Category: Baby Care

Discover the Benefits of Baby Massage: Tender Care for Your Little Joy

Post author By Nightingale
Post date December 27, 2023

Gentle Baby Massage Services for Well-being and Joy

Are you a parent based in Dubai, searching for experienced Babysitters Service in Dubai and nanny services near you? Perhaps you’re looking for trustworthy babysitting services or a dedicated full-time nanny in Dubai? Your search ends here – Nightingale offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond the expected. Our services encompass not only attentive care but also the calming wonders of baby massage, ensuring your little one’s overall well-being.

Decoding Baby Massage:

Baby massage isn’t just about physical touch; it’s a language of love. This gentle practice involves using delicate strokes and tender caresses to create a cover of comfort for your baby. Passed down through generations, this age-old technique acknowledges the power of touch in conveying care and affection to your precious one. It involves using your hands to softly stroke, knead, and nurture your baby’s delicate skin.

The “Why” Behind Your Baby’s Need:

Beyond its relaxing benefits, Baby Massage holds numerous advantages for your baby’s holistic development. Touch is a potent way to forge a connection, and this connection goes beyond emotional bonds – it can also help alleviate discomfort stemming from colic, gas, and teething.

Advantages of Gentle Baby Massage:

Serenity at its Best:

Baby massage facilitates relaxation, contributing to improved sleep quality – a win-win for both you and your baby.

Building Bonds: The intimate act of massage nurtures a profound emotional link between you and your little one.

Digestive Comfort: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy can provide relief from gas and digestive unease.

Stimulating Circulation: Massage encourages blood flow, which can aid in healthy circulation and skin development.

Sensory Exploration: The varied strokes and sensations during massage contribute to your baby’s sensory exploration.

Soothing Sensation: Particularly for colicky or fussy babies, massage can offer much-needed comfort.

At Nightingale, we understand the significance of reliable babysitting services in Dubai. We acknowledge that each child is unique, deserving tailored baby care and Nanny Services. This personalized approach seamlessly incorporates the serene practice of baby massage. Our skilled caregivers excel in creating a nurturing space for your baby’s happiness and growth.

Expert Baby Care and Nanny Services in Dubai: Including Soothing Baby Massage for Complete Well-being

Why Nightingale’s Services Stand Out:

Expertise in Child Care:

At Nightingale, we take pride in our caregivers who are not just professionals but experts in providing attentive and nurturing care. Trained to the highest standards, they possess the skills needed to offer the best care for your child. With a deep understanding of the art of baby massage, they ensure a comforting experience that contributes to your child’s well-being.

Tailored Solutions for Every Child:

We recognize that each child is a unique individual, deserving of personalized care. Our services are designed with this in mind, ensuring that your child’s specific needs and preferences are met. This approach creates an environment where your child can thrive comfortably and confidently.

Comprehensive Approach to Child Care:

Nightingale’s commitment to your child’s well-being goes beyond the basics. From babysitting and to the soothing benefits of Child Care, we provide a comprehensive array of services that cater to your child’s holistic development. Our goal is to offer a complete and enriching child care experience that supports growth and happiness.

Convenient Support Where You Are:

We understand that as a parent, convenience matters. Our services are readily available in Dubai and its surrounding areas, ensuring that you have the support you need right at your doorstep. Whether you require a babysitter, a nanny, or the calming touch of baby massage, we’re here to make child care easier and more accessible for you.

BABY & CHILD CARE Services:

Beyond our expertise in babysitting, nanny services, and baby massage, Nightingale proudly offers a comprehensive range of BABY & CHILD CARE services. These services encompass a wide spectrum of care, ensuring that your child’s needs are met at every stage of their growth.

Choose Nightingale for a caregiving experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Our commitment to excellence, tailored care, comprehensive offerings, and convenient support makes us your ideal partner in your child’s journey to well-being and happiness.

Be it nanny services, day care, or full-time care, our comprehensive offerings ensure your baby receives unmatched attention and care. Reach out today to offer your little one the benefits of adept baby care and the tranquil embrace of baby massage. Your baby’s well-being is our utmost priority.

