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June 19, 2024 50 mins

This week on The Matcha Guardians podcast, we dive into the world of newborn care with Maria Fernanda Etienne, a seasoned newborn specialist with over two decades of experience. Maria shares her journey from a graphic designer to a newborn specialist, driven by her own challenging experiences as a young mother. Her passion for helping new moms navigate the complexities of early motherhood shines through as she discusses her approach to newborn care, emphasizing the importance of learning from each baby and the mutual growth that occurs between her and the families she assists.

Maria introduces a unique technique to calm crying babies, highlighting the need for parents to stay calm and understand that crying is the baby's way of communicating. She stresses the importance of supporting the baby's head and bottom, keeping them at a distance, and using a soothing shush louder than the baby's cries, reminiscent of the womb's environment. This method, she explains, is effective across all babies she works with, underscoring the individuality of each baby and the tailored care they require.

Self-care for parents, especially in the demanding newborn phase, is another critical topic Maria touches on. She shares personal strategies for managing the physical and emotional toll of newborn care, including taking breaks, nourishing the body with food or sleep, and maintaining a positive mindset. Maria's approach to breastfeeding, whether on demand or scheduled, is flexible, advocating for a middle ground based on the baby's needs and the importance of not labeling babies too quickly based on their behavior or milestones.

Maria's advice extends beyond baby care to nurturing the parental relationship, especially the bond between fathers and their newborns. She suggests skin-to-skin contact and involvement in routines as ways for fathers to connect with their babies, emphasizing the importance of giving partners space to develop their own relationship with the child.

The podcast concludes with Maria sharing a life lesson on the detrimental effects of jealousy in relationships and the power of positivity and possibility in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Her mantra of staying positive, even in the face of adversity, resonates as a guiding principle for both parenting and life.

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