by Sonal Patel | Nov 11, 2021 | Articles, The Pediatrician Meets the Nutritionist
Dear NayaCare Families,
We are so excited to offer our new blog: The Pediatrician meets the Nutritionist: Baby’s Introduction to Food. Similar to breastfeeding, there is so much information leaving parents confused. Moreover, everyone seems to have an opinion and judgement on whether puree versus baby-led weaning. We want to cut through the fluff and provide vetted knowledge that you can apply.
It is my pleasure to introduce Emily Pierson, a Certified Natural Foods Chef and Master Nutrition Therapist. I met Emily through NayaCare. (I love working with my moms!) She has a beautiful 6 month son. Similar to many of you, she had questions regarding the introduction of baby food. In our appointment, we both realized how much misinformation is out there.
We will be following Emily and her son with their food journey on social media (Instagram, Facebook) and through our blogs. How our program differs from others is because we will combine the Pediatrician and Nutrition perspectives to give you concrete information so you become empowered in your own journey. We will also guide you through food concepts such as puree and baby led weaning. We will present both ways so you can ultimately decide what is best for you and your baby. Also, Emily will periodically share tips on how to incorporate certain food for the whole family.
The general rule of thumb is start with what YOU feel comfortable with: puree, mashed, solid, bought or homemade.
Happy exploring! Please feel free to ask any questions along the way and share with anyone that will benefit!
Sincerely, Dr. Patel
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by Sonal Patel | Nov 8, 2021 | Podcast
For Olivia, pregnancy was a bit of a surprise. She’d stopped taking her birth control pills for a few weeks and thought it would take longer to get pregnant.
Surprise!
One month later she had a positive pregnancy test.
Her pregnancy was typical. But the week before she was to have her little one, the world shut down. They’d already been preparing to change their plans as they realized how fast Covid was spreading, but they were not prepared for the new reality.
Added to the issue of the pandemic, one week after having their little one, Colorado had a record breaking winter storm roll through.
They tried as early as they did to involve their parents in their new little bundle’s life. Covid took some of that time away from them.
Listen as Olivia shares her story and the fears she had as she approached her due date. Every woman gets nervous before giving birth, but women giving birth during the pandemic had even more to worry about.
One of the biggest worries was not having a support system when they went home.
In some ways, for Olivia and her husband, this was a good thing. They became a stronger unit and were able to focus on them and their baby. In other ways, it dashed their dreams of how they wanted to present their precious bundle to their world.
How did you share the news of your little one with friends and family?
by Sonal Patel | Nov 8, 2021 | Podcast
Our first story comes from Chelsea. She and her fiance were very excited to be welcoming their first little one, but she realized that pregnancy, birth, and postpartum were going to be completely new experiences.
She shares everything from craving fried chicken even though she had been a pescatarian for over 3 years to developing carpal tunnel and not feeling her baby kick until well into pregnancy.
Each one of these things was completely normal.
Covid was not! That’s right. Chelsea delivered her precious bundle as the world was shutting down and her entire delivery and postpartum plan changed.
Come to find out, delivery was the easy part. Postpartum was no cakewalk and while she’d done a ton of research, she didn’t know what she didn’t know. No one ever talks about what happens after having a baby.
We don’t talk about the erratic emotions or the never ending doctor’s appointments or all the new worries that take over your mind.
Listen as Chelsea shares her story and why she was so happy she found NayaCare when she did.
Did you experience any of these same symptoms? How has Covid affected your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum?
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by Sonal Patel | Nov 2, 2021 | Articles
Having a baby in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) is quite distressing, regardless of the length of stay. Parents can feel distraught over 3 hours of observation to a 3 months stay. The underlying theme is blaming themselves for their babies’ NICU stay. Therefore, the first and important message I want to convey is that: YOU are an amazing parent. For some medical reason, your baby needed the NICU and that’s why we are here. Talk to your medical providers in explaining the reason behind your baby’s NICU stay. If you still feel you are not understanding, ask again. Lastly, here at NayaCare, we offer free consultations with me, a NICU physician.
Historically, America’s first NICU was designed by Louis Gluck, opening in Yale New Haven Hospital in 1960. The NICU received further attention after President Kennedy’s 35 week old baby boy passed. He looked for answers and found that Canada was able to support premature babies at this time. Funding and awareness grew to establish better American NICUs. His tragedy led to many babies surviving. Now, NICU supports babies born at 24 weeks; and at some institutions, even 23.5 weeks. The youngest I have taken care of has been a 24 1/7 weeker who now is a thriving 11 year old! When I left the NICU to provide care in the outpatient home health setting, I was exposed to families struggling with transitioning from the NICU at home. Concerns encompassed worries around feeds, equipment, and/or medications. The stress and anxiety from the NICU was translating to home.
Therefore, for this month’s blog, in honor of Prematurity Week, I would like to offer you my tips on helping transitioning from the NICU to home.
- Prior to discharge, your medical team will come up with a discharge plan. Though they will have it written out for you, rewrite in your own words/notes to have concrete clarity. Then, repeat the plan back to your medical team to make sure the plans align. I found this very help with my patients and learned where I might not have been clear.
- Keep all medical records in a folder. Take the folder to all appointments.
- If you need any equipment, feeding tube or oxygen, check the equipment prior to discharge and have a clear contact number for the designated company in case of questions or concerns.
- In some cases, you will be required to take CPR. I would recommend that for all my NICU families. It’s a valuable tool. And, if ever the situation arises, you will have some substantial help while waiting for paramedics. Also taking CPR applies to anyone taking care of the baby from nanny to grandparents.
- For visitors, please talk to your medical provider regarding safety due to the cycle of COVID and flu. My tip is that it’s ok not to have visitors if you choose. All visitors need to have an updated flu and pertussis shot.
- Allow family and friends to provide food. It’s ok for them to leave at the door.
- Good hand washing prior to touching the baby for all involved.
- Continue the routine from the NICU, it will help you and baby ease into the routine at home.
Lastly, the NICU is hard on families. We offer two services to help our families.
- A NICU transition visit in which we spend 60-90 minutes in your home helping answering any medical questions, conducting a newborn exam, checking any equipment, and addressing any other concerns. The appointments are conducted by Adrienne Isaacs, MSN, NNP-BC, our neonatal nurse practitioner or myself. Appointments are covered by Medicaid.
- Free “mommy check in” call with our counselors helping mom a space to tell their story, struggles, and concerns around the NICU.
The NICU is hard on parents. I have had the opportunity to help my families from both aspects, inpatient and outpatient. Just remember, you are an amazing parent!
Recently on the NayaCare Blog
by Sonal Patel | Nov 1, 2021 | Podcast
Hi! I’m Sonal Patel. I am a Board-Certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist and after my own postpartum experiences, I knew there had to be a better way.
I started NayaCare, an in-home maternal-infant health practice for families and babies navigating the 4th Trimester.
The more I’ve learned about the 4th Trimester and the way our country handles this very precarious time, the more I realized that there is a better solution.
Listen as I share my story and why I’m so passionate about maternal-infant health and making the transition from prenatal to postnatal care as simple and easy as possible.
I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of my patients and providing you with pertinent information about this time.
If you love the podcast, take a minute to leave a rating and review. I would love to know how it has helped you on your journey.
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