Focused Support

Growth Review

Every parent loves to know how much their baby weighs and this is a focus of many home and family conversations. I will weigh your baby to gain clear evidence of growth and fully assess them with the use of the most innovative medical grade Marsden M-300 portable baby scales. These are Class III approved, designed for accuracy, reliability and comfort, designed for neonatal units, health visitors and lactation consultants. The scales are highly accurate to 2 grams, and calibrated by specialists every six months.

I will measure your baby’s length with a Marsden HM-110 baby measuring mat, designed for professional use and accuracy, highly hygienic yet comfortable against the baby’s skin.

I will also measure your baby’s head circumference regularly with a head circumference tape, central to a comprehensive assessment of your baby’s proportional growth.

I will transfer all your baby’s measurements into your Child Health Record, precisely plotting and interpreting the results for a holistic assessment of your baby’s growth.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be the most natural way to feed your baby, but this does not mean it is easy. Many new mums find it difficult to establish breastfeeding. Allow me to support you with an additional visit that solely focuses on your breastfeeding. I can offer you guidance on positioning and attachment, the physiology of breastfeeding, the impact of your hormones and how to avoid breastfeeding complications. I can also discuss many wider issues such as how your partner can best support you, how to combine breastfeeding and weaning, and how to continue breastfeeding if you are returning to work. Additional breastfeeding support is particularly recommended if your baby is on a feeding management plan, instigated by either your Midwife, your Public Health Nursing Team, your Infant Feeding Specialist, your Dietician or your Paediatrician.

Emotional Support

Having a baby is a wonderful experience, but it is also one of the biggest and most complex life transitions. The impact on emotional wellbeing and mental health cannot be underestimated. There are many factors that can impact both parents’ mental health and wellbeing. These might include a traumatic birth, a change in self-image, or simply sheer exhaustion. Parents may also find it hard if they have always been very sociable, accustomed to having lots of company, and then find themselves at home alone with their baby. Some families have been through a long complex journey to become parents but then find the reality different to their expectations. For others, parenthood can bring up past experiences or feelings they had suppressed from their childhoods. Whatever the reason, allow me to come and give you some time to explore these feelings. I am highly experienced in recognising the early signs of postnatal depression and can support you in reducing this risk and accessing specialist services.

Sleep

Life with a new baby is unpredictable, particularly when it comes to sleep. Some new parents will be proud to announce their baby is sleeping through the night at six weeks old, but that is far from the norm! There are many books and sources of advice and information available regarding babies’ sleep. However, I firmly believe that a baby under six months of age is too young to have any form of sleep training.  During the first few months it is important to remember that most babies still require feeding at night and it is vital that parents are responsive to their needs.  Around six months is the ideal time to introduce a gentle night time routine so that your baby will begin to anticipate when it is time for bed. I can also share some helpful guidance on how to encourage your baby to fall asleep on their own in their cot, without the need for rocking or requiring milk to fall asleep.