Q: Who is Dianna Hughs?
Dianna was the founder of a premier Arizona baby nurse service and founder of two nanny agencies. She is a newborn care specialist and has 24 years of experience working with newborns and their parents. Her specialty is caring for multiples.
Q: What is the difference between a night nanny and a newborn care specialist?
A night nanny typically has limited experience and no formal training in newborn care. The primary role of a night nanny is to carry out the parents’ instructions in caring for the infant. The night nanny will document and report on your baby’s activities during the care period.
The advantage of a newborn care specialist is that she can provide skilled sleep training for your infant and insightful guidance for you as parents. As the baby develops, that can mean longer sleep periods for the child and more rest for you.
Q: What is the difference between a baby nurse and a newborn care specialist?
A baby nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) whose specialty is caring for infants with medical conditions. Although a newborn care specialist can administer medications and treatments prescribed or recommended by a physician, a baby nurse is recommended in situations in which the baby’s condition is life-threatening, the treatment regimen is invasive or the risk of complication is great.
Q: When should I call a newborn care specialist?
We recommend that you reserve a newborn care specialist at least 2 to 3 months before your due date. This is especially important if you plan to enlist her help in sleep training so that your baby sleeps through the night in the first 12 weeks. Many families wait until the last minute to enlist our services and find we aren’t available.
If you want an in-home consultation or to give frazzled parents a couple of nights of relief to get caught up on sleep, you can call us at any time. Often we can even meet with you that same day for a consultation involving feeding, crying, colic or reflux issues.
Q: Do you support breast feeding mothers?
Of course! Breast feeding mothers have special circumstances that sometimes require additional information and support. Situations can include latching on, increasing milk supply, clearing blockages, pumping and weaning, to name a few. A newborn care specialist can help you overcome these challenges and make breast feeding an easy and convenient routine for you and your baby.
Whether you are breast feeding or bottle feeding, a newborn care specialist can advise you on the right amount of milk or formula your infant needs at each feeding, techniques that minimize spitting up and establishing a schedule that enables the baby to steadily gain weight.