Services
Newborn Care Specialist
The NCS is a highly trained, very experienced individual that possesses a unique expertise on all aspects of newborn care.
Postpartum Doula
The Postpartum Doula is a professionally trained individual that provides non-medical support to the mother and family.
Infant Sleep Training
Learn more about sleep training, your role as a parent in teaching your baby to sleep and why fostering good sleep habits from birth is so important.
Intended Parent & Surrogate
We have proudly served Intended and Adoptive Parents from all over the world and know first hand the challenges these families face.
Reflux & Colic
Have you been told that your baby has reflux or colic? Do you suspect that he/she may be suffering from one or both of these common infant conditions?
Consulting
If you’re currently expecting or already have a baby earth side, our consulting packages are designed to help establish healthy sleep habits and resolve infant sleep problems.
Advocacy & Support
Do you feel something isn’t right? Have you been told “it’s normal”? Is your situation not changing?
Got Baby??
The Early Weeks is dedicated to providing your family with the postpartum support it needs to help make the birth of a baby a smooth transition for the entire family.
We are your trusted newborn care professionals. Our specialties include newborn care, postpartum doula services, consulting, sleep education and infant sleep training/scheduling.
We travel domestically and internationally providing day or night services as well as 24/7 around the clock care. Expecting multiples? No problem! We know babies, and we will help meet the 24 hour demands of twins, triplets, or quadruplets.
Meet Katie
Katie Bishop CANCS, PCD
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
click here for more information
Above all, she helped us become confident new parents and gave us the peace of mind we needed. Katie is fantastic and we cannot recommend her enough!
On the very first day, Katie had some great suggestions to his schedule and how Henry was prepped for naps that made an immediate difference. With Katie’s guidance our son is now consistently taking a 1.5 hour morning nap, a 2 hour afternoon nap, and a 30 minute catnap. As a result of his improved nap schedule, Henry is also consistently sleeping 12 hours each night!
As a pediatrician who cares for infants and children on a daily basis, I would wholeheartedly recommend Katie to any family with a newborn, infant, or multiples. Our family was so lucky to find her. She has made a huge impact with Henry’s sleep and we can’t thank her enough for working with him and our family through this transition.
As soon as we started implementing her sleep training guidelines, feeding recommendations and schedule our life got so much better! Our son was happier with a schedule, we were happier with a schedule. Our baby was sleeping which meant we were too!
As a Newborn Care Specialist Katie is trained to spot things that some parents may not be aware of such as positional plagiocephaly and torticollis. Our son had both, which we did not know, but she immediately pointed out. She readily made suggestions to keep it from rapidly progressing which included specific stretches, special swaddling and seeing a physical therapist.
Katie is a game-changer in the world of newborn care and the only resource of her kind in the Treasure Valley. If you are a new parent or about to be one and like the idea of having a happy, rested baby, Katie is for you!
Katie was indispensable in our trip home with the babies. The chaos of luggage, babies, strollers and taking milk and accessories for two through the airport and getting to connections on a 10 hour journey was much easier with Katie along. Her pragmatic approach and ability to think about logistics, planning and the babies’ needs meant we had a pain free trip.
Katie is the best investment that I could have made in the boys lives and my life. Thanks to her, all of us are on a good trajectory. I’ve learned so much and gained confidence as a new mother.
During the day she was with us, Katie was able to help us understand what our son was trying to tell us through his behavior. She shifted our perspective in a way that has made us very intuitive and continues to make us feel much more confident about understanding his needs. Looking back, I feel terrible about telling everyone that our baby was “fussy,”when actually he was just really tired and needed our help sleeping! Our baby is now a great sleeper, predictably sleeping for about 12 hours, waking up once to nurse and going right back to sleep.
Our whole family is more rested and my son is noticeably happier. He now has the energy to play and grow, and he is a delight to take out with us to most places we want to go. I would highly recommend Katie’s services. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving!
