Lacey
Where are you originally from and how did you get into the newborn care profession?
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I started caring for babies and children at a young age and that carried into being a nanny for many years in my teens and while in college. Over the years, I have continued to work with children, particularly babies, while also in another profession. I continued to love and appreciate all that goes into newborn care and decided several years ago to focus on it full time and follow my passion. I love going to work each day!
What do you enjoy about working with new families?
I enjoy many aspects of working with new families. There are always different needs and expectations with each family and I want to ensure that they have the best experience possible while getting rest, learning techniques and helpful skills, and just enjoying every moment with their newborn. Being a new parent can be a very stressful time and I want to make each family feels at ease. I think the most rewarding thing about working with new families is seeing their joy when everything begins to come together.
Whether it is their baby reaching a milestone, a long stretch of sleep, or a smile, each of those things is special to see and the confidence and experience blossoms with the parents each moment. I have also grown close to a lot of the families I have worked with so it is special thing when you are able to keep in touch and watch the family grow.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
I think it’s great to receive a compliment, but the true compliment from each family, verbally or not, is knowing that when your time has come to an end that you, along with that particular family, have achieved exactly what we set out to do and reached our goals together. When it comes full circle and the family is thriving, that to me, is the biggest compliment. It is also an amazing compliment to have a family I have worked with refer me to their friends that are in need of newborn care services.
Do you specialize in a particular area of newborn care?
I try to be as versatile as possible in order to accommodate any family in need of newborn care, but my experience includes multiples, preemies, and singletons. I also do a lot of work as a sleep specialist.
Let’s talk newborns: what is your favorite part about caring for newborns?
There are so many aspects of caring for newborns that I love. I think going to work each day and completely looking forward to what it is you are doing and loving each moment is just a blessing. Caring for newborns is such a rewarding experience in that the parents and babies rely on your help and guidance. Each day brings new joys and achievements for both the parents and the newborn and that is just amazing to be a part of the process. Plus, how could you not love going to work each day and spending it with wonderful little babies? That is a blessing in itself.
If there was one thing you wish everyone knew about newborn care specialists, what would it be?
I think the field of newborn care is gaining more recognition each year. I wish people knew the importance of having a newborn care specialist in the beginning months of their baby’s life. It is both important for the healing of the mother and the sleep of both of the parents in order to be able to enjoy the baby without being completely deprived of sleep.
Newborn care specialists are much more than just nannies. We are there to help guide the parents in whatever capacity is needed and to ensure the baby is the priority. I think we help make the new transition into becoming a family a little bit easier.
How would you characterize your approach to newborn care and working with new mothers?
I think my approach is different with each family and mother. Some families want a very hands-on approach and others are just looking for a little extra rest and relaxation. It all depends on the needs of each family. I believe you have to be extremely flexible, listen and understand each of their needs, and help during this new transition. I try to take an active role in supporting both the baby and parents. The baby is certainly the priority, but the parents are going through a new chapter and I try to give them guidance while still allowing them to grow and learn.
What do you enjoy about being on the Hush Little Baby Team?
HHLB is a wonderful network of women that all work very hard at being the best they can be at their job and also really supporting the other girls on the team. It is a collaborative effort to continue to stay on top of the latest education, the newest methods, toys, gadgets, etc. Whenever there is anything needed by anyone, each team member reaches out to contribute. It is always fantastic to be a part of a group of women that continue to support one another both as a group and for the betterment of the company. I am lucky to be a part of Hush Hush Little Baby!
What do you enjoy outside of caring for newborns?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travel, and reading a great book!