Exploring the Cost of Soothing Baby Massage Services

Whether you choose our Clinic Baby Massage or the convenience of our Home Baby Massage, our skilled caregivers use gentle techniques to create a calming environment that promotes relaxation, better sleep, and overall well-being for your precious little one.

Why Nightingale’s Services Are the Right Choice for You and Your Little One:

Expert Care with a Gentle Touch:

At Nightingale, we take pride in our caregivers who are not only experts in child care but also skilled in the art of baby massage. Our professionals are equipped to provide attentive care, ensuring your child’s well-being is in safe hands. Plus, the soothing touch of baby massage offers your little one comfort and relaxation.

Tailored Care for Every Child’s Unique Needs:

Just as every child is different, so are their needs. We understand this at Nightingale, and our services are designed to cater to your child’s individual preferences. This approach creates a comfortable and nurturing environment where your child can flourish.

A Holistic Approach to Child Care:

Our commitment to your child’s well-being goes beyond the basics. From babysitting and nanny services to the calming benefits of baby massage, we offer a comprehensive range of services. This means your child receives holistic care that supports their growth and happiness.

Convenience for Your Peace of Mind:

Being a parent is a full-time job, and we’re here to make it easier for you. Nightingale’s services are conveniently available in Dubai and its surrounding areas. Whether you need a babysitter, a nanny, or the soothing touch of baby massage, we bring support right to your doorstep.

Home Visit Doctor Services:

For added convenience, Nightingale also offers Home Visit Doctor Services to ensure that your child’s health needs are met within the comfort of your home.

Benefits for Moms Too:

We understand that a mother’s well-being matters just as much. Nightingale’s baby massage isn’t only beneficial for babies; it offers relaxation and stress relief for mothers too. Taking care of your little one becomes a more joyous experience when you’re feeling your best. Pop o pop

BABY & CHILD CARE Services for Every Stage:

Our commitment extends to providing a wide range of BABY & CHILD CARE Services. From newborns to growing Toddlers, we’re here to support your child’s journey at every step.

Choose Nightingale for a caregiving experience that goes beyond expectations. Our combination of expertise, personalized care, comprehensive services, and convenient support makes us the perfect partner in ensuring your child’s well-being and your peace of mind.

Tags baby child care services, baby massage, babysitters service in dubai, child care, home visit doctor services, nanny services, nightingale

Baby Care Newborn Baby Post-natal Sleep training

What constitutes of Co Sleeping?

Post author By Nightingale
Post date October 6, 2022

What is Co Sleeping?

In simple words, it’s when the mother and baby sleep on the same surface together in close proximity.

Is it safe to co-sleep with your baby? and can it be done safely?

As a midwife, I always recommend babies to be put in their moses basket or cot to sleep, as Babies should have a clear sleep space, which is easy to create in a cot or Moses basket. I know however that families also wish to bed share, therefore we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby whether you doze off accidentally, or choose to bed share. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how. For safer co-sleeping:

Keep pillows, sheets, blankets away from your baby or any other items that could obstruct your baby’s breathing or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of infants who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.
Follow all of our other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back
Avoid letting pets or other children in the bed
Make sure baby won’t fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall
Get the help of a newborn care nurse

As a midwife, we communicate clearly to our new mothers the dangers of co sleeping. There are times where co sleeping should not occur:

Either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom)
Either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy)
Your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks)
Your baby was born at a low weight (2.5kg or 5½ lbs or less)
Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby, this can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times

Why do some mums find co-sleeping easier?

Few mothers find it easier to co-sleep with their babies for the following reasons:

Breastfeeding convenience
They believe babies are more settled with them skin to skin
They believe babies sleep longer making them have more rest periods

Questions to ask yourself when you co-sleep with your newborn:

Why are you co-sleeping? And how long?
Do you just want to co-sleep for a few months or years?
Are you utilizing co-sleeping as a backup for those desperate moments before you and your baby are ready for sleep coaching?
Do you have trouble putting your baby to sleep? Get help from our sleep trainer

Tags co-sleeping, newborn, newborn care

Baby Care Maternity Care Newborn Baby

Neonatal cause of SIDS & risk factor

Post author By Nightingale
Post date July 13, 2022

WHAT ARE SIDS CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death is the unexpected death of healthy newborns or infants under 12 months of age, which remains unexplained despite extended investigations including necropsy, death scene examination and medical history study.