Latest news
Forcing Naps Or Assisting Baby To Sleep
Forcing Naps Or Assisting Baby To Sleep Katie Bishop, CANCS, CISC, PPD Today, I wanted to post briefly about the importance of daytime sleep and why it’s helpful to help facilitate, by “forcing a nap” when needed. Daytime sleep for babies (and toddlers) is incredibly important. Without proper sleep many things happen: Short naps of Read more about Forcing Naps Or Assisting Baby To Sleep[…]
New Parents Guide for Their Hospital Stay
New Parents Hospital Stay Guide We are so happy to have this guest post today from Josh Moore with Diaper Dads. Josh created Diaper dads because parenting is a learning experience and it helps to have some backup when you aren’t sure what you’re doing. Josh wanted to give all the dads out there the Read more about New Parents Guide for Their Hospital Stay[…]
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays! Katie Bishop CANCS, CISC, PCD 2020 has been a year for the books! It will be forever remembered as a year of struggle, loss, chaos and uncertainty. Relentless is a great word for you, 2020! However, it’s also been a great year! In the midst of the pandemic, it seems most Read more about Happy Holidays![…]
Earaches and Your Child’s Sleep
Earaches and Your Child’s Sleep Katie Bishop CANCS, CISC, PCD Recently a few sleep consulting client’s have experienced earaches and the resulting sleep disturbances with their little one’s. Being that 5 out of 6 children will have an earache before their third birthday and it’s currently peak cold and flu season, it seemed appropriate to Read more about Earaches and Your Child’s Sleep[…]
Baby’s first bath
Baby’s First Bath Katie Bishop, CANCS, CISC, PCD If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a new or expectant new parent and have questions about giving your baby their first bath. You may wonder: When is it safe to give my baby a bath? How old should my baby be for their first bath? Read more about Baby’s first bath[…]
Best Gifts for New Parents
Best Gifts for New Parents Katie Bishop, CANCS, CISC, PCD The holidays are upon us and most would agree; this year has been quite the rollercoaster ride! We thought we would help take some of the stress and pressure off of your shoulders and put together this gift guide for all of those new parents Read more about Best Gifts for New Parents […]
Top 4 Tips for New Grandparents
Top 4 Tips For Expecting New Grandparents Katie Bishop, CANCS, CISC, PCD If You’re reading this, you’re likely an Expecting New Grandparent and congratulations are in order! Congratulations on your new little grandbaby! The beauty of being a grandparent is that you can be as involved as much or as little as you Read more about Top 4 Tips for New Grandparents[…]
14 Signs Baby Has A Tongue Tie
I am so happy to have the opportunity to do this guest post from Melanie Henstrom IBCLC, BS. I have known Melanie for several years now and have learned a tremendous amount from her about tongue and lip ties. I see tongue and lip ties in a VERY HIGH percentage of my sleep and consulting Read more about 14 Signs Baby Has A Tongue Tie[…]
3 Daytime Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
3 Daytime Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better Katie Bishop, CANCS, CISC, PCD If you’re reading this, you’re probably a new parent and learning really fast how challenging it can be to get your little one to sleep. The good news is that while there is a lot that goes into how well Read more about 3 Daytime Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better[…]
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK!
In honor of world breastfeeding week I wanted to do a quick post for all you mamas out there currently expecting or already breastfeeding your tiny humans. The journey for every diad or triad (#twins) to breastfeed is different. Some struggle tremendously and others take to it right away. Wherever you’re at, here are a few Read more about WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK![…]
Pets & Your Baby’s Sleep
Last week I was doing an in-home meeting with my clients expecting their first baby mid-August. As we walked into the parents bedroom, mom was showing me the Nuna bassinet for the baby. While approaching the bassinet, I saw their sweet fur child (kitty), snuggled up in a ball, soaking up the sun, cozy as Read more about Pets & Your Baby’s Sleep[…]
Is White Noise Safe?
The topic of whether or not white noise is safe has come up regularly. Most often it is new parents inquiring, as they have read, or heard from a friend or family member that it’s important to use for babies. In today’s post, I will answer the question of whether or not it is safe Read more about Is White Noise Safe?[…]
Sleep Coaching GIVEAWAY!
