Salmon and Vegetables- One Pan Baked

By Jodi Graves | October 30, 2024

Salmon is an amazingly nutritionally dense food, ideal for packing in what your body needs during postpartum recovery. This meal is baked together in one pan for an easy, healthy and quick dinner. In addition to omega-3s and protein, salmon provides other nutrients like B12 and selenium. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 18 minutes …

Busting Myths About Safe Sleep for Infants

By Jodi Graves | October 24, 2024

Welcome to the wild world of parenting, where every day is an adventure and every night is a quest for sleep. As you navigate this journey, you might encounter a few myths about safe sleep for infants. Fear not! Michigan Family Doulas is here to debunk these myths with a sprinkle of humor and a…

4 Delicious Overnight Oats Recipes to Boost Postpartum Recovery

By Jodi Graves | October 24, 2024
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The postpartum period is a time for healing and replenishing your body. Overnight oats are a perfect, easy-to-make option that can be packed with nutrients to support your recovery. Here are four delicious and nutritious overnight oats recipes, each are packed with protein, carbohydrates, good fats and plenty of fiber! 1. Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats…

What is ‘Second Night Syndrome’ and How do I Survive it?

By Jodi Graves | October 3, 2024

Second night syndrome refers to a phenomenon many newborns experience on their second night after birth. On the first night, babies are often sleepy and calm after the exhausting process of labor and birth, but by the second night, they tend to become much more alert, fussy, and irritable. This change can be surprising and…

The Importance of Birth Plans: How to Create and Use One Effectively

By Jodi Graves | September 24, 2024

Creating a birth plan can help you feel more in control (I know, that’s an ironic thought….we can’t control childbirth) and reduce stress during labor and delivery. Here’s a concise guide on why it’s important and how to make one. A Michigan Family Doulas birth doula can be an invaluable resource in creating your birth…

Navigating Pregnancy with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

By Jodi Graves | September 21, 2024

September marks a significant month for health awareness: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is a health condition that affects 6 to 15 percent of women of childbearing age and can have significant implications for pregnancy and birth. Women with PCOS may experience hormonal imbalances that can make it more challenging to conceive. However,…

What Does Overnight Postpartum Care Look Like?

By Jodi Graves | September 20, 2024
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Imagine this: It’s the middle of the night, and instead of waking up every couple of hours to feed or change your baby, you’re sleeping soundly. Meanwhile, a trained professional, your MFD postpartum doula, is taking care of your newborn’s needs. They handle the feeding (whether it’s breast milk or formula), diaper changes, and soothing…

Your Guide to Lactation Support: Who Are the Specialists?

By Jodi Graves | September 19, 2024

When it comes to lactation support, the alphabet soup of certifications can be quite confusing. From IBCLCs to CLCs and CLEs, each type of lactation support specialist brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table. Let’s break down these certifications to help you understand who you might be consulting. The IBCLC, or…

Maria Bryant

Meet Maria, IBCLC

By Jodi Graves | September 19, 2024

Hello! My name is Maria, and I am a Certified Lactation Counselor, Postpartum Doula, former EMT, and IBCLC student. I began working with postpartum families in 2022 after 8 years in the child care field and quickly realized the additional need for infant feeding support. Well-meaning friends and family often  provide anecdotes and advice for…

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Michigan Doula