Dad holding newborn baby sleeping, baby sleep stages

Baby Sleep: The Basics of Sleep Stages

By Christie Collbran | March 31, 2024

No matter who you are… Sleep is important.  We all need to sleep in order to revive our bodies and minds. So, if it’s vital for you as an adult, imagine the importance of good sleep for your growing baby.  I know what you’re thinking though…  Won’t my baby learn how to sleep on their…

Safe Sleep For Baby, Baby in a crib

Safe Sleep For Your Baby

By Christie Collbran | September 10, 2023

We know how exciting it is to tuck your baby in for a good night’s sleep, so let’s make sure it’s not only cozy but also safe as can be. a. Safe to Sleep Recommendations for Baby: First things first, let’s talk about the golden rules of safe sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)…

Newborn sleeping on a moon pillow with star pillows around him

Newborn Sleep – What to Expect

By Christie Collbran | August 27, 2023

Ah, the magical world of newborn sleep! It’s like a roller coaster ride that you never signed up for, but guess what? You’re not alone on this wild journey. Parents and soon-to-be parents, especially those snuggling tiny bundles of joy in the wee hours of the night, this one is for you. Let’s dive into…

postpartum-sleep-deprivation

Postpartum Sleep Deprivation

By Christie Collbran | May 22, 2021

Four days and one unexpected c-section later we were discharged and on our way home at last. I could no longer lean on the quiet protection of the hospital. Nurses would not be checking on me periodically. Meals would not be brought to me on a schedule. Ready or not I was now a Mom…

what-baby-nurse-does

Bethenny’s Baby Nurse

By Christie Collbran | February 25, 2021

Believe it or not, I first learned what a baby nurse does on a Bravo TV show. Long before I became a doula, I was a “Real Housewives of NYC” fan. Oh, the gloriously trashy and mindless entertainment! When I watched this faux-reality series, the characters included Countess Luann de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel. At…

looking-for-a-baby-nurse

Looking for a Baby Nurse?

By Christie Collbran | February 18, 2021

Looking for a baby nurse to help you after the baby is born?  I recently spoke to a grandmother-to-be. She called in looking for a “baby nurse” to help her expecting daughter after her baby arrives. “When I was a young woman in New York city” she told me, “people with newborns would hire a…

overnight-postpartum-doula

Overnight Postpartum Doula Care: A Night With Our Doulas (updated July 2022)

By Christie Collbran | October 8, 2020

Overnight Newborn Care is sometimes a new concept. Tired parents often approach us and ask: “what does a postpartum doula do overnight to care for their family while they sleep?” It almost sounds too good to be true! Rest assured, this exists and works beautifully. The role of a postpartum doula is so varied from…

Managing Stress During COVID 19

Managing Stress in the Time of COVID 19

By Christie Collbran | June 8, 2020

We have all been staying at home as much as possible and now as the Tampa area enters Phase II we need to plan what this means for our lives and the lives of our loved ones. How can we minimize exposure to Corona virus? How can we manage the fear that going out more…

night nanny overnight care tampa

What is a Night Nanny? Choosing Newborn Care

By Christie Collbran | November 25, 2019

What is a “night nanny”? While searching to get some extra winks of shut-eye, new parents often find this term. It can get confusing because they will also find terms like “night nurse”, “Postpartum Doula”, and “Newborn Care Specialist”. These terms are not created equally. The primary responsibility (caring for your newborn) falls under each…

Newborn Sleep Essentials | Get More Sleep!

By Christie Collbran | November 4, 2019

“Newborn sleep essentials, what are they?” “Will I ever sleep again?” Among new parents, these are frequently asked questions. Newborns often wake after short intervals of rest, leaving parents tired, frazzled, and ready to invest large amounts in coffee stocks. While it is true that newborns physiologically need to wake to eat around the clock,…

Will my baby ever sleep through the night?

Will My Baby Ever Sleep through the Night?

By Christie Collbran | July 19, 2017

There is a lot to be said about babies sleeping through the night, various styles of parenting, sleep coaching and everybody has an opinion. It’s a good idea to learn about the science of sleep and what is developmentally normal for babies. Author Elizabeth Pantley has this to say on the subject here: “The medical…

Where does your baby sleep

3 Different Ideas for Where Baby Sleeps

By Christie Collbran | June 22, 2017

As postpartum doulas, the first job we’re often helping new parents with is: where should my baby sleep? With the right equipment and precautions, the short answer is: anywhere you want. Each family scenario – each baby – is different, and flexibility and options are key to finding the best solutions. And by best, we…