Posts by Jodi Graves
Bedtime Bliss: Unlocking the Power of Nighttime Routines for Both You and Baby
Having a nighttime routine with a new baby can make a huge difference in your sleep quality and your mood. A nighttime routine can help your baby wind down, relax, and fall asleep faster. It can also help you feel more prepared, calm, and confident as a parent. But creating a nighttime routine with a…
Read MoreFebruary is Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
Did you know that February is prenatal infection prevention month? This is a time to raise awareness and educate expectant parents and health care providers about the risks and prevention of infections during pregnancy. Prenatal infections can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, birth defects, and…
Read MoreMeet Amelia
Meet Amelia, our administrative assistant extraordinaire! Amelia is the one who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes at Michigan Family Doulas. She joined our team recently and we are so lucky to have her! She brings a lot of creativity and experience to our work. Amelia has a background in visual merchandising and administration…
Read MoreSafeguarding Your Baby’s Sleep During Flu Season: A Guide for Parents
When your baby has a stuffy nose due to the flu, adapting safe sleep practices becomes paramount. Here’s a guide to ensure your baby sleeps soundly and safely during the flu season. 1. Do NOT elevate the head of the bed Elevating your baby’s head slightly by placing a small pillow or folded towel under…
Read MorePlacenta Encapsulation
Let’s talk about it! There are many anecdotal benefits from placenta encapsulation so we wanted to mention a few. Placenta Encapsulation can potentially help the uterus return to pre-pregnancy state in a shorter amount of time. It can also increase energy, assist with milk supply, speed mother’s healing, and help balance hormones. Encapsulation is thought…
Read MoreA DIY Guide to Photographing Your Newborn
Creating DIY newborn photos at home can be a fun way to bond with your baby and capture precious moments. Start by selecting a room with ample natural light to create a soft and flattering ambiance. If possible, choose a time when the room is naturally well-lit. Keep the setup simple by using blankets, swaddles,…
Read MoreBringing Your Baby Home to Your Fur Baby (your pet)
Bringing a newborn into a home with pets is a joyous occasion that requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Here are 10 essential tips to ensure a smooth and harmonious transition for both your four-legged friends and your newest family member-your baby. 1. Gradual Introduction to your baby: Begin by gradually introducing your pets to the…
Read MoreThe Unspoken Realities of Breastfeeding: What I Wish I Knew
Breastfeeding, a sometimes beautiful yet almost always challenging journey that many new parents embark on, holds a myriad of unspoken truths. Beyond the serene images of bonding and nourishment lie the untold tales that every parent wishes they knew before stepping into the realm of nursing. 1. Latch Woes: It’s Not as Instinctive as You…
Read MoreEarly Postpartum Support in the Home: A Vital Link to Healthy and Safe Postpartum Recovery in the United States
(Read the rest of this article here: DOI: 10.1891/JPE-2022-0017) Jodi Graves, Birth & Postpartum Doula, BS, MS Nutrition ABSTRACTMany newly postpartum women and birthing people are sent home from the hospital with their newbornbabies, ill-prepared to care for themselves with little to no capacity to learn about newborn care andparenting. Women are often left to fend…
Read More1 in 5 Women Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care
What in the H E double hockey sticks is going on in US Obstetrics?! A new survey was recently released by the CDC showing 1 in 5 women reporting being mistreated by medical professionals while receiving maternity care. 1 in 5. That’s 20% of folks receiving maternity care….and you and I both know that those…
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