❗❗ GIVEAWAY ❗❗ 1-Hour Free Phone Consultation the_early_weeks 🍼 Are you a new parent? 💤 Are you sleep deprived? ❓Do you have questions? 🤰🏻Are you currently expecting? 👶 does your baby have colic or reflux? It’s your lucky day! I am giving away a 1-Hour free phone ☎️ consultation!! Now is your opportunity Read more about Sleep Coaching GIVEAWAY![…]
Top 3 Reasons to Swaddle Your Baby
Swaddling is like a universal truth here in the United States. If you’re a new or expectant parent, chances are you have read or been told by a trusted friend or family member that you need to swaddle your new bundle of joy. If you’ve attended a new parent or birth education class, it’s surely Read more about Top 3 Reasons to Swaddle Your Baby[…]
Is Belly Sleeping Safe?
My most recent sleep training client was at the perfect age for a lot of things. At 5 months old and over the course of two weeks, we worked through a lot! Teething, the introduction of solids, a mysterious cheek rash, consolidated and longer naps, sleeping through the night, a leap, and you guessed it, Read more about Is Belly Sleeping Safe?[…]
Do you need a Nanny, Night Nanny, Sleep Consultant or Newborn Care Specialist?
For any new or expectant parent, determining what provider may be the most helpful for your particular situation may seem challenging. This is primarily because you are likely sleep deprived and operating at less than optimal capacity and because the use of some professionals isn’t common knowledge in all areas of the country. This causes Read more about Do you need a Nanny, Night Nanny, Sleep Consultant or Newborn Care Specialist?[…]
Rock N Play Recall
Rock N Play Recall It’s a hot and debated topic right now. As of Tuesday April 9th, 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics has formally stated that they are pushing for the recall of Fisher Price Rock N Plays. The push for recall comes over several years of so called infant deaths caused by the Read more about Rock N Play Recall[…]
Long Distance Postpartum Support
For local friends and family, supporting new parents after the birth of a baby is a little easier. You may offer to drop off dinner, take an older sibling out for a play date or pick up a few items at the grocery store. But friends and family out of state don’t have this luxury. Read more about Long Distance Postpartum Support[…]
Sleep Deprivation
Client Testimonial “I just can’t believe what a difference this had made! Doctors should really refer mom’s who are struggling to you! The impact that her sleeping has had on my mental health is so amazing”. -Kjirsten, Eagle, ID 5 month old sleeping 12 hours per night beginning night 4. Sound Familiar? You are Read more about Sleep Deprivation[…]
Sleep Training – 5 month old
The following is an e-mail I received at 2 am a few weeks ago: “In need of Sleep” “We have a beautiful, baby girl that just turned 5 months old. She is not sleeping much at all, whether it be at night or during the day. We have kept her schedule pretty consistent and it Read more about Sleep Training – 5 month old[…]
Should you put your infant in daycare?
Is Infant Daycare a Good Option? As a Newborn Care Specialist, Infant Sleep Consultant and Postpartum Doula, I am asked often what my thoughts are on infants attending daycare. When their time with me is through, new parents would like to know, given the option, what do I think? Should their infant go to daycare Read more about Should you put your infant in daycare?[…]
Enjoying the holidays with an infant – 6 tips
It’s hard to believe Christmas is already here and 2018 is coming to an end. It’s been a great year and we are excited for what 2019 will bring! As everyone is getting ready to celebrate with their loved ones, we thought it may be helpful to put together a few tips Read more about Enjoying the holidays with an infant – 6 tips[…]
Plea from your Newborn Care Specialist
Recently, I had the privilege of working with a struggling new mom. Immediately upon my arrival, I noticed the dark circles under her eyes and that of her accompanying 3.5 month old. She had reached out to me about 8 weeks prior at the recommendation of a mutual friend. We chatted then, but she held Read more about Plea from your Newborn Care Specialist[…]
Giving Thanks
Looking back over the past year, a feeling of deep gratitude feels my heart. I am continually humbled by all the new parents that trust me to be by their side and help guide them during such an intimate time. I truly believe that all things happen for a reason and I am incredibly blessed Read more about Giving Thanks[…]
Winter outings with your newborn
October in Boise is one of my favorite times of the year. Beautiful sunny days, crisp fall air, pumpkins, corn mazes, leaves turning and pumpkin flavored everything! In many areas of the United States, October is also when the temperatures start to drop. If you have and infant or are expecting a newborn this winter, Read more about Winter outings with your newborn[…]
Making Bath Time More Enjoyable – 15 Tips