Now-a-days, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the main reasons of death among children less than one year old, especially those who are between 2 and 4 months. In most cases, death occurs quickly and during sleep time.

As for the causes lying behind SIDS, they are still unclear and uncertain. Yet, there are many risk factors increasing the exposure of some babies to SIDS, let’s have a look at the most important ones:

Brain abnormalities

Some babies are born with abnormalities, in a part of the brain that controls breathing and consciousness during sleep, and that’s what makes them more prone to SIDS than their peers.

It is to be noted that brain damages are caused by babies’ exposure to poisonous substances or lack of oxygen whilst in the womb.

Accidents after birth

Babies’ exposure to some accidents after birth, such as lack of oxygen, excessive carbon dioxide intake, overheating and infections, may negatively affect their breathing and lead to their sudden death. It is to be noted that some of these accidents may occur while babies are sleeping on their stomach.

Immunity disorders

An increase in the number of cells and proteins in babies’ bodies may lead to their sudden death, as some of these proteins can affect the brain and speed up the heartbeat and breathing rate during sleep. And the result: Eternal deep sleep!

Metabolic disorders

Some babies may die without showing prior signs, if they suffer from metabolic disorders that will prevent their bodies from processing fatty acids, the build-up of which could lead to sudden disruption in breathing.

In addition, there are other environmental factors to increase the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, such as:

Baby sleeping on the stomach
Baby sleeping on a soft mattress and a bed with loose cover
Baby co-sleeping with another child
Covering baby with many blankets
Mother smoking while pregnant
Exposing baby to cigarette smoke after birth
Premature birth or low weight birth

As you may have already noticed, some of the SIDS causes or risk factors are inevitable, while some others can be prevented, by not smoking during pregnancy, by not putting the baby on his/her stomach to sleep, not smoking around him/her and not overheating his/her room, etc. Caring for your newborn baby is very important.

Tags neonatal, newborn care, sids

Baby Care Weaning

Preparing food for babies and the safety precautions to be considered

Post author By Nightingale
Post date June 7, 2022
No Comments on Preparing food for babies and the safety precautions to be considered

Preparing food for babies and the safety precautions to be considered.

When your baby is around 6 months old (We recommended and advocate breastfeeding exclusively until six months of age) and shows some signs like putting toys and objects in their mouth, chewing fists or watching others who are eating with interest and trying to take food off the plate, it’s time to wean your baby.

Note: If you have difficulties in breastfeeding, consider getting some breastfeeding support.

Weaning: The term weaning is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘wenian’, which means “to become accustomed to something different.”

By the time they are one year old, most children will be eating three meals per/day of chopped, mashed family food. Help on weaning support is provided by our expert nurses.

When you start weaning, it should be done in a hygienic way and the utensils should be clean and free of germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water before making baby food. If you are sampling, use a fresh spoon and wash it off every time you do.

Use only well-scrubbed and washed produce, clean hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops.

Remember the following tips for Food Safety:

