Got newborns? Heather Rickard will guide you through those first months as a new family, helping you navigate a sea of overwhelming information to find what works for your family — and get the whole family sleeping through the night.
What got you interested in newborns?
I’ve been in child care since I was 12 years old, when I started a babysitting business with my best friend. Then I became a nanny. I went to school for child development and got my bachelor’s of science degree in marriage, family, and human development. I kept working as a nanny to a set of preemie triplets and I had that job for almost two years. I fell in love with the baby stage. So, I took some courses to become a newborn care specialist, what they call a baby nurse in other states. It’s not a medical position though, that’s why there’s the distinction.
How many kids do you have?
IÂ have a sweet, smart preschooler! She is 4.
What does a newborn care specialist do?
A newborn care specialist focuses on the first three months of life but can generally help up until 18 months. Some are educated and some aren’t. Some just learn through experience but I did choose to go for my education and certification, personally.
I work overnights, providing postpartum newborn care and sleep training. I also offer consultations and coaching for DIY parents and assistance with hiring a nanny. It’s good to establish a relationship, help parents feel prepared and give them the confidence they need. It’s not always new parents either, they might be parents with other kids who have specific concerns or are just worried about managing everything. My most common client is a family that’s having multiples.
It’s generally 90 percent overnight work. Typically I would come in at night and handle the care of the baby, even for a breastfeeding mother. If mom pumps, I will administer bottles, prepare the baby for breastfeeding, put her back down and handle non-feeding stirrings. I swaddle, soothe and check on funny noises — little things like that.
Something I really like to focus on is keeping babies off prescriptions…helping parents realize they have options. I hate to see babies on all the medications they’re on today but some parents are totally medical and I have to let that go. I always respect parents as the parents, first and foremost and I will support their decisions all the way through.
Is that in reference to things like acid reflux?
Yes, acid reflux, colic, things like that. I really help parents understand the issues, make them aware of natural options and little things that prevent symptoms — like sitting up, using a reflux “nest” and making homemade formulas.
What does a consultation consist of?
At a typical newborn care consultation I do a lot of listening to the parents. Are they anticipating a problem or already dealing with a problem? I hear them out, hear their concerns and get a feel for how they would naturally handle the situation and whether they are comfortable with their choice or if they just don’t know what to do.
Let’s say there is an issue they are already dealing with. I talk over it with the parents, observe the parents with the baby and do one-on-one observing and interacting with the baby and then create a plan with the parents. Most of the information I give parents comes from my experience, books and documented studies. I apply that information to what I see happening or not happening within the family dynamic, coaching parents through it and keeping it in bite-sized chunks.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there. It can be so overwhelming and you get to the point that you feel like nothing you do is right. You read one thing that tells you what to do and then read another thing that conflicts with what you just read. It’s an emotional and exhausting time. You either have to get that stuff figured out ahead of time or hire someone who can come in and work with you.
Whatever you decide to do, the most important thing is to be an awake, alert, and emotionally healthy parent. That’s the number one thing I am here to promote.
This story was updated on March 1, 2014 to reflect changes in Heather’s life and business. Learn more at gotnewborns.com.
