire crib. 1080p HD video is sharp, and the night vision (with its own LEDs) is among the best.

The camera also features two-way audio that allows you to talk and soothe your baby clearly through the app. The audio stream can continue playing on your phone even when the app is minimized or your screen is off. You can also choose to be notified on your phone if your baby is crying or there’s significant movement.

With other features like temperature & humidity sensor, nighlight & white noise, and multi-user access, Nanit Pro offers a host of features that many parents will find useful.

The Bottom Line: The Nanit Pro Camera is an exceptional, feature-rich smart baby monitor for parents who value deep sleep insights, top-notch video quality, and high-tech peace of mind. The AI-powered sleep analytics (via the Insights subscription) are a great feature if you’re data-driven and want to analyze your baby’s sleep without manual recording.

What Should I Consider Before I Purchase?

Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider how it might impact your family! We think you should consider the following items before diving in:

The first is the price. This camera is a significant investment, both for the hardware and the required Insights subscription for full functionality. On the topic of Insights, the best features (sleep tracking, breathing monitoring alerts, personalized tips) live behind a paywall. This increases the overall cost of the device as you’ll need to factor in the ongoing fees.

The camera also requires installation (drilling for wall/ceiling mount). This is not ideal for renters or those who want portability as the primary setup. While travel mode does exist, it adds limits to the function of the camera and may impact the data collected.

The final thing to consider in our opinion is the limitations of generalized sleep suggestions. While an app may be able to use an algorithm to deliver you a set of suggestions, there truly isn’t anyhing that can replace an expert’s touch when it comes to addressing sleep or safety concerns.

Let’s put a bow on this! If you want the most advanced insights into your baby’s sleep and well-being and prioritize crystal-clear monitoring with strong security, the Nanit Pro Camera is a great option. For simpler, audio-only monitoring or basic video, it’s overkill. It also lacks the personalized touch of a sleep expert and the promise of “eliminating sleep training” seems a little far-fetched. If you want a high-tech partner in navigating baby monitoring, the Nanit delivers impressively.

Ways to Help Your Older Child Adjust to the New Baby

Welcoming a baby into your family is a joy, but it’s natural to have concerns too. If you’re expecting baby number two, you might be worried about how your older child will adjust to a new sibling. Jealousy is a natural emotion for kids, especially during the ages when they are particularly attached to their parents. They’ll notice you are taking time to care for baby and that people are excited about baby. Are there ways to ease this transition?

How can I help my older child adjust to a new baby?

One of the ways that parents can help older children adjust to a new baby is by involving siblings in newborn care, to the extent that they want to be involved. If they are a little older, they might want to help with feeding or bathing. If they’re younger, you can have them get a pacifier or a diaper.

Especially for toddlers, it can be helpful for parents to acknowledge the difference between them and the baby. You might find yourself telling the older child to wait while you feed baby or change a diaper. On occasion, you can tell baby that they have to wait while you do something with your older child. You can also remind your older child that they are a big kid and doing something or have something that baby can’t. Emphasizing that they are special can help with feelings of jealousy.

How do I keep my older child from feeling overwhelmed by the new baby?

Having a baby can throw everyone’s schedules off, from sleep to meals. One tip to help your older child adjust to a new baby is by keeping their schedule as consistent as possible. If they go to daycare three days a week, keep them at daycare even if you or your partner are home with baby.

Babies do need a lot of attention! This can create feelings of jealousy in your older child or a certain level of unpredictability. When you feed your baby it can help to find something calm and special that the older child can do. While you are trying to have a calm moment for feeding, you can let your older child watch a special show or read a book.

How can friends and relatives help with the adjustment?

One of the easiest things friends and relatives can do to help your older child or children adjust to baby is acknowledge the sibling first. When they come over to meet baby, have visitors prioritize the sibling. It is so easy for everyone to get excited about the new baby, and your other child can notice this excitement. Have friends and family ask the older sibling if they want to introduce baby or share something special about their new sibling.

If you have someone who can help you during the postpartum period–whether it is a doula, a family member or friend–you have a great opportunity to prioritize each child on their own. They can take care of baby so that you have quality time with the older sibling. Or, they can take care of the older sibling so you can either rest or take care of baby.