Wash properly. Some vegetables or fruits that are grown close to the ground may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning in babies (like Clostridium botulinum).
Peel the skin neatly and remove any seeds or pits. When cooking meats and fish, remove all gristle, skin and bones before cooking.
Cook food until it’s very tender. Eggs, meats and poultry should be well cooked because babies are prone to food poisoning by under cooked food.
- 145°F for fish and whole cuts of meat
- 160°F for ground beef and egg dishes
- 165°F for all types of chicken and poultry
Steaming and microwaving in just a little water are good methods to retain vitamins and minerals.
Honey, Salt and Sugar should be avoided in the early stages of weaning. Never add honey to foods or drinks for children under 12 months. Also avoid adding corn syrup or other sweeteners as they only provide extra calories but not nutrients.
Check that the food is of proper temperature before you give it to your baby.
Avoid foods which have choking risk (examples are whole grapes, raisins, pieces of hot dog etc.).
Pureed foods can be thinned, if needed, by adding breast-milk, formula, or water.
Cow’s milk and milk alternatives should not be used during the first year.
You may freeze the food for later use, but it is always better you don’t store for extended period. Store in single portions and take only small portions as necessary and discard any leftovers.
If you’re cooking the same food for the rest of the family, remove the baby’s portion before adding salt and seasonings. A baby’s taste buds can be very sensitive. As the baby grows and becomes more used to table food, feel free to add seasonings (other than salt).

Make sure any cooked food has cooled right down before offering it to your baby.

Preparing homemade food for babies requires extra care that it should be safe and to the nutrients are retained.

What is Baby led weaning:

Baby-led weaning means giving your baby only finger foods and letting them feed themselves from the start instead of feeding them puréed or mashed food on a spoon.
Some parents prefer baby-led weaning to spoon feeding, while others do a combination of both.
There’s no right or wrong way. The most important thing is that your baby eats a wide variety of food and gets all the nutrients they need.
There’s no more risk of choking when a baby feeds themselves than when they’re fed with a spoon.

Food allergy in babies:

Young children at a higher risk of getting a food allergy include:

Babies with eczema
Babies who already have a food allergy.

Research shows that these babies may benefit from the earlier introduction (from 4 months of age) of complementary foods (solids),including foods containing egg and peanut in a form to suit the baby.

If in doubt consult your paediatrician

Contaminated food may contain bacteria like Listeria, E. coli or Salmonella. Always take precaution when you are pregnant and with babies.

Tags babies, food, food-safety, weaning

Baby Care Child care Maternity Care Night Nursing Post-Cesarean Care Post-natal

How to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Post author By Nightingale
Post date August 10, 2021
No Comments on How to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

One of the biggest worries for many new parents is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which refers to the sudden unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby under the age of one, usually during their sleep. Premature babies, or those with a low birth weight, are at greater risk, and it tends to be slightly more common in baby boys. Thankfully, SIDS is rare, and the prevalence has fallen significantly over the past few decades as advice about reducing the risks is more widely shared. While healthcare professionals don’t know exactly what causes SIDS, a lot of research has been done into the things parents and caregivers can do to create a safer sleeping environment for their little one.

Do’s for reducing SIDS

Based on advice from the NHS UK, recommendations are as follows:

always place your baby on their back to sleep
place your baby in the “feet to foot” position – with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram
keep your baby’s head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders
let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months
use a mattress that’s firm, flat, waterproof, and in good condition
breastfeed your baby, if you can
recent studies have found that using a pacifier while the baby is sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS

Dont’s for SIDS

smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby – both before and after birth
sleep on a bed, sofa, or armchair with your baby
share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol, taking any sedative pain relief-medication or sleeping pills
let your baby get too hot or too cold – a room temperature of 16C to 20C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleeping bag, will provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. NB. here in the UAE, we’re used to much warmer temperatures, and the recommendation is 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include sweating, or their chest feels hot.

You should also visit your pediatrician and/or midwife for regular check-ups to assess their health and development. At Nightingale, we provide a wide range of postnatal support at home or in our clinic, provided by fully-trained nurses.

Tags how-to, risk, sids, sudden infant death syndrome

Baby Care Child care Maternity Care Night Nursing

10 Breastfeeding Questions Every Midwife Gets Asked

Post author By Nightingale
Post date July 27, 2021
No Comments on 10 Breastfeeding Questions Every Midwife Gets Asked

With World Breastfeeding Week coming up on the 1^st to 7^th August, we asked Nightingale’s Public Health Practitioner Julia Youll about some of the most common questions she gets asked by new parents.

Read her advice here and feel free to get in touch with us for one-to-one support on your breastfeeding journey.

