Starting a caregiving job for new parents can be exciting because you have a sweet bundle of joy to cuddle and care for. But as a caregiver, you shouldn’t forget that this transition can be emotional, especially for mums who are going back to work after having a baby.
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Indeed, new science is showing that pregnancy and its effects don’t stop at 40 weeks. Instead, there are new theories that the “fourth and fifth trimesters” are just as important for mum and baby as the first three.
“In the fourth trimester, the 12 weeks following delivery, women are recovering from childbirth mentally and physically,” says Dr. Lauren Macaluso. “In the fifth trimester, they are returning to work and navigating child care options and work-home balance.”
As caregivers, our job is to provide the best care for our charges, especially in this fragile newborn phase. But, as Macaluso explains, we have another very important role: supporting mums through this transition. Here are 6 tips to help you do that:
1. Keep daily logs
Keeping track of everything a baby does in a day is part of the job, so why not document it for mum and dad? Not only does keeping daily logs about the baby’s activities help you notice trends or events through your week, it can also give parents a way to feel attuned to their baby’s life (even when they’re not there). Also, according to Macaluso, it can help a breastfeeding mum determine feeding frequency and amounts so everyone can avoid overfeeding the baby.
Here is some information that you can include in your daily log:
- Feeding times (including portions, perceived hunger, etc.)
- Any reflux or spit-up
- Nap times
- Diapers (soiled or wet)
- Funny moments
- Developmental milestones
- Anything you notice throughout the day (rashes, fussiness, etc.)
At the end of the day, parents can review the log and feel like they know what is going on with their baby.
2. Provide frequent updates
Pictures and text or video updates are one of the best ways to make a mum’s (or dad’s) day. Not only does it give mum something to feel connected to the baby, but it can give her a much-needed boost during a long day away from home. Some families even video chat now, thanks to smartphones. This can give new mums and dads a fun way to check in and feel secure knowing their baby is in good hands. Of course, always ask if this is something the family wants, as it can be distracting (or not an option) for some.
3. Create extra time for mum and baby
During this transition from home to work, a caregiver can support mums by finding ways to give parents more time with baby. Maybe you can prep meals for dinner so mum and dad can come home and just enjoy time with their baby, or maybe you can take “field trips” to the parents’ office so they can show off the baby to their coworkers.
“Caregivers can encourage a mother’s choice to breastfeed, express breastmilk and spend break time with her baby on-site at work or if she comes home for her break,” Macaluso says.
Time to breastfeed is a special bonding experience for mom and baby, so try to provide as much time for that as possible.
4. Make time to get (and give) the rundown
Daily communication is key in a positive nanny-family relationship, especially when new parents are involved. Try building 15 minutes into your schedule before and after your shift for a rundown. You can get the details of the child’s evening and early morning schedule by asking questions like:
- How did he/she sleep?
- When did he/she eat last?
- Is there anything I need to know for today?
When the parents get home at the end of the day, you can give them your rundown. This can include information such as:
- What you and the child did that day
- When he/she napped and ate last
- Anything unusual or necessary to know (the baby was fussy, someone delivered a package, diapers were running low, etc.)
Building in this time is not only professional, it also helps parents (new or not) feel like they have a bit more control over their day.
5. Be supportive and communicative
Being communicative and open with parents is another way caregivers can provide support. While it can be awkward in the early days of a new family/caregiver relationship, let parents know you’re here to answer their questions, take their calls or just listen to their concerns. Simply asking questions like, “Can I do anything for you today?” or “How was work?” can also help a mother feel more engaged and connected to you. The more you connect with her, the more she’ll see you as a trusted member of the household.
Providing positive feedback and small compliments also go a long way.
6. Love and care for baby
As you gain more experience as a caregiver, you’ll realise that each mum will have her own unique experiences and prefer different types of support. But, as a general tip, there is nothing a new mum loves to hear more than how much someone else loves her baby.
Let your excitement for your new family show, and tell your mum boss how much you enjoy working with the child and her family. Highlight positive or meaningful moments you had with baby. These actions will let her know, without a doubt, that her precious baby is being well cared for and that she has one less thing to worry about. Of course, gushing over how cute, smart and funny the baby is can’t hurt, either.
At the end of the day, the best way to help mums during their transition from new mum to working mum is to do what we do best: love and care for our charges.
Looking for a new childcare job? Find one in your area now.