After the Stork with Nurse Kate

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week! As a maternity nurse I’m always doing my best to support parents and their babes after delivery! Together we attempt to latch their little one and persevere through their cries, sleepiness at breast, and any discomfort that comes with it. Breastfeeding can be a real challenge, especially when you’re sore and sleep deprived, but we struggle and celebrate our victories together! ... It’s a part of my career that I put a lot of effort into, as I know the difference it can make to everyone involved. It brings me so much joy to see a happy baby at breast and the confidence parents gain after our time together! So here’s to the mamas who are pregnant with the hopes to breastfeed, the mamas who wanted to but couldn’t, the mamas who worked diligently through the hard times and were able to achieve what they set out to do, and even the mamas who decided breastfeeding wasn’t for them. You are all amazing! I know it’s not easy, but my message for the women attempting to breastfeed is ... When at first you don’t succeed, try try again! I believe in you, I’m here for you, I celebrate all that you are and all you go through! You are Queens! #worldbreastfeedingweek #nurselife #maternitynurse #breastfeedingrocks #momsrock #momsofinstagram #babiesofinstagram #empoweringwomen #empoweringmoms #queens See more

Beautifully written by @rachgarrett #happymothersday #mothersday #momsofinstagram #momlife #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #momempowerment #parenting #parentsofinstagram #expecting #expectingmoms #pregnancy #pregnant #parentsofinstagram #babiesofinstagram #parenthood #sendinglove #momgroup

Touched by the thoughtful messages and acts of appreciation for healthcare workers during this chaotic time. It’s letters like this from our staff member’s daughter, that leave us feeling inspired, honored, & motivated to keep going Risking our well-being & lives, to help others, is a part of the job that we signed up for; but a noble act nonetheless, that makes me very proud to call myself a nurse. Pleased to be a part of the global team of front line workers serving our communities #thankyouforyoursupport #covid19 #corona #healthcareworkers #frontlinestaff #heros #healthcanada #instagood #instadaily #stayhome #stayhomestaysafe #nursesofinstagram #nurselife #insolidarity

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there! Having a strong male role model is so important for a child’s psychological and social development. As an elementary school teacher, I witnessed several young children this past week struggling with the topic of Father’s Day, as many have strained or absent relationships with their dads. So instead they chose to celebrate other role models in their lives such as a grandparent, mother, brother, uncle, or fami...ly friend. It’s been said that it takes a community to raise a child, so if you know of one who is without that father figure in their lives, please choose to be a good role model and take time to connect with them. You never know how your small acts of caring and guidance can positively impact one’s life on a bigger scale #dad #dads #fathersday #fathers #happyfathersday #love #parenting101 #rolemodel #kids #kidsofinstagram #children #family #couples #partners #parenting #parentingtips #babiesofinsragram #instagood #instafamily #instadaily #instadads #dadsofinstagram #community #bestdad See more

Less than one week until the launch of my Ultimate Newborn Care Course for expecting parents! This has been in the making for a few years now and I’m finally making my vision a reality. Feeling nervous, but so excited to help close the education gap after delivery and support parents through their challenges and insecurities. Thank you to those who have supported and encouraged me along the way to make this dream of mine possible! Your belief in me, when I doubted myself me...ans so much. I am forever grateful for all your help! If anyone knows any expecting parents who could benefit from newborn and maternity care education, feel free to have them check out my site www.afterthestork.ca or follow me @afterthestork1 I’ll be running monthly community based programs from here on in, as well as private support in home/hospital. #Thank you @fishnpoutine for the awesome photos! Thank you @romitaanthony & @emandy35 for letting me pose with sweet Madeline! And thank you to so many others who have helped along the way @romita83 @bainsforchange @iamjamgamble @sarabee009 @tapp_dncr @quadzilla_83 @careromeo @blakev521 @reabomb @taryn.ann @ka_therinev @pick_a_name @geggy_b @wendykb24 @reangelowillems @debbie_roussos @jessicakuredjian @dobes_and_twins @reangelowillems @Lauren csaunders and too many others to name! See more

Launching my unique Ultimate Newborn Care Workshop on May 11th. This will be the first of many. However, space is limited since this session as it is being offered for FREE! If you know of any pregnant couples who could really benefit from this please tell them to send me a message as soon! Otherwise there will be future dates to come for monthly registration at a fee! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to learn all the tips, tricks, and techniques after delivery ...to feel confident and successful in attending to your newborns needs! #family #pregnancy #pregnant #birth #momsofinstagram #newborn #motherhood #babybump #dadsofinstagram #parenthood #babyshower #infants #moms #dads #postpartum #prenatal #love #baby #babies #twins #maternity #parenting #parentingtips #births #babiesofinstagram #instagood #instadaily #instababies #instagram #instababy

GOOD FRIDAY & HAPPY EASTER to all the sweet babies and their fam-jams! To kick off this exciting time of transition into blossoming spring, Im offering my unique Newborn Care Workshop on May 11th for FREE! Spots are limited so message me if you’re interested! This workshop includes hands on education in a small group setting where you’ll learn about tips, tricks, and techniques to apply once baby arrives to help you feel most confident! #family #pregnancy #pregnant #birth #momsofinstagram #newborn #motherhood #babybump #dadsofinstagram #patenthood #babyshower #infants #moms #dads #postpartum #prenatal #love #baby #babies #twins #maternity #parenting #parentingtips #births #babiesofinstagram #instagood #instadaily #instababies #instagram #instababy