1. When will my milk come in, and what can I do about engorgement?

The first stage of milk is called colostrum; it develops during pregnancy and gets replaced by true milk after about three days. You will see the colour and amount of your milk change, but you may also have quite swollen and tender breasts when extra fluid accumulates in the breast tissue.

Try to feed frequently (around every two hours at least) and avoid a backlog of milk. You can soothe any discomfort and drain the breasts by standing under a warm shower, smoothing the skin downwards with a soapy hand. Applying alternate cool and warm flannels or compresses may also help.

Some people recommend applying cooled cabbage leaves straight from the fridge, the savoy variety! Gently expressing by hand between feeds can relieve engorgement, but try to avoid mechanical pumping at this stage as it may make the problem worse. Leaking milk is to be expected but this will settle as the baby grows.

2. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?

Many new mums worry about this in the early days. The immediate signs of optimum milk are plenty of wet and mustard yellow nappies and a baby who falls asleep after their feeds in a milky stupor! You can usually expect your baby to regain their birth weight around two weeks after delivery.

Aim to feed as soon as the baby shows signs of readiness to latch; frequently draining the breasts at a feed will promote a good supply for later. If you have any concerns about your milk supply or the baby settling, it’s worth chatting to a breastfeeding specialist, as many common issues can be resolved quickly. For example, the presence of a tongue or lip tie could affect the baby’s ability to access the milk.

If you’re tired, feeling emotional, or sense that the milk isn’t flowing as fast, try skin-to-skin contact with the baby lying on your chest. Failing that, soak in a bath, try to rest and relax, ask your partner to take the baby for a short while, and drink plenty of fluids. Adrenaline is very powerful and can temporarily disrupt the milk hormone oxytocin if you’re feeling stressed.

3. Do I need to supplement my baby with water or other fluids?

Your baby doesn’t need anything other than breast milk for at least the first five months if you wish to exclusively breast feed. Breast milk adapts to hot climates and extra water is not necessary to quench their thirst.

4. How can I help my baby to latch properly?

Latching effectively from the start can be the key to successful breastfeeding and good milk supply. I recommend speaking to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist if you need any help or advice in the early days. Rather than nipple feeding, the baby needs a full open mouth to compress the milk ducts beneath the areola. This is a skill that doesn’t always come naturally to you both, and it’s worth looking for signs that they’re attaching correctly before each feed.

5. What can I do for sore nipples?

Following on from the previous question, a good latch is the best way to prevent very sore nipples, but even then, it’s sometimes difficult to avoid completely. Nipple soreness does get better as time goes on. If you need to use a soothing balm, you can apply pure lanolin cream (hypoallergenic) or even a few drops of breast milk between feeds. If soreness and cracks continue to be a problem other factors need to be ruled out, so it’s worth seeking professional advice. Also, if breastfeeding is painful at any stage of a feed, gently remove your baby and attempt to latch again.

6. How often should I breastfeed?

Feed as frequently as you can in the early weeks, watching for other feeding cues before the baby actually cries. This really boosts milk supply, because the more milk that is removed, the more milk you will continue to make.

After a few weeks when your supply is more established, the baby will be a pro, and while they might still be feeding frequently, the feeds will be much quicker. Bear in mind the baby is programmed to wake at night in the first few months. Plus, the hormones designed to support milk production are higher at night, helping to increase milk production for the next day.

7. What can I eat and drink whilst breastfeeding?

Basically you can eat and drink pretty much everything, though in moderation. Some very sensitive babies may react to certain food substances in your milk, but this is thankfully rare. You can require up to 500 extra calories a day to make milk, so indulge in that chocolate bar! Alcohol and heavily caffeinated drinks are best avoided in the early weeks when the baby is very tiny, but then you can start to enjoy an occasional glass with your evening meal and a coffee in the mornings.

8. How can my husband/partner help whilst I am breastfeeding?

The main tips for your partner are simply to be there, give encouragement and bring plenty of tea and snacks! When the supply is more established, around the four to six-week mark, it’s possible to pump milk so that he can offer a bottle of expressed milk while you have a long bath or an early night. (Our postnatal training classes will help you get trained on milk expressing).

