asking for help

The Unseen Burden: Why We Resist Asking for Help

By Jodi Graves | July 27, 2025

Happy National Parent’s Day, Michigan families! Today, July 27th, is a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible, often tireless, work that parents do every single day. At Michigan Family Doulas, we see your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering love for your children. But we also see something else that’s equally powerful, and sometimes, incredibly…

Self-Care

The Postpartum Reality: Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Essential

By Jodi Graves | July 24, 2025

We aren’t talking “spa day” this International Self-Care Day. Prioritizing our well-being isn’t a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for a healthy, balanced life as we reflect on this internationally recognized day. That is why self-care is important for everyone; it holds an exceptionally profound and often overlooked significance for birthing people in the postpartum…

Pregnancy Smoothie

Sip Your Way to Summer Wellness: Our Hydrating Berry & Greens Pregnancy Smoothie!

By Jodi Graves | July 20, 2025

Summer in Michigan is all about staying cool, refreshed, and energized! And when you’re navigating pregnancy, finding quick, nutritious ways to fuel your body is key. While delicious summer salads are fantastic, sometimes you just need something fast, easy, and incredibly hydrating – especially when the heat hits. Enter, the pregnancy smoothie! That’s where the…

Michigan Summer Harvest Salad

Michigan Summer Harvest Salad

By Jodi Graves | July 11, 2025

Summer in Michigan is glorious! Long days, beautiful lakes, and best of all, a bounty of fresh, vibrant produce. As Michigan Family Doulas, we know how important it is to nourish your body, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. And what better way to do that than with a refreshing, nutrient-packed local Michigan summer…

Day 4 with my newborn

Day 4 With My Newborn: Where Am I and What Is That Smell?

By Jodi Graves | July 9, 2025
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Day 4 With My Newborn and I have no idea what day of the week it is…

baby heat safety

Baby Heat Safety: MFD Breaks it Down

By Jodi Graves | July 1, 2025

Here are the top questions we get asked at Michigan Family Doulas about baby heat safety. Whether you are visiting the Ann Arbor Art Fair, heading up north to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival, or just relaxing in your backyard, we want you to feel confident your baby is comfortable and safe! We are…

Day 3 With My Newborn

Day 3 With My Newborn: The Milk-Stained Chronicles

By Jodi Graves | June 19, 2025
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Well, here we are. Day 3 With My Newborn. I’d like to say I’m thriving, but honestly, I just found a pacifier in my coffee mug and I’m not entirely sure I didn’t sip around it. Also, please don’t judge me but I am not bothering with decaf coffee. I asked my husband for an…

one-pot chicken soup

Chicken Noodle Powerhouse Soup: The B Vitamins Benefit

By Jodi Graves | June 19, 2025

Hey mamas, Jodi here from Michigan Family Doulas! We spend so much time preparing for birth, nesting, and getting ready for baby’s arrival, but what about after? That fourth trimester is a marathon of healing, adjusting, and round-the-clock baby care. To truly thrive through this incredible time, proper nourishment is absolutely key to a smoother,…

infertility awareness

More Than a Month: Michigan Family Doulas’ Heart for Infertility Awareness

By Jodi Graves | June 17, 2025

June is Infertility Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and complex emotions that can surround the journey to parenthood. Infertility is far more than a statistic or a medical diagnosis; it’s a deeply personal experience that touches every aspect of a person’s life. This month, we want to reaffirm…

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