Making Bath Time More Enjoyable Bath time can be daunting for new parents, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. With these tips and a little planning, bath time with you newborn will be much more enjoyable and less stressful! 1) Sponge bathe baby until their umbilical cord stump has fallen Read more about Making Bath Time More Enjoyable – 15 Tips[…]
6 Reasons Routines For Babies Are Awesome
6 Reasons Routines for Babies are Awesome There are so many different programs and philosophies for infants, it can be hard for new parents to know which approach is best for their family. On one end of the spectrum you have options like the Ferber method where a super strict schedule is encouraged. On the Read more about 6 Reasons Routines For Babies Are Awesome[…]
How to enjoy baby’s first Halloween
Babies are pretty cute and adorable just as they are, but dressing your baby up as pretty much anything will make them basically down right irresistible. Halloween is no doubt a fun time for littles and their parents. Below are a few things to keep in mind to help you enjoy baby’s first Halloween. Keep Read more about How to enjoy baby’s first Halloween[…]
Why nightlights are ruining your child’s sleep
Light Matters Newborn, toddler or adult, exposure to light before we go to sleep matters. It can affect the way that we fall asleep as well as the quality and duration. Below is a nice summary of why light affects our sleep as well as the worst types. Many parents around the world are making Read more about Why nightlights are ruining your child’s sleep[…]
Preparing for baby
There is so much fun and excitement surrounding the news of expectant new parents. But along with tiny shoes, cute little clothes and picking out the baby’s name, come a lot of other things to consider. Below are 5 areas to research and plan for before your baby arrives. Understand your health insurance Read more about Preparing for baby[…]
Understanding Infant Sleep – 3 things every new parent needs to know
Babies are born earth side with little concept of night and day and often have little remorse for new sleep deprived parents. The following are three important factors to help new parents understand their infant’s sleep. Circadian rhythms are not developed in infants at birth Newborn sleep is not governed by strong circadian rhythms. Read more about Understanding Infant Sleep – 3 things every new parent needs to know[…]
5 must have baby items
There are so many products on the market for babies today, it can be really overwhelming for new parents to know which ones they really need. Today, I’m going to share with you my 5 must have items that will make your journey into parenthood easier. I will note that these items are in addition Read more about 5 must have baby items[…]
One handed snacks for the postpartum family
When you have a newborn, it can become very easy to forget to eat, or grab whatever is the most convenient at the time, even if it’s not the healthiest option. Before your baby is born, try to stock up on not only freezer meals you can pull out at any time, but easy one Read more about One handed snacks for the postpartum family[…]
Families are created in different ways
Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a current client letting me know that their baby would be making his big debut soon! The dads are excited beyond belief! In preparing to help this same-sex couple, I wanted to shed some light on the word family, and different ways that families are created. What does family Read more about Families are created in different ways[…]
Tips for introducing dog and baby
We all love our four-legged fur babies. For many of us, they are our first children, entering our lives soon after becoming a couple or getting married. But then we have our human babies and along with preparing for their birth, great consideration needs to be given on how to introduce our fur babies to Read more about Tips for introducing dog and baby[…]
The value of emotional support
Oftentimes, the role of the Postpartum Doula is not well understood. Friends, family members and expecting parents frequently ask, “so, what does a Postpartum Doula do?” The role of the Postpartum Doula is one of the most sacred relationships a new family will have with a provider, during one of the most intimate times in Read more about The value of emotional support[…]
13 Things to celebrate the first week of baby’s birth
Having a baby is one of life’s greatest joys and gifts. A new life has been created, a family expanded and the next generation is being formed. As amazing as it is to bring a new life into this world, a lot happens in the weeks and months before a baby is born and having Read more about 13 Things to celebrate the first week of baby’s birth[…]
Preparing for Your Baby’s Birth – Packing Hospital Bags and Last Minute To-Do’s