9. How do I feed in public?

This is sometimes a worry initially but soon you will be an expert. The UAE is extremely breastfeeding positive and there are plenty of places to feed if you need privacy in the malls. However, a breastfeeding cover or a thin muslin is perfect when out with friends and family for coffee or lunch. There is no reason why you should be at all limited if you feel comfortable with feeding whilst out and about. Grab a spare nappy and go!

10. When can I start expressing milk?

Gentle hand expressing can be done from the outset to relieve overly full breasts or to soften them before the baby latches. Using a mechanical pump is normally not recommended until the supply and demand system of milk production is aligned (at least 4 weeks). After that, women often want to pump during or after feeds to build up a supply for returning to work or for babysitters. Clearly, it is a very different situation if the baby is in NICU or when you suddenly need to be separated – then, using a breast pump is crucial.

Tags breastfeeding, facts, FAQ, questions

Baby Care Babysitting Child care

25 Activity Ideas for kids to do inside home

Post author By Nightingale
Post date July 18, 2021
No Comments on 25 Activity Ideas for kids to do inside home

Summer in UAE may be slightly different this year when many families aren’t travelling home to cooler weather. Thinking of activity ideas for kids inside your home can really stretch your imagination to the limits, so here are a few things that might help to keep everyone entertained in the hot days ahead. If you are working and need a babysitter, we have some wonderful nurses who will keep your kids entertained.

Activity ideas for kids:

Finger paints, and making hand and potato prints using brightly coloured card or paper.
Make your own slushies – guaranteed to be less sugary than bought ones!
Make memory books with pictures and photos. Baby books will intrigue children when they see the mementos you’ve kept from their early months.
Use moulding clay to create various shapes and trinkets. Some types of clay harden and dry in the air, whereas others may need oven baking.
Playing cards, UNO and Old Maid and Go Fish.
Create a ‘lucky dip’ by putting rice in a big tub and hiding small gifts to retrieve.
Grocery let’s pretend – bring out packets and small tins from the cupboard to play shop.
Make hand puppets from old socks and put on a puppet show in an improvised handmade puppet theatre.
Making friendship bracelets.
Have fun with balloon art.
Make your own ice cream and ice pops with healthy ingredients.
Set up an indoor obstacle course.
Make a camp with a clothes horse and a sheet.
Have some pamper time with a face mask (the cosmetic, child-safe variety) and do at-home mani/pedis.
Try a children’s meditation app for some quiet time.
Make a display or decorate a box with shells from the beach.
Freeze coloured water for ice cube painting. Adding tonic water might even make the paint glow!
Bubble blowing with a giant bubble maker. You can make your own bubble solution.
Create a herb garden or a bug hotel if you have some outdoor space undercover.
Cook treats like brownies and little buns. Packet mixes are a bonus.
Host a dolls’ and teddies’ tea party.
Enjoy an indoor picnic on a rug.
Bring out the dressing up clothes.
Watch old family DVDs that haven’t been seen for a while.
Tye-dying plain white t-shirts is a great creative option for older children.

DIY play items for kids at home:

PLAY DOUGH RECIPE

2 cups flour, ¾ cup salt ,4 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 2 cups lukewarm water,2 tablespoons vegetable oil, food colouring, plus vanilla essence for added fragrance. Large tubs or plastic bags for storing. Mix together on a low heat and form a firm dough (this is not dangerous if accidentally eaten!)

SLIME RECIPE

8 ounce bottle of white school glue, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, food colouring,1 ½-2 tablespoons of contact lens solution that contains borax (not to be ingested). For extra fluffiness add shaving foam. Sealed tubs needed for storing. The stretching and moulding of the slime are irresistible for little fingers.

FRUIT MOCKTAIL

Orange juice and lemonade with grenadine fruit syrup, orange slices and sparkles and sticks.

This might even be a good time to start potty training or perfecting naptimes while you’re spending more time at home.

