Briana
Briana has been on the team for over a year and has been a wonderful, youthful asset to the team. Briana has a “can handle any situation” attitude, which is important when working with different personalities so frequently. Her gentle nature and willingness to go great length as a team member do not go unnoticed and we love having Briana on the Hush Little Baby Team!
Where are you originally from and how did you get into the newborn care profession?
I’m originally from northern California and after graduating from college I moved to Arlington and became a nanny to a wonderful little baby boy. While taking him to storytime at the library I met Brittany, who is also a Hush Little Baby Team Member and the rest is history! Finding out that I could work with newborns as a career was a dream come true.
Do you specialize in a particular area of newborn care?
I love working with all kinds of babies, but I do seem to end up with a lot of babies with reflux. Its very rewarding to come in and help families with a difficult situation and show them how easy it is to manage reflux and end up with an easy going baby.
Tell us a little about your educational background. What degrees or certifications do you have?
I hold a Bachelors of Psychology from the University of California Berkeley with an emphasis on infant and child psychology and I have attended The Newborn Care Training Academy Newborn Care Specialist workshop.
Let’s talk newborns: what is your favorite part about caring for newborns?
It’s hard to pick a favorite part, but I really enjoy watching the babies grow and progress toward sleeping through the night.
How long have you lived in the DC area and how did you arrive there?
I have lived in Arlington for 3 years now and moved here to be with my long distance boyfriend. Our six year anniversary is coming up in April.
If there was one thing you wish everyone knew about newborn care specialists, what would it be?
It’s that taking care of newborns is a team effort! I’m here to help families, mom, dad, siblings and baby, settle into their new lives. Sometimes parents worry (or hope!) that I’ll come in and take over everything but my job is to work with what parents already know they want to do. I think all parents intuitively know what parenting style will work for their family and I’m just here to support them in that.
How would you characterize your approach to newborn care and working with new mothers?
I have a very gentle encouraging manner when working with new mothers and babies. I feel very honored to be welcomed into a families’ home during this special and sensitive time and strive to make mom and dads transition into parenthood as easy as possible.
What is next for you? Are you preparing for a new certification or training event?
I’m very excited that hush hush little baby is offering doula services now and I’m looking into certification so I can help families throughout the entire process of birth and postpartum care. The women on this team are truly inspiring in their dedication to continued education and I’m always on the hunt for new classes.
What do you enjoy about being on the Hush Little Baby Team?
Being on a team is wonderful because I get the benefits of everyone’s experience and support. I also really enjoy working with a lot of different families and seeing all different styles of parenting.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I decided to become a vegetarian when I was 4 years old. My mom was thankfully very understanding.