Michelle H.
Where are you originally from and how did you get into the newborn care profession?
I am originally from Montgomery County, Maryland. Since I was little I enjoyed caring for infants. As soon as I could begin working with babies I did. At age 12-13 I was a mother’s helper for a few families. At age 13 I volunteered at a daycare in the infant room. This was heaven for me. I then began babysitting at age 16 and have been working with infants and toddlers ever since. I started overnight newborn care about 8 years ago and have been with Hush Hush Little Baby for over 2 years.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
The greatest compliment I have ever received from a client was from a family of twins when they told me they didn’t know what they would do without me. They expressed to me how much they trusted me with their babies and that I knew how to care for them better than they did. They were so excited for me to teach them how to feed both babies at the same time.
Do you specialize in a particular area of newborn care?
I try to help in every way possible to new parents. My experience is in preemies, multiples and singletons.
What do you enjoy about working with new families?
I enjoy meeting new families and getting to know the parents along with their infant. I enjoy teaching, showing, and helping new parents with their new bundle of joy!
Tell us a little about your educational background. What degrees or certifications do you have?
I went to Salisbury University in Maryland. I majored in Psychology, however I focused on early childhood psychology. I am also working on my masters in early childhood education. I am CPR and First aid certified and will be taking the Newborn Care Training Academy course in February.
Let’s talk newborns: what is your favorite part about caring for newborns?
I enjoy meeting new newborns. Each newborn has a different personality. I love to snuggle with the new bundles of joy and help parents get acquainted to the new routines their newborns will bring them.
Have you ever had to overcome a unique challenge as a newborn care provider? How did you solve it?
The toughest challenge was my first set of twins overnight. I had to figure out the best technique of how to feed them, change them, swaddle them at the same time. I also had to deal with the challenge as if both of them were crying at the same time. I taught myself and overcame the challenge. I learned that the easiest way to do these things was to have the babies on a strict schedule and to feed them at the same time. This kept them on the same schedule that way the parents weren’t waking up every hour to feed them. For me, I enjoy challenges, and I enjoy figuring out ways to overcome the challenge I am faced with.
How long have you lived in the DC area and how did you arrive there?
I have lived in the DC area all of my life. I was born here, grew up here, and just bought a house in the DC area!
If there was one thing you wish everyone knew about newborn care specialists, what would it be?
Newborn care specialists have such an amazing and rewarding job. We enjoy helping and comforting families. We enjoy taking care of, snuggling and loving new infants. We chose this job because we love that every day is different and every job is different. We love our jobs!
How would you characterize your approach to newborn care and working with new mothers?
I would characterize my approach to newborn care as every job being different and when you have a job the job can be different daily. It can be a challenging job for newborn care providers, however it is so rewarding. I am the type of person that loves to explain to the parents my recommendations on newborn care for their children however I always listen to the parents and I always tell them to tell me what they think and what they want to do and I will mirror what they are doing. It is important to listen to new mothers and be there for them, but it is also good to give them your thoughts, recommendations and input.
What is next for you? Are you preparing for a new certification or training event?
I am taking the Newborn Care Training course in February. After that course I would love to further my education and take more courses.
What do you enjoy about being on the Hush Little Baby Team?
I love that we work together as a team. All the girls on the team are hard and dedicated workers. We are a group of women who love infants and the job we do! We work hard to meet the requirements and get the certifications we need to further our education on newborn care. I am so lucky to be a part of the Hush Hush Little Baby team!
What do you enjoy outside of caring for newborns?
I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, husband and puppy Cruise! I also enjoy shopping!
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I have over 14 years of experience with childcare!