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Tags fruit mocktail, holiday, kids activity, play dough, play ideas for kids, slime recipe

Baby Care Maternity Care

The benefits of baby massage

Post author By Nightingale
Post date July 14, 2021
No Comments on The benefits of baby massage

Here we will explain about the benefits of baby massage:

Soothing touch is one of the most important things a child needs to thrive, making baby massage a wonderful way to connect with your little one and boost their well-being. The practice dates back centuries, with techniques handed down from generation to generation. In recent years, more people are recognising the role massage plays in their baby’s health and development, and it’s increasingly used in neonatal intensive care wards to support growth in premature infants. Here are some of the main reasons to include regular massage as part of your routine:

Pain relief

Various studies show that massage provides relief from pain caused by problems such as teething, colic, constipation and wind. Massaging a baby’s abdomen helps trapped pockets of air move through the intestines; it can improve overall gastrointestinal function and even increase the appetite. Plus, massage releases endorphins to counteract pain.

Relaxation

When you massage a baby, it stimulates their central nervous system causing the body to produce the feel-good hormone oxytocin. As a result, their breathing deepens, the heart rate slows and the blood pressure lowers. As you care for them and respond to their needs, they produce less cortisol, meaning they’re less likely to react as strongly to stressful situations.

Stimulation and development

It has been suggested that baby massage creates better connections between the brain and body. As well as increasing alertness and improving cognitive performance in the moment, this heightened mental and physical connection can also help prevent colic and general fussiness brought on by over-stimulation. Massage helps the nervous system to mature faster and it becomes better able to cope with stimulus.

Bonding

Parents and babies are biologically designed to bond with each other after birth. This bond is crucial so that the mother accepts the baby and their needs are met. During the massage you’re are able to connect deeply, make eye-contact and enjoy an easy, relaxed way of bonding. And it’s not just the baby who benefits. Massaging your baby will help you relax during the early days and it has been found to reduce rates of postnatal depression among new mums. The physical interaction builds trust and provides you with a non-verbal way of communicating.

When to begin baby massage?

Baby massage can begin a few weeks after the birth, but you’ll need to watch your little one for cues. For example, wait until they’re alert and awake, and don’t start if they’re showing signs of distress. During the massage, if they cry or turn their head away stop and try again later. Choose a warm, peaceful spot and wait at least 45 minutes to an hour after feeding to avoid vomiting. Give your baby more enjoyment by talking to them softly, making soothing sounds or singing as you gently stroke their skin.
Get in touch to find out about our baby massage classes at Nightingale, available at home or in our health hub.

Tags baby massage, maternity care, newborn care

Baby Care Sleep training

Should you swaddle your baby?

Post author By Nightingale
Post date July 5, 2021
No Comments on Should you swaddle your baby?

Many advocates of swaddling describe it as the secret to calming your infant and promoting better sleep. When you think that babies spend an average of 37 weeks feeling safe and secure in the womb, it’s no wonder that being in the outside world can be an overwhelming experience. That’s where swaddling can help to imitate the warmth of the womb as your little one adjusts to their new environment. Some of the benefits of swaddling include:

Babies up to three to six months have a strong startle reflex (Moro reflex). This causes them to flail their arms and legs, and the sudden movement can disturb their sleep. Swaddling helps to decrease the movement and stop this from happening.
It gives a baby the feeling of being held close.
Newborns often scratch their delicate skin easily and swaddling is a good way to keep their hands from touching their face.
The blanket keeps very young babies warm and cosy until they’re able to regulate their own temperature more effectively.

Swaddling safety

Blankets are generally not recommended for babies up to 12 months because of the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs), leading some people to be concerned about swaddling. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognises the benefits when the practice is done properly, following Safe Sleep Guidelines. The main thing is to make sure that the blanket isn’t too loose, allowing it to unwrap and cover the baby’s face. You also need to be cautious of securing the blanket too tightly around their hips, as this can cause problems with the hips and joints.