Unconditional love is essential for a healthy start to your newborn’s life and continues to strengthen their psychological development well into childhood and beyond. Psychologist Eric Erickson states that one of the first things an infant will learn, is whether they can trust you or not. Responding to their communication and cues are important to gaining your baby's trust I’ll discuss cues in a later post. This unconditional love is also important between partner...s. Having a baby can be a stressful experience where everyone is learning at rapid rates and adjusting to the needs of their baby, while battling sleep deprivation and emotions. So parents operate best as teammates To love, respect, support, understand, and be patient with each other; rather than focusing on one another’s faults or shortcomings. This also means extending that love to yourselves during this time.Treat yourself kindly with this transition. Nourish and rest your bodies while you can. Be patient with your learning needs. Have a good mantra that brings you peace. And moms remember to love and respect your bodies and the extraordinary elements that nature has put in place to help you heal. #family #pregnancy #pregnant #birth #momsofinstagram #newborn #motherhood #babybump #dadsofinstagram #patenthood #babyshower #infants #moms #dads #postpartum #prenatal #love #baby #babies #twins #maternity #parenting #parentingtips #births #babiesofinstagram #instagood #instadaily #instababies #instagram #instababy See more

This may sound simple to many of us, but one of the first and most common concerns I hear from my patients are how afraid they are to hold their newborn. Many say oh they’re so small, fragile, and floppy, I feel like I’m going to break them! I then remind them of just how strong, resilient, and flexible these little guys are! Birth can be a rough process in itself where babies are manhandled and maneuvered to get them around the pelvic bones and out of a small confined spa...ce. Their bones are well developed and joints full of elasticity - So believe it or not they’re quite sturdy! Not to worry though, you’re not alone in your fears! With practice, patience, and proper landmarking of your hands, you’ll feel confident holding and transferring your baby in no time. Proper positioning involves ensuring that... One hand is firmly supporting your newborns neck and shoulders. While being cautious not to touch their head where they have their soft spots and potential bruising from delivery. The second hand then, firmly supports the babies bum, legs, or torso. It’s okay to get a good grip on these parts. As long as you have these two areas covered you can move them any which way. You can also use other parts of your body to support your newborn like your chest, forearms, or lap too! So prior to moving your baby, check in and ask yourself, are my hands supporting these parts of their body? And if so, it’s safe to move them with confidence :) #family #pregnancy #pregnant #birth #momsofinstagram #newborn #motherhood #babybump #dadsofinstagram #patenthood #babyshower #infants #moms #dads #postpartum #prenatal #love #baby #babies #twins #maternity #parenting #parentingtips #births #babiesofinstagram #instagood #instadaily #instababies #instagram

I often remind my patients that there is no such thing as a "Perfect Mother". All you can do is try your best to make good choices for your family and ones that are in your control. Postpartum Depression (PPD) however, is not. PPD is a very real and serious problem that can affect new and returning moms in the first few weeks up to a year after delivery. It’s caused by a hormonal imbalance and several risk factors such as having an infant admitted to the nicu, having a loss,... being a single parent, previous history of anxiety or depression, sleep deprivation, lack of support etc. Signs may include: Feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, panic, guilt, fatigue, flat affect, loss of appetite, extreme doubt of ability to parent, unable to care for oneself or infant, excessive concern about the infants health or safety, lack of attachment with infant, thoughts of suicide or harming oneself or infant. If you are facing any challenges after delivery please seek help from your partner, a family member, friend, or healthcare provider. There's no need to suffer silently or feel alone in your situation. There are many ways to overcome this condition and people who care to help #bellletstalk #mentalillness #postpartumdepression #ppd, #parentingproblems #parenting101 #breastfeeding #pregnancy #momsofinstagram #newborn #newborneducation #infants #moms #newparents #postpartum #prenatal #newborn #family #baby #babies #twins #maternity #firsttimeparents #parenting #parentingtips #birth #babiesofinstagram #instagood #instadaily #instababies

Love and nurturing is by far the greatest gift you can give your newborn/child. Parents are always so concerned about being the perfect parent. They shame themselves if they’re having trouble with breastfeeding, or obsess over getting that diaper or bath just right. However, I always remind them that they’re already such fabulous parents just in the fact that they care so much about their newborn’s well-being. Never underestimate how valuable unconditional love, nurturing, ...and attentiveness are to your baby’s psychological development. This will help encourage positive behavior, socialization, empathy, and their ability to function well as they grow. #newborn, #baby, #babies, #newborncare, #maternity, #parenting, #babygirl, #babyboy, #mom, #dad, #family, #kids, #instababy, #pregnancy #momlife, #dadlife, #babylove, #happybaby, #kidsmentalhealth, #mindfulparenting, #instagood, #instadaily, #instagram, #newparents, #postnatal , #babytips #firsttimeparents, #parentingtips, #babyontheway, #birth

Every year I volunteer to work on Christmas Day :) There’s something really special about providing service along with other selfless workers on a day that’s all about giving love and kindness. What better way than to spend it helping Christmas babies and supporting families during this special time in their lives. Wishing all the sweet babies, strong mamas, supportive partners, and loving families a very Merry Christmas. May you be filled with joy, peace, and love today and always #nurselife #nursing #merrychristmas #holidayseason #bundlesofjoy #maternity #momsofinstagram #babiesofinstagram #dadsofinstagram #families #instanursing #instachristmas #giftofgiving #giveback #spreadlove #spreadkindness