Marcy Sauter

Being an IBCLC is more than making sure that babies get their mama's breast milk. There's a very nurturing side to many of us that are in this profession. Someone asked me what I do as a postpartum doula and Lactation Consultant. It didn't take me long to write a list of the things I do. I dedicate this to all the mama's and babies I've worked with... I massage the feet of an exhausted mama desperately needing a gentle touch I hold a straw steady for a mama breastfeeding her twins to quench her thirst because her hands are occupied I catch falling tears from faces of new mamas that don't think they can make it through the night I give reassuring glances to nervous fathers and encourage them to stay present I listen, without judgement, to the woman that explains why she stays in an unhappy relationship I defy culture in the context of parenting and teach mothers to use instinct rather than google I help women make peace with their vaginas and not be ashamed of their womanhood and femininity

"Why is my baby so fussy?" is a question I get asked by many moms and dads as I speak to new parents in my role as a postpartum doula and Int'l Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  There is no easy answer to this question. However, if parents understood the physiological makeup of their baby, and respond to it the way nature designed them, then the question would be less of an issue.

As a doula, I often get asked if I only work with women that have postpartum depression. To the contrary, postpartum doulas have a positive effect that has been proven to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. The word doula is usually associated with birthing women, however, there are also postpartum doulas that assist families after the birth. After having a baby, many women feel quite vulnerable and unsure of their new role as a mother. Postpartum doulas are there to emotionally support the new mother and their family. They offer a non-judgemental ear and provide a safe environment for the family to express doubt, joy, frustration and concerns about the newborn. In addition to providing emotional support, postpartum doulas will educate the new family on basic topics such as feeding, bathing and sleeping. Doulas are not health care professionals and do not give medical advice. Having a doula will help parents discover how they want to parent. Mother after mother has told me how

Babywearing is a topic that comes up when I go on interviews with potential clients.  It is a topic that came up when I first met Lindsay Price from 90210 and Lipstick Jungle fame. I assured her that I would help her get established with babywearing if she decided to have me as her postpartum doula. Mutually, we agreed that we were a good match and the day Lindsay brought her newborn son, Hudson, home from the hospital, I was there to support her in her new role as a mother. I encourage babywearing from early newborn days to toddlerhood and beyond if possible. The benefits to both parents and babies are priceless.  Early babywearing is beneficial to foster bonding between parent and baby.  Hugging baby close in a carrier is a wonderful way to get to know your baby and for your baby to learn about you.  Babies also thrive with touch, and babywearing is a wonderful way to maintain a loving contact with your baby.  Beyond bonding and touch, babies who are worn are more

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to compile my tips for a successful breastfeeding relationship.  As a postpartum doula and lactation consultant, many expectant moms have told me how nervous they are about breastfeeding. It's no wonder as to why some women have fear since horror stories abound about sore nipples, low milk supply and biting babies. I would like to offer you some peace of mind to help you prepare for your breastfeeding journey.

Tip 1: Stick with it! Don't give up.

Breastfeeding is natural, just like walking is natural. But it takes time to figure it out! Can you imagine how many babies would give up walking if they gave up after their first fall? Think about the time and effort it takes for a baby to learn how to walk. Most infants start out crawling which builds core muscles, then they graduate to standing by holding on to something, then finally the baby will take her first step. This didn't happen overnight,