RSV Vaccine during Pregnancy | The Evidence

We all want to keep our newborn babies safe. When looking at common illnesses, RSV is a frequent concern amongst new parents. The latest recommendation? Recieve the RSV Vaccine during pregnancy. If your doctor has made this suggestion you may be curious how it works. Let’s take a look at what RSV is and what you can do before your baby is even born to protect them from it.

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants, responsible for 58,000–80,000 annual hospitalizations in children under 5 in the U.S. Babies under 6 months are especially vulnerable, as RSV can lead to severe lung infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. We’ve done a deep dive on the specifics of RSV in babies, you can check that out here!

It’s important to remember that while RSV is dangerous for infants and the immunocompromised, it can present as a common cold in healthy individuals. This means even if someone’s only symptom is a runny nose, they could spread the illness.

How does getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy work?

The Abrysvo vaccine, approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC, is given to pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. It works by transferring protective antibodies to the fetus, providing passive immunity that shields infants during their most vulnerable early months.

Is it safe and effective?

Yes! Clinical trials show impressive results:

81.8% efficacy against severe RSV within the first 90 days of life.
69.4% efficacy through 6 months of age.

Safety data from over 7,000 participants revealed no significant risks to pregnant individuals or babies. The most commonly seen side effects are mild such as injection site pain or fatigue and they were reported to be short-lived.

What else should I know about the RSV Vaccine during Pregnancy?

Timing: CDC recommends vaccination at 32–36 weeks, ideally before RSV season (typically fall/winter).

Who should get it? Most pregnancies without contraindications. This could be something such as an allergy to the vaccine’s components.

Alternative option: For those unable to receive the vaccine, there is an option that can be given to infants post-birth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) endorse RSV vaccination during pregnancy as a safe, effective way to reduce infant complications due to RSV.

Take Action

The most important thing you can do when considering healthcare decisions is to talk to your trusted healthcare provider. You can practice using the BRAIN acronym during your prenatal visit by asking the following questions:

Benefits – What are the benefits of recieving the RSV vaccine during pregnancy?
Risks – What are the known risks? What are the risks of RSV to a newborn?
Alternatives – What alternatives do I have?
Intuition – What am I feeling now that I know the science-based answers to my questions?
Nothing – What happens if I do nothing about RSV?

By vaccinating during pregnancy, you’re offering your baby a strong first defense against a potentially serious illness.

Install a Car Seat Safely: How To

Installing a car seat safely is one of the most important things to do before baby arrives. In fact, you can’t leave the hospital without a car seat. Choosing and installing a car seat that best fits your vehicle and lifestyle can seem daunting. That’s why our own Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) is here to help. Here are six steps to ensure your baby’s car seat is safely installed.

Be Prepared when Installing a Car Seat Safely

If you are a first-time parent, you’ve probably never installed a car seat before. And even if you have other children, you may not be familiar with your new car seat’s installation procedures. To install your car seat safely, read both the entirety of your car seat manual and the portions of your vehicle owner’s manual that pertains to child restraints. We recommend that you install your seat by your 36th week of pregnancy.

Accessories Can Be Dangerous

It might be tempting to use aftermarket accessories for your car seat or car. Don’t. Use only manufactured approved items that come in the box with your car seat (infant inserts, strap covers, etc.). This includes cozy winter inserts like the J.J. Cole Bundle Me, which are not approved for use in car seats.

Don’t Leave Baby in the Car Seat

Avoid keeping baby in the car seat more than absolutely necessary. A car seat is designed to keep baby snug and safe, but limits baby’s movement. Even if baby fell asleep in the car seat, consider babywearing or a stroller with a bassinet instead.

Ensure Proper Use of the Car Seat

Straps should come through the slot just below baby’s shoulders, be snug enough that you can not pinch any slack at the collarbone or hips and chest clip should be even with baby’s armpits. Never loosen car seat straps or unbuckle the chest clip or crotch buckle unless you are removing the baby from the seat.

