The Family Times April 2018

pregnancy & birth

What is a birth doula? A birth doula physically and emotionally supports the pregnant or laboring mother by providing you with resources to make informed decisions for yourself and support you in your choices. I not only help the mother, I also work with support systems (spouse, parent, guardian, friend, etc.). Utilizing a doula during pregnancy and labor has proven to be very beneficial. According to Americanpregnancy. org, using a doula has the following benefits: “decreased cesarean rate by 50%, decreased length of labor by 2%, use of oxytocin by 40% and use of epidural by 60%.”

DoulaNess Vanessa A. Kenny, CD(DONA) Professional Birth Doula Service

FULL SERVICE BIRTH DOULA • Birth Planning Services • Two Prenatal Visits with education on techniques/resources • UNLIMITED telephone and e-mail support throughout pregnancy • “The Big Day” - I will be on-call for you • After Delivery Bonding/Lactation Assistance • Postpartum Follow-Up • Closing Session (In Person) FREE Initial Consultation 732-813-2813 • www.doulaness.com

Vanessa A. Kenny, CD(DONA) 732-813-2813 • www.doulaness.com Professional Birth Doula Service I am a DONA certified Doula. My services are not medical in nature and are not intended to replace the services of a medical doctor or midwife.

What are Attachment Behaviors in Babies?

Attachment behaviors are when babies and toddlers try to get comfort and protection from the people they feel attached to. This can be by smiling and cooing, crawling and following, holding out their arms, crying and many other signals that parents and caretakers learn to know. When the child gets an appropriate response, such as eye contact, a smile, a touch or a quick cuddle, and feels safe, the child is free to relax, play, explore and learn again. If the response is not sensitive to the baby's needs, for example if the baby feels ignored or punished, the baby continues to feel anxious or afraid and continues the attachment behavior. So, for example, if the parent thinks a toddler should be brave and urges her to leave the safety of being close before she is ready, the child is likely to respond by feeling more afraid and clinging more. Some babies or toddlers who are very afraid eventually give up trying. Helping children to feel safe first is the best way to encourage them to be brave.

38

Family Times

APRIL 2018