I’m Ariana, and I’m an experienced mama and pediatrician. WELCOME to my blog! I am so happy to have you here as part of my mama tribe. We all need as much help as we can get, at least I know I do!
I know firsthand, how wonderful and challenging the first few weeks (and months!) of parenthood can be. And I want to help. During this time where social distancing is the new norm, I am worried about new mamas. In the wake of closures of traditional, in-person support groups, lactation sessions and new parent gatherings, families are being left alone to navigate the stress of the post-partum period.
I have been working behind the scenes to create a motherhood consultancy, in which I provide expert support and guidance to empower mamas to take care of themselves and decrease anxiety, so they can be present in their lives and cultivate joy with their families. I was planning to launch later this spring, but I have decided to move up the timeline to help mamas in need.
Did I envision launching my business during a global pandemic? Absolutely not. What I have learned though, is that much like parenthood, running a business is not about waiting for the moment for things to be *done* and *perfect*. It is rather, about flexibility and adapting to the present moment.
And with that, I am so excited to now be offering remote, private coaching for mamas! To learn more click here.
In my clinical job, I work with newborns and their families in the hospital as a general pediatrician and newborn hospitalist. In the past few weeks, the SINGLE most common question I have been asked is: Can we have visitors? It breaks my heart to tell you and these families, that the safest answer is no. I DO however, arm them with VIRTUAL resources and I want to share a few of my favorites with you:
FIRST DROPLETS
This incredible resource developed by Dr. Jane Morton at Stanford University is for any and every mama who wants to breastfeed. The site features AMAZING how-to videos that are best watched BEFORE your baby is born! Trust me, as someone who felt like the entirety of my self-worth was measured in ounces of breastmilk I produced, this resource is empowering and evidence-based.
KELLYMOM
This is what I would scroll through on my phone, squinting at 2AM, my baby haphazardly dangling from by breast. There is a WEALTH of knowledge here. My personal favorite, is the “common concerns” section where you can search for help with common breastfeeding issues such as engorgement, plugged ducts and thrush. I recommend this site to every patient I see— during a pandemic or otherwise.
HEALTHY CHILDREN
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put together this page, which compiles a list of resources for new parents, particularly during COVID-19. Key takeaway: having a new baby is hard and you are not alone. It is NORMAL to feel overwhelmed and inadequate when taking care of a newborn (in fact, I’m pretty sure it’s a requirement).
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