Consult a Child Passenger Safety Technician to Install the Car Seat Safely

Before baby arrives, schedule an appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). A CPST is qualified and trained to make sure that your car seat is installed correctly and can help you install a baby car seat safely.

As a Doulas of Baltimore client, you may schedule your Car Seat Concierge appointment for $100. What’s included in our car seat concierge service:

Initial consultation to discuss your feature and brand preferences, budget, and lifestyle factors
Assistance in selecting the best car seat for your child 90-minute personalized car seat installation appointment with up to 2 seat(s) in up to 2 vehicle(s)
12 months of industry professional phone/email support as your child grows to ensure your confident in your child’s car seat safety

Group B Strep: What is GBS?

If you’re pregnant it’s likely you’ve heard of Group B Strep (GBS), probably as one of the required tests for pregnant individuals. What is it and why does it matter? While GBS is common, (1 in 4 pregnant individuals have it present!) if left untreated it can pose serious health risks. Today we’re taking a look at what GBS is, treatments and testing, and the bottom line so you can make informed and empowered decisions for you and your baby.

What Is Group B Strep (GBS)?

GBS is a common bacterium (Streptococcus agalactiae) that naturally exists and is typically harmless in adults. It resides in the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. While the bacteria may be present (colonization) it often doesn’t lead to infection.

If a bacteria has colonized, it simply exists. It’s when it gets out of control that it can cause infection in the body. Even if one is asymptomatic, infection could be present and is very dangerous for newborns which is why testing is so important. An estimated 20-25% of pregnant individuals have GBS present.

Remember: levels can vary over time.

Why Is Group B Strep a Concern During Pregnancy?

Risks to the Pregnant Person:
Those who have GBS present generally are unaffected. Rarely, they can encounter complications such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), infection of the amniotic fluid or infection of the uterus once the baby has arrived.

Risks to the Baby:
The risks of GBS are generally for the baby. Transmission of the bacteria to the baby during childbirth can lead to early-onset (first week) or late-onset (weeks 1–3) disease. Complications from contracting this bacteria include sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, long-term disabilities, or even mortality.

Though this can sound scary, please keep in mind that these are rare complications, only affecting 1 or 2 babies out of 100 if the laboring person doesn’t receive antibiotics during labor. Though rare, it’s vital to understand the facts.

Risk Factors for Transmission:
Your baby may be at a higher risk for contracting GBS if you experience preterm labor, prolonged rupture of membranes (greater than 18 hours), a fever during labor, or a prior GBS-positive baby. Your baby is also at risk if you test positive on your routine GBS testing.

How Is GBS Tested for in the United States?

The United States takes a broad approach to testing using a Universal Testing model that requires a routine vaginal/rectal swab at 36–38 weeks. This will typically be done at your OBGYN or Midwife’s office. This swab is then cultured and evaluated to determine if GBS bacteria are present. If yes, the results will be communicated to you along with options for treating and intervention.

This testing is done between 36-38 weeks to ensure accuracy (remember, this bacteria varies in levels present) and avoid overuse of antibiotics.

Urine testing can also detect GBS earlier in pregnancy. Typically a positive result won’t prompt any action by your care provider but if heavy colonization is indicated, this could require antibiotics during pregnancy.

You might be surprised to find that countries around the world vary in their approaches. Canada, for instance, aligns with the US perspective of Universal Testing whereas Nordic countries such as Sweden and EU countries such as the UK prefer a Risk-Based approach where testing is only done if requested or indicated. Regardless, it’s important to ask questions and follow the recommendations of your trusted healthcare provider.

What Are the Options If I Test Positive for GBS?

Intrapartum Antibiotics:
The gold standard for care is IV penicillin administered during labor at least 4 hours before delivery. This helps ensure efficacy of the antibiotic prior to baby passing through the birth canal. The timing is important!

Special Scenarios:
If labor is rapid it can limit the efficacy of the antibiotics. Antibiotics will still be given but baby will likely be monitored more closely. In the event of a Cesarean section delivery, antibiotics won’t be needed if labor hasn’t begun and your water hasn’t broken.

What Else Should I Know About Group B Strep?

