Birth Doulas

pregnant woman holding belly

Birth Advocacy: The Core Difference Between Agency and Office-Based Doulas

By Jodi Graves | October 30, 2025

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…

GBS

GBS Awareness: Everything Expectant Michigan Families Need to Know

By Jodi Graves | October 27, 2025

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.…

Prenatal Infection Prevention

Prenatal Infection Prevention Month: A Guide for Expecting Families

By yghwpui | February 15, 2025

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, joy, and anticipation. It’s also a period when expectant families need to be particularly mindful of their health and well-being. February is Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of infections during pregnancy and how to prevent them. At Michigan Family Doulas, we…

birth with confidence

Birth with Confidence: How to Take Control of Your Birth Experience

By Jodi Graves | January 28, 2025

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience-different with each child. Every birth story is unique, filled with moments that will be cherished forever. While some aspects of this journey are beyond your control, there are many ways you can shape your birth experience to align with your hopes and dreams. At…

doula support

How a VBAC Looks Different with Doula Support

By Jodi Graves | December 28, 2024

Choosing to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is a significant decision for many women. It comes with its own set of challenges and emotional complexities. Having a doula by your side can make a world of difference in this journey. Here’s how a VBAC experience can be transformed with the support of a…

Jodi Long Birth Doula

Welcoming a New Baby into the World: A Doula’s Musings

By Jodi Graves | December 23, 2024

As a birth doula for over 20 years, I have the incredible honor of supporting families during one of the most transformative moments of their lives. Each birth is unique, and every family has its own story. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like welcoming a new baby into the world from my perspective. The…

what exactly does a birth doula do?

What Exactly Does a Birth Doula Do?

By Jodi Graves | December 16, 2024

Bringing a new life into the world is a profound experience, and having the right support can make all the difference. This is where a birth doula comes in. But what exactly does a birth doula do, and why are Michigan Family Doulas (MFD) birth teams considered exceptional? What Does a Birth Doula Do? A…