Posts by Jodi Graves
The Iron Booster: Why This One-Pot Fall Dinner Fuels Postpartum Recovery
After birth, your body needs to do two major things: heal from labor and ramp up milk production. Both processes require tremendous energy and, specifically, iron rich meals. Many new parents walk into the fourth trimester depleted, often due to blood loss during birth, which leads to overwhelming fatigue that goes far beyond normal sleep…
Read MoreThe Postpartum Doula’s Secret to Easy, Hormone-Balancing Breakfasts
When you eat complex carbohydrates like those found in oats for breastfeeding, you promote steady blood sugar levels.
Read MoreThe Emotional & Practical Aspects of Pregnancy: Work, Sex, and Support Systems
Pregnancy isn’t just a physical journey—it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal.
Work, sex, and support all play vital roles in how smoothly the experience unfolds. There’s no one “perfect” way to navigate it, but staying informed, listening to your body, and building a strong community around you makes all the difference.
The Postpartum Myth: Why ‘Toughing It Out’ Hurts Your Recovery (and Your Baby)
New mom mental health is damaged by “Supermom Pressure,” a belief that hurts postpartum recovery and can impact your new baby’s well-being.
Read MoreBirth Advocacy: The Core Difference Between Agency and Office-Based Doulas
Hi, Michigan Families! Jodi Graves here, the Founder of Michigan Family Doulas. In my 25+ years in the doula industry, I’ve seen the landscape of birth advocacy change dramatically. One of the most common questions I get today addresses the “doulas” an OB/GYN office or hospital program sometimes offers directly. It’s wonderful that more medical…
Read MoreThe Fertility Diet: 15 Foods That Naturally Boost Your Chances to Conceive
If you’re trying to conceive, what you eat can make a real difference. Fertility is about more than timing — it’s about nourishing your body with the right nutrients to support
Read MoreGBS Awareness: Everything Expectant Michigan Families Need to Know
October is Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month, a crucial time to focus on a common health topic for expectant parents: Group B Streptococcus (GBS). While the name sounds intimidating, understanding this bacterium is the best way to protect your newborn. Michigan Family Doulas gives you evidence-based information, empowering you to make safe decisions about GBS.…
Read MoreJodi’s Clean Pumpkin Muffins for Moms
Hello Michigan Family Doulas clients! Jodi here, and with the crisp autumn air officially here, I can’t help but think about all things pumpkin. While pumpkin spice lattes might be tempting, I’ve got something even better for you! Take a look at this recipe for delicious, clean Pumpkin Muffins that are packed with nutrients, not…
Read MoreDay 7 With My Newborn: Surviving the First Week of Breastfeeding, Diapers, and Chaos
It’s official! I’ve survived my baby’s first week of life. Seven days of nonstop feeding, crying and laundry that multiplies like gremlins.
Read MoreWhy Am I So Sweaty?
Postpartum Night or Day Sweats: Why is it happening? How Can I Stop it? Why You Might Be Sweating More After Birth — Especially If You’re Breastfeeding If you wake up drenched in sweat after having your baby, don’t panic — postpartum sweating is completely normal! After delivery, your body works hard to get rid…
Read More