Gentle Giraffe's Newborn Care & Family Services, LLC

10/13/2025

It's breast cancer awareness month, and we want to highlight how breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protection. Breastfeeding delays menstruation, which lowers estrogen exposure—a hormone linked to breast cancer growth.

Additionally, breastfeeding enhances your immune response, providing further protection, especially for women with the BRCA1 mutation.

10/10/2025

🌟 Meet Meghan McGorty!

Our newest team member with over 20 years of experience in childcare, Meghan is a skilled Newborn Care Specialist. She’s a calm, trustworthy presence and looks forward to supporting your little one(s).

Want to learn more about Meghan’s approach, expertise, and what she brings to the Gentle Giraffes team? 👇

https://gentlegiraffes.com/our-team/meghan-mcgorty/

10/10/2025

Celebrating your baby's first Halloween is such an exciting time! Here are some quick tips to ensure a smooth night:

🎃 Dress your baby appropriately for the weather—consider layers for warmth or lighter costumes for warmth.

👻 Decide between baby-wearing or using a stroller. Remember, babies should not stay in car seats for more than two hours.

💀 If bottle-feeding, pump ahead or bring pre-measured formula and water bottles. Don’t forget your pump supplies!

🧟 Pack an extra change of clothes and diaper supplies.

🧛 Bring a portable sound machine for the car or stroller.

🧙 If your baby is older, have an early dinner and pack snacks and toys. Jammies under the costume can help for a quick bedtime when you get home.

10/08/2025

**Trigger Warning:** information on miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

October is Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and support those affected.

It's estimated that 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, with 80% occurring before the 12th week. Recurrent miscarriages affect 1 in 100 women, and the cause is often unknown.

A stillborn birth occurs when a baby is born deceased, with a global stillbirth rate of 1 in 72 births (1 in 175 in the U.S.). Risks for stillbirth include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and older maternal age. Quality prenatal care can help in preventing stillbirths.

The infant mortality rate is 5.6 per 1,000 babies, with causes including SIDS, low birth weight, and maternal complications. These losses are profound. If you or someone you know is affected, seek support from loved ones and professionals, and allow time to grieve. Remember, you're not alone—many resources are available.

10/07/2025

What an experience this was. Can’t wait for the final edit to be done!

10/06/2025

🔍 Think weight gain is the only measurement of a healthy newborn? In our newest blog post, we explore 5 reasons why newborn weight gain shouldn’t be the “gold standard” and how the journey of caring for a newborn encompasses a broader understanding of the baby’s overall well-being and development.

👇🏼 Read more here:

https://gentlegiraffes.com/top-5-reasons-why-newborn-weight-gain-is-not-the-gold-standard/

For anyone who has experienced the whirlwind of welcoming a newborn, it's no surprise that one of the primary conversations among medical providers revolves around the frequency of the baby's feedings, wet diapers, and their weight gain. This focus can often lead parents to become overly vigilant, f...

09/29/2025

Recent studies have revealed intriguing insights about caffeine consumption during pregnancy, suggesting that a moderate intake of around 200 milligrams per day—roughly the amount found in two six ounce cups of coffee can be considered safe for expectant mothers. This information empowers pregnant women to make informed decisions that promote their own health and the well-being of their developing child.

For breastfeeding mothers, the good news continues: only about 1% of the caffeine consumed actually makes its way into breast milk, with levels peaking approximately one hour post-consumption. It is generally advisable for nursing mothers to keep their daily caffeine intake to a maximum of 300 milligrams. Since each baby has a unique sensitivity to caffeine, it’s essential to pay attention to their individual reactions. If a mother observes any signs of irritability or difficulty sleeping in her infant, it may be wise to consider either reducing caffeine consumption or timing it to earlier in the day, well before nursing sessions.

In summary, it is entirely possible for women to enjoy their beloved cups of coffee during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. By being mindful and responsive to their own bodies as well as their babies’ cues, mothers can savor their coffee while prioritizing health and wellness. Here’s to a journey of joyful and healthy living!

09/27/2025

Long before you feel the first contractions, your body is already equipped with everything it needs to navigate the incredible journey of labor and delivery. Every muscle, every hormone, and every instinct has been meticulously designed for this very purpose. As you prepare to bring new life into the world, remember that you are not only capable, but your body is a powerhouse of strength and wisdom. Embrace this profound connection to your body, trust in its natural abilities, and know that you are fully prepared for the amazing experience ahead. You’ve got this!

09/25/2025

Erin Carroll-Manning, Founder of Gentle Giraffes Newborn Care, teams up with our very own Jenna Cavallero, PPD and Integrative Perinatal Nutrition coach, to share their knowledge in two engaging webinar sessions!!

They will dive into the essential foods, vitamins, and minerals that are key for your health. PLUS, they’ll share delicious meal ideas and invaluable self-care tips that will help you stay energized and feeling your best during pregnancy and postpartum! Don’t miss it!

Register today!! ⬇️

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pregnancy-and-postpartum-self-care-and-nutrition-webinar-tickets-1712374190299?aff=oddtdtcreator

🌿 Session 1: Pregnancy Self-Care & Nutrition
October 25th, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Building a healthy foundation for mom & baby!
Discover how to care for your changing body and nourish both yourself and your little one during pregnancy.

▪️Learn practical strategies for managing changes, supporting your energy, and planning simple, nutrient-rich meals.
▪️Explore sleep, stress reduction, and support systems that help you feel more balanced and prepared for birth.

🌸 Session 2: Postpartum Self-Care & Nutrition
November 1st, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Nurturing recovery and resilience after birth!
Prioritize your healing, energy, and emotional well-being as you adjust to life with a newborn.

▪️Gain insights into recovery, nutrition for healing and lactation, and meal prep strategies that make life easier.

▪️Build confidence with realistic self-care tools—sleep survival tips, gentle movement, and ways to ask for support.

Bring your questions and let’s embark on this adventure together!! 🚀

About Jenna:
Jenna Cavallaro is a certified Postpartum Doula and Integrative Health Coach with specialized training in Perinatal Nutrition. Jenna combines compassionate, hands-on support with evidence-based nutrition guidance to help families thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond. As a certified health coach, she emphasizes the importance of whole, nourishing foods and mineral repletion to aid in healing, restore balance, and support the mama-baby microbiome. Her approach bridges the gap between traditional postpartum care and modern nutritional science, offering families tools and resources that are both practical and deeply supportive.

09/24/2025

In a world bustling with AI tools like “Dr. Google” and ChatGPT, we believe it's time to embrace the rich fabric of human knowledge, experience, and unwavering dedication instead. The journey of raising a newborn can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

With the support of a compassionate team member from Gentle Giraffes, you can eliminate uncertainty and navigate the myriad joys and challenges of parenthood with confidence. They will be by your side, offering expert guidance to help you cherish every moment while overcoming obstacles along the way.

For more information or to book with us, please visit: gentlegiraffes.com

09/22/2025

Understanding the distinct types of cries that your baby expresses can provide valuable insight into the underlying issues they may be experiencing. Each cry can signal different needs or discomforts, allowing you to pinpoint the root cause of their distress. By recognizing these variations, you can respond more effectively and promptly to their needs. This not only alleviates their discomfort but also fosters a sense of calm in their neurological system, promoting a balanced physical and emotional state. Ultimately, being attuned to your baby's cries can help create a nurturing environment that supports their overall well-being.

09/20/2025

Welcoming a new baby into your life is an incredibly joyful experience filled with wonder and excitement. However, these tiny beings often engage in a variety of peculiar behaviors that may initially seem concerning to new parents. It's essential to remember that many of these traits are completely normal and a natural part of their development.