Beach Bab(i)es
Where are my beach people at?! "There must be something strangely sacred in salt. It is in our tears and in the sea."- Khalil Gibran The...
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XOXO, GANSETT GAL
Hi there - I'm Ashley!
Welcome to Gansett Gal, I'm a labor, delivery, and postpartum registered nurse, breastfeeding specialist, and mama to the sweetest girl, Gracie.
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My goal is to help you navigate the winding roads of your parenthood journey. From preconception counseling through your postpartum period!
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I’m Ashley Derderian Sousa RN, BSN and I help families as they travel the winding path to and through the early stages of parenthood.
With over 10 years of nursing experience, I have spent 8 of those years in labor, delivery and postpartum units. I’m nearing completion in a Masters of Health Education and in the process of becoming a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC.)
Through approachable methods and an open and honest philosophy, I believe each journey to becoming a parent is a personal one that should be met with self-compassion. I am proud to combine my specialty as a nurse and mama to provide you with realistic and nonjudgemental support, education, and resources to help you navigate uncharted waters. Specializing in education and private nurse consults - I can be there for you every step of the way - right from your own home!
Raised and now living in Rhode Island, and a University of Rhode Island graduate, I have a passion for world travel and previously lived and worked in New York City.
NURSE CONSULTATION
Now offering text, phone, and video chat consultations!
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Providing prenatal and postpartum consults pertaining to:
Preconception or early pregnancy counseling
Prenatal care preferences and composing personalized birth plan guideline
What to expect as you transition from pregnancy to motherhood
Breast and bottle feeding troubleshooting
How to manage postpartum anxiety and depression
Relaxation techniques needed to cope with labor and postpartum
Infant Sleep Tips
And anything else pertaining to pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
Did you know that childbirth education has been shown to increase positive birth outcomes, lead to fewer interventions, higher rates of vaginal birth, and decreased levels of postpartum anxiety and depression?
When it comes to growing, birthing, and raising a little human - you have enough to think about! Don't let fear, anxiety, or worry about your upcoming birth get you down! Offering evidence-based, thorough, and concise childbirth classes virtually through zoom.
Covering topics such as but not limited to:
Your options- hospital setting, provider, interventions, and medications
The Birth Process: stages of labor, pushing positions, medical interventions, what delivery will be like
Relaxation and breathing techniques to help you manage labor, birth, and postpartum
Pain management procedures, process, and equipment
How partners can be positively involved in process
Labor signs and symptoms
What to pack in your labor bag (checklist included)
Expert labor and delivery resources
What To expect during your recovery and the postpartum period
When to call provider.
Q&A session with your RN-Ashley!
CARING FOR YOUR AMAZING NEWBORN
Interested in learning the basics of newborn health, safety, and care with a registered labor & delivery nurse? From your own home?
Well this is the perfect class for you! Your virtual class includes demonstrations for practical support + a nurse Q&A session to ensure that your unique questions are answered.
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During this class we will discuss:
Benefits of skin-to-skin and rooming-in
What newborn essentials you will need at home
Normal vs. abnormal newborn findings
When to call your pediatrician vs. when to call 911
Developmental Milestones
Soothing techniques for a fussy baby
Diapering, hygiene, umbilical cord, and circumcision care
Feeding cues
Basics of breast and bottle feeding - newborn weight loss and gain
Health and Safety
Safe and effective sleep tips (Infant Sleep Handout Included)
Home Safety Checklist
Car safety
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Looking for Baby Care Basics? Infant CPR Class? Use ASHLEY15 for 15%off
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BREASTFEEDING YOUR NEWBORN
Breastfeeding has so many amazing benefits and studies have shown that breastfeeding success is linked to education and support.
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Breastfeeding can be a profound bonding experience while offering many lifelong health benefits to both you and your baby. Nursing provides your baby immunity and protects against certain infections and health problems such as diabetes, asthma, obesity, and some childhood cancers. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast/ovarian cancer for mama. Though breastfeeding your baby is natural, it doesn’t always come easily. You are both new to this, and it will take some practice. You deserve breastfeeding education that will prepare you and leave you feeling confident and successful.
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During this class we will discuss:
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding preparation
Proper latch and comfortable positions
How to perform hand expression and breast compressions
How to navigate breastfeeding challenges: engorgement, growth spurts, sore nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts
Tips for success- support and resources
Relaxation techniques to encourage bonding and breastfeeding success
Learning hunger cues
Burping
Pumping
Safe cleaning and sterilization of pump parts
Proper breast milk storage
If applicable:
Tandem nursing
Tips for Twins
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
There is so much focus on birth plans but let's be serious... that is only the first step in the fourth trimester. Planning for and having support during your postpartum journey is huge when discussing the transition into motherhood. With three 30 minute check ins during your postpartum period you are able to get answers to your questions, have guidance from a registered nurse, and obtain resources to help manage your postpartum period peaks and valleys! This makes a wonderful shower gift!
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