What did you like most about your mother/father’s parenting
skills?

They were very patient, caring individuals and also a great teachers.
The were  tender and not overly hovering.  I was so blessed to have
great parents and I strive to be like them with my children and grandchildren.  We have a great relationship and a close family circle.  

What qualities would you look for if you were hiring a baby
nurse?

She would have to be just like me. I am very professional, yet very
kind, caring and nurturing. I am extremely knowledgeable.  She
would love her job and you would be able to tell that by talking to
her.  She would also have to have great references.  Look for
someone who is certified in newborn care and has great references.   

What do you see as your personality strengths?

I am dependable, always on time, very neat and clean, I am very
baby savvy. Extremely knowledgeable. Confident in what I do.
Always look for the best in a situation.  I am is very even
keeled.  Always happy and you will never see me moody. 
I look for the best in everyone and every situation.

What do you see as your personality weaknesses?

I tend to give away to many services.  I always want to help
and forget I should be charging for it.  I love helping new parents. 

Describe your personality:

I love life. I always look for the best in any given situation. I am
carefree and happy.  

Describe your relationship with your family:

My parents are still both living and I spend a few of weeks
with them each year. My brother and family are in GA. and
we are very close. I have 3 boys of my own who are the
joy of my life, they are all in Phoenix and we are extremely
close.  Family time is what I Treasure the most. I have 2
fabulous daughters in laws and 3 grandchildren. I adore
them all. What is life without family?  My life revolves
around my family. 

What qualities/characteristics are needed to be a successful
caregiver of multiples / children?

Organization skills, patience, lots of love and a plan!
Scheduling is very important. Doing everything at the
same time ie: feeding, changing, awake and asleep time.

What experience do you have working with preemies (singles or multiples)?

Most of the babies I work with are preemies, as most multiples
are delivered early. The smallest baby I have had was 3 1/2  
pounds.  I have dealt with preemies who could not eat and breath
at the same time.  I have had to teach parents how to care for
preemies as they are a bit more difficult to care for, babies that are
over stimulated can be a real issue for preemies.     

When can you give a newborn a bath?

When the umbilical cord falls off and the circumcision heals
completely, you can give a full bath. That is generally within the
first 2 weeks.

Describe how you would give a newborn a bath ?

I give them a peaceful bath. I fill up the sink with very warm
water. I hold the baby by the back of the neck and let the body
float in the water. THEY LOVE IT. It reminds them of being in
mommy's tummy. Their eyes just pop open and they are so calm
and relaxed. You can then use the other hand to wash them.
That being said, you can also do a sponge or tub bath and I can
teach you both of them.  I love being able to assist in the first bath

How would you care for the following newborn's body parts:

Cradle Cap:

This is not a serious condition and very easy to take care of.
  Virgin Olive Oil rubbed on the head. A hat put on and left on
overnight. In the morning you would take a washcloth and
gentle rub and then wash the oil out. You may have to do it
more than once.

Fingernails:

I suggest that you use a file.

Umbilical Cord Stump

Leave it alone.  It heals from the inside out.

Circumcised Penis:

Use Vaseline on the head with a 1" square piece of gauze.
Continue to apply until healed. Usually within a few days.

Uncircumcised Penis:

DO NOT PULL BACK FORESKIN to clean.  This is a much
misunderstood concept and although I have tried to teach
Newborn Care Specialists not to do this some are still using
outdated methods and doing it.  It could cause permanent
damage to pull back the foreskin.

Vaginal Area:

Wipe front to back. Leave the white mucus in the vagina.

Describe how you would care for a baby with colic:

Start with swaddling him tightly. Cutting back on all stimulation.
Such as TV, lights, noise of the day. Put him in a dark quite room
and rock him holding him close. Use the 5 S's. which are
Shushing. Swinging, Side hold, sucking, swaddling.  I can teach
you how to do each of these.

Describe how you would care for a baby with reflux:

1. keep baby upright 20 min after feeding. 2. Avoid lying baby
flat - sleep on incline (reflux nest) 3. Smaller meals  4. Send
them to a Myopractor who can adjust the valve and ease
the problem 5. Swaddle  6.  Suggest they see their Pediatrician

Describe how you would care for a baby that is premature:

Do as little stimulation as possible. No eye contact. No rocking,
no bright lights while feeding, it is too much for them to handle
at one time.   Feed every 2-3 hours as directed by Dr.
Watch body temp that it does not drop due to not enough
clothes or rise due to too much covering. Kangaroo Care is great.
Be sure to get a full feeding down them each time.  I have a
lot of preemie experience.

What are the different ways you would soothe a crying
newborn?

Swaddle, Shushing, Rock, Pacifier, Feed, Change, Distract,
Change people, White noise, or/and Massage

Describe any experience you have with a special needs
newborn:

Apnea Monitors babies, preemies with many issues.

What kind of emotional support would you give to the
parents of a newborn?

Reassure them that they are doing a great job and they can
do nothing wrong. There is no right or wrong way to love a
child. Just love them and do what you think is best for them.
If they do not understand something... walk them through it,
even if it takes a few times for them to fully understand what
you are doing and why.  Understanding the challenges new
parents face is extremely important in my job. 

Under what circumstances would you call a baby's doctor?

Not eating, high fever, any fever in a newborn, diaper rash
under 6 weeks, projectile vomiting more than once a day,
wheezing while breathing, yellow color in eyes, a sleepy
baby that cannot be awaked, any signs of infection from
circumcision and umbilical cord or anything you as a parent
are worried about.  You know your child and your instincts
better than anyone else

Describe how you would handle a two  year olds
interruptions with the newborn:

My job is to focus on the care of the newborn at night. I
generally do not run into issues with siblings. If I am on a
24 hour job and the sibling is there, I generally ask the
parents to take the time that I am there to spend time with
the sibling as this is a huge change for the sibling and they
have a higher demand for attention from the parents then
the newborn.  But back to the question.  I would patiently
redirect the two year old with a book or toys (depending
on the time of day or night).  I think it is very important for
the sibling to be included in the new baby’s homecoming
and integration with the family.

How comfortable are you working with new parents that
want you to follow the schedule they have set up vs.
suggesting your own?

I will always suggest to parents the kind of schedule that
has worked for many parents however, you are the ultimate
decision makers when it comes to how you want your child
raised.

Have you ever felt agitated during a baby nurse position and
if so, how did you calm yourself?

No.  How could one be agitated at a newborn?

How do you deal with the lack of sleep on a baby nurse job?

I sleep during the day

How do you deal with stress in your life?

Meditate.  Although in general, I have no stress.

What books have you read to educate yourself on newborns,
preemies, multiples, special needs, etc.

Baby Wise, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, The Ultimate
breastfeeding Guide, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, 12 hours
Sleep by 12 Weeks, Your Baby's first Year, The happiest Baby
On the Block, The Baby Owners Manual, Sears The Baby Book,
The Mother of All Baby Books, The Breastfeeding Book to name
a few.  If it is out there I probably have read it.