Prevention Strategies: There are no preventative measures that can be taken to eliminate GBS bacteria in the body. This bacteria occurs naturally. Once detected, prompt antibiotic treatment reduces neonatal risk by ~80%.

Newborn Care: It’s important to monitor the baby for fever, lethargy (difficult to wake), or breathing struggles. These can all be signs of infection and should be addressed as soon as possible by a medical provider. The baby’s pediatrician should be the first call. Antibiotics are the standard treatment.

Postpartum Care: Mind the birthing person’s temperature and symptoms alongside baby’s, paying attention to any changes and seeking care if they’re noted.

Emotional Support: Addressing parental anxiety and connecting with support groups.

Future Pregnancies: Retesting will be required for all subsequent pregnancies, however, a positive test isn’t a guarantee. Group B Strep can be a transient bacteria that recedes, eliminating the risk to the birthing person and their baby.

Are There Myths About GBS?

Yes! There are many myths about GBS that can feel scary or leave you feeling confused. The main ones are:

GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is a naturally-occurring bacteria that exists within the body and a common one, at that.

Antibiotics during labor do not harm the baby. While it is true that the antibiotics could have a small impact on baby’s microbiome, these effects have not been studied at length. Preliminary studies with limited data suggest that the impact is short-term and the effects can be mitigated to some degree by choosing to breast or chestfeed.

Positive status doesn’t guarantee infant infection! Even if you do test positive and aren’t able to recieve antibiotics quickly the number of newborns that get sick from GBS are few. While the illness is a very serious one and shouldn’t be taken lightly, it is still rare.

No proven remedies are known to exist besides antibiotics during labor. There are many online suggestions such as Hibiclens or Garlic to change the bacteria levels. There are no scientific studies to prove any of the alternatives work to keep your baby safe.

Wrapping it all up

If you’ve found yourself here because you have tested positive for GBS, don’t panic. Remember, GBS is a bacteria that naturally exists within the body. There is nothing you could do that would change that. If you test positive for GBS at your routine screening, remember that it is manageable with proactive care.

Antibiotics reduce both neonatal and postpartum risks for baby and parent and can be simply administered during labor.

As with everything, remember to ask questions and follow the guidance of your medical care provider. With early intervention, proper treatment, and consistent care you and your baby will not experience any ill effects from GBS.

New Parents | Planning for Your New Normal

New Parents, your life will never be normal again.

Ok, that’s not entirely true. You will settle into a new normal but when a baby is born, life as you know it comes to an end. That can sound daunting! How will you make sure your new baby is cared for, your home is tended to, your work keeps going? When new parents are settling into a new normal it will take work. With some skilled planning and a willingness to shift when needed, you’ll find yourself in a groove before too long.

End of New Parents Leave

Usually once a baby has arrived one or both parents will get some amount of leave from their job. Circumstances look different for each employer. Explore what options you and/or your partner have for parental leave once your baby has arrived. How long can you take? When preparing to return to work, consider what will make it easiest including a hybrid or virtual work schedule for a period of time or even permanently. Explore these options and what they will look like with your employer.

New Caregiver

New parents transitioning to a new caregiver will take some effort but with planning it can be as smooth as possible. Ensure your new caregiver has adequate bottles and pumped milk or formula available to feed the baby. Pack their bag well with extra diapers, wipes, outfits, and anything else they may need. Discuss any circumstances unique to your family that your new caregiver may need to understand (is your baby on medication? Do they need to be fed a certain way? etc.) Communication is key to make transitioning to a new caregiver as easy as possible.

Balancing Home/Work

A new baby will always change the dynamics in a house. Consider how to make the transition easier for yourself as new parents, your pets, big siblings, and extended family members. Identify how your household tasks are currently split. Who takes out the trash? What about cooking meals? Who does the dishes? Consider a chart or writing out a schedule for when these things occur and think about planning to prepare food ahead of time while you ease into your new routine.

Babies change your life in the blink of an eye and it can feel overwhelming going through all the changes that you will face. With an open mind, lots of communication, and a plan ready, going back to work will feel challenging but not impossible.

Need some extra help? Check out our Free Ultimate Postpartum Planning Guide!