Babylino Moments - Discussing the Role of a Midwife!

A conversation with a midwife is always delightful and incredibly helpful. These women stand by us throughout pregnancy, hold our hand during childbirth, assist us in a meaningful way during our baby's birth, and, of course, provide us with essential advice and guidance for the first days at home with our newborn.

Thanks to my collaboration with Babylino Sensitive Cotton Soft, I had the chance to meet midwife Voula Gixi and record a video discussing everything a mom might want to know about the role of a midwife, joined by a fan-ta-stic 6-month-old baby girl!
Voula is also the treasurer of SEMMA (Hellenic Midwives Association) and works in the delivery rooms of a major maternity hospital in Athens. As you can imagine, I had plenty of questions to ask her!

• What is the role of a midwife for a first-time mom?
  
  The midwife accompanies the couple on the beautiful journey of pregnancy, childbirth and the transition to parenthood. From pregnancy, through prenatal classes, the midwife psychologically prepares the woman for her new role as a mother, inspires courage for the unknown experience of childbirth and provides advice on baby care and handling.

What are your tips for changing a newborn's diaper?

Diaper changes can be challenging at first, but over time, you'll realize these small moments throughout the day are precious opportunities to bond with your baby, stimulate their senses and foster their happy and healthy development.

1. Prepare ahead: Before changing the diaper, gather everything you’ll need on the changing table (age-appropriate diapers, bedpads, hypoallergenic wipes and diaper cream). Always wash your hands before and after each diaper change.
2. Stay alert: Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table, as accidents can happen in seconds.
3. Babies love being naked: This often leads to them peeing on the changing table, so bedpads are incredibly useful both at home and on outings to prevent leaks!
4. How to properly change a diaper?
5. Remove the baby's diaper.
6. If the diaper is only wet, gently clean with a baby wipe or a soft cloth soaked in warm water. Alternatively, rinse your baby under running water, which is recommended after bowel movements.
7. Pat your baby dry carefully, ensuring no moisture remains in the folds between their legs.
8. Apply cream if necessary.
9. Open a clean diaper and place your baby in the center, ensuring the adhesive hooks are aligned with the belly button. Secure the hooks snugly, but not too tight—there should be space for one finger between the diaper and the baby's belly.

Read more about changing a baby's diaper here

• What are the most common questions moms ask midwives?
  
  Moms often wonder how often and when they should change their baby’s diaper. Diaper changes should be frequent throughout the day and night to keep the baby’s skin dry, clean, and free from irritation. Ideally, change your baby’s diaper 6–8 times in 24 hours (every 3–4 hours). As babies grow older, the frequency decreases. Try to change the diaper before feedings to ensure your baby stays dry and clean without disturbing their sensitive sleep.
  
  Watch the video with Voula and the adorable baby girl here.

  With all my love,
  Myrto