Always place the baby to sleep on their backs and tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath them.
Check that you can fit two to three fingers in between the blanket and your baby’s chest at the top. The bottom of the blanket should provide room for the baby’s legs to stay bent.
Avoid overheating by keeping the room at a comfortably cool temperature (around 20-24 degrees Celsius in Dubai) and don’t be tempted to dress your baby in multiple layers; a pair of pyjamas and the swaddle should be enough.
Let your baby sleep in their own crib rather than your bed.
Keep the environment smoke-free.
It’s recommended to stop swaddling once your baby is able to roll over onto their front.

Technique

Start by laying the blanket out flat, folding one of the top corners down. Place the baby on top of the blanket, face up with their head above the folded corner. Straighten their left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over their body, tucking it between their right arm and the right side of their body. Tuck the right arm down and fold the right corner over the body tucking it under the left side. Then, fold the bottom of the blanket up loosely and secure it underneath them.

Swaddling is just one of the many baby care topics we cover in our pre and postnatal sessions at Nightingale, contact us to find out more. Our newborn baby care nurses can help you with it.

Tags baby care, newborn, postnatal, prenatal, swaddle

Baby Care Child care Home Care Night Nursing

International Nurses Day 2021

Post author By Nightingale
Post date May 11, 2021
No Comments on International Nurses Day 2021

To mark this year’s International Nurses Day on May 12^th, we’ve asked three of Nightingale’s nurses to share a glimpse of their typical day and tell us what they love most about the job.

Malin Ghavami (Head Midwife)

My day frequently starts with a home visit to new mums, usually when their little one is less than four days old. We discuss the delivery and their recovery, and I offer any help and encouragement they need about things like feeding techniques, monitoring the baby’s weight and progress. After each visit, I write up my notes and tell the family when I’ll be visiting them next.

Afterwards, I schedule baby massage sessions for infants who are a few weeks old and sometimes a postnatal massage for their mums. I also manage the nurses in the community, so I dedicate time to training, or we have a general catch-up meeting. Training topics range from perfecting swaddling techniques to discussing clients’ specific needs and how best to address them.

As the day winds down, my colleagues and I discuss the schedule and requirements for the next day, although that can change entirely when a little one needs special attention earlier than planned.

I chose to be a nurse because I wanted a profession that I could be proud of, where I can positively impact people’s lives, be it the mummies or their sweet little babies. There’s no better feeling.

Julia Youll (Public Health Practitioner)

I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was six years old and was given a nurse’s uniform for Christmas, complete with a medical bag. My grandfather was a GP and I was fascinated by the surgery and all the paraphernalia (in those days kept at his home). As soon as I turned 17, I started applying to teaching hospitals in London.

We were trained at the hospital and had a lot of practical time on the wards, interspersed by study blocks.

We certainly weren’t supernanny as students in those days, and we wore stiff starched detachable collars, cotton frilly caps and proper aprons!

I usually start my morning checking in with the families that I’m supporting with sleep problems, and it’s always great to hear that a good night has been achieved. Everyone has a new lease of life when they’re feeling rested.

My home visits (or calls) usually take place in the afternoons. It’s really productive to see babies and their parents in their home environment. After an hour or so’s discussion, I go away and create a plan for families to work with. This is tailor-made, specific to each one’s circumstances and dynamics. Follow-up may entail tweaking the plan, or looking at different ideas, but in general, a family without sleep deprivation is a happier one. Even a small change can make a huge difference.

Hermina (Nurse)

Working as a nurse at Nightingale gives me the opportunity to support families during an incredibly important yet challenging time ,and it’s wonderful to see them experience so many beautiful firsts together.

Baby Afra, born earlier this year, was premature and underweight. She was so small and delicate. The first time I held her, I could feel her vulnerability and how much love and care she needed. I fed her every three hours with precise measurements of milk and the correct feeding technique, checking her weight every ten days. She started gaining weight and every day she amazed us with her smile. Now, when I look at her playing and giggling, I can’t explain the happiness I feel having being part of her life. Moments like these are why I decided to become a nurse.

Tags nurse, nurses in dubai

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