Congratulations! You’re in the final stretch. Your baby(ies) will be here soon! Now is the time to make sure you have your bags packed for the hospital and any final last minute to-dos taken care of. Most hospitals will have a 24-hour observation period for a healthy singleton and a 48-hour observation period for healthy Read more about Preparing for Your Baby’s Birth – Packing Hospital Bags and Last Minute To-Do’s[…]
5 Rules for the Pacifier
Pacifiers – 5 rules Pacifiers are one of the most universally purchased gifts for a new family expecting a baby. It’s not uncommon for the parents to be to receive upward of a dozen! There are all different sizes, shapes and colors. Some even have those cute little animals attached to them. New parents Read more about 5 Rules for the Pacifier[…]
Q & A with the Boise Baby Nurse #1
Q & A with the Boise Baby Nurse #1 *Disclamer* Baby nurse is a term commonly used for someone that cares for infants. I am not a licensed registered nurse in Idaho (RN) and am not claiming to be one. When you work exclusively with newborns, as I do, there are a lot of scenarios Read more about Q & A with the Boise Baby Nurse #1[…]
Healthy Lactation Cookies – gluten & dairy free
Healthy Lactation Cookies Gluten & Dairy Free In my role as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, the topic of lactation comes up quite a bit. While there are a number of factors that influence the mother’s milk production (another blog for that), I wanted to share with you my all time favorite lactation Read more about Healthy Lactation Cookies – gluten & dairy free[…]
12 Tips for traveling with a newborn
The holidays are upon us and it’s one of the busiest times of year. Often it means traveling to visit loved ones many hundreds or thousands of miles away so that the whole family can be together and oogle over your sweet new baby. As a Newborn Care Special and Baby Nurse, I do travel Read more about 12 Tips for traveling with a newborn[…]
Happy Thanksgiving from The Early Weeks
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and times of year. It is a time to cozy up to a nice warm fire, sip hot chocolate or warm apple cider, spend time with family and friends, cook and eat a lot of yummy food and reflect on all we truly have to be grateful for. Read more about Happy Thanksgiving from The Early Weeks[…]
5 Rules For Visiting A New Baby
This is a topic I discuss with all of my new clients before baby arrives. Many new parents don’t know what to expect the first several weeks after the birth of their baby and make commitments to have in-laws or family members travel and live with them. The thought is that the guests will be Read more about 5 Rules For Visiting A New Baby[…]
Miracle Babies
This last week I was reminded that while all babies are miracles, sometimes we have extra special miracles that come much earlier than expected. My client who was carrying twins was scheduled to be induced at the end of December, at 38 weeks. I received an email from her on November 7th, titled “Early Surprise”. Read more about Miracle Babies[…]
Reasons Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping (Parents Magazine)
While in Washington DC earlier this year my clients came across this article in Parents magazine. I thought it was worth sharing because it think it’s important for new parents to keep a light heart and remember that their baby may not always know what they need. Even as a Newborn Care Specialist (the professional), Read more about Reasons Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping (Parents Magazine)[…]
5 Tips To Create The Best Sleep Environment For Your Baby
As a Baby Nurse, Infant Sleep Consultant, Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula the topic of infant sleep comes up a lot. I am called in to not help only reverse sleep issues, but to establish healthy sleep habits from birth. So, what are the most important things you can do to create a healthy Read more about 5 Tips To Create The Best Sleep Environment For Your Baby[…]
Reflux, Colic and a Witching Hour – Oh My!
I was recently called to help a third time mom who really wanted some help sorting through a few things. Her little one was about 3 weeks when she contacted me. He was eating nearly every hour and she was spending another roughly 6+ hours per day trying to get her baby to sleep for Read more about Reflux, Colic and a Witching Hour – Oh My![…]
8 Things to Know When Hiring A Baby Nurse
Congratulations! You are currently expecting or have recently just had your little one. Getting to this point may have been easy or unexpected. Or, it may have been a huge struggle filled with fertility and IVF treatments, surrogacy and challenges that possibly took years to achieve. Regardless of your journey to this point, you are Read more about 8 Things to Know When Hiring A Baby Nurse[…]
12 Steps to help your Baby take a bottle.
Today’s post is about an issue many new parents face, but were not prepared or expecting to have to deal with. Getting their new bundle of joy to take a bottle! Sounds simple right? Not so much. Why? Well, we will get to that in a minute. As a Newborn Care Specialist (also known as Read more about 12 Steps to help your Baby take a bottle.[…]