Sara Dolezal: Village Pointe's NEW Lactation Consultant

We are excited to welcome lactation consultant Sara Dolezal to Village Pointe Pediatrics. If you are interested in her services, please call for more information.

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Have you ever heard the term “4th trimester”? It is defined as the moment your baby is born until he or she is 3 months old. This time is a period of great change and development in your baby!  Your baby will start to adjust to the world outside of your womb. The 4th trimester is also a period of time where your baby will get used to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that are all new! Your baby had every need met prior to birth, so all these new changes can be overwhelming to a baby!  By offering your love and support, your baby will easily adjust to this new world. 

Compared with other animals that can get up and walk from birth, your newborn totally relies on you for everything….including care, attention and love. At birth, your baby has only his or her instincts and reflexes to help control behavior and movement.

As a newborn, your baby’s senses are limited and still developing.Your baby can only visually focus about 8-12 inches. They can hear, but it’s difficult to discern on individual sounds and voices. They can feel, but the reassuring and cozy comfort of your womb has been replaced by an unsettling open space. The fourth trimester is a time for your baby to adapt to these changes with your love and support.

Your baby’s brain is developed at birth but has so much more growth to take place. Much of this takes place during her fourth trimester. Your baby's brain is like a sponge, soaking up everything that happens to them. The more her brain is stimulated, the better the connections in his or her brain will become. 

How can you support your baby’s 4th trimester? 

• Skin to skin contact can help soothe and comfort your baby. It can also stabilize her vital signs and stimulate brain growth. It also enhances bonding. 
• Feeding on demand can help baby meet their energy demands. Prior to birth, your baby experienced no thirst or hunger, as they were constantly fed!
• Baby wearing can be helpful as it mimics the gentle movements and keeps baby snug next to your body, just like your womb.  
• Swaddling also can be reassuring to baby as it promotes a feeling of containment. It can comfort your baby if she’s been crying. It can create that sense of security they need. 

Meeting your baby’s basic needs for food, sleep and comfort right away and helping to develop her senses without overwhelming him or her, will reassure and comfort your baby throughout this time of great change.