Doula Musings

What Is the Difference Between a Night Nanny and a Doula?

By Jodi Graves | September 23, 2025

When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby, you’ll quickly find there are many types of support professionals available—night nannies, postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and more. Two of the most common roles parents ask about are night nannies and doulas. While both provide valuable help during the postpartum period, their roles are quite different.…

Beautiful woman in white lace top and white pants sitting on a tan leather couch in a bright room.

Why I Built Michigan Family Nannies

By Jodi Graves | September 12, 2025
,

When I started my journey with Michigan Family Doulas, my passion was simple: to bring genuine, loving support to families right here in our own Southeast Michigan community. Every day, I am so grateful for the trust you have placed in us. To care for you during the most vulnerable and beautiful moments of your…

breastfeeding

Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month: 10 Tips for a Strong Start

By Jodi Graves | August 16, 2025

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, one of our amazing Michigan Family Doulas, Nyasia, is taking over the blog today to share with you her top 10 tips for Breastfeeding! She isn’t just a doula though, she is a IBCLC and Certified Lactation Counselor Specialist. So sit back and soak up all the tips MFD’s…

ROTA

Why Our ROTA Placements Are Uniquely Qualified for Your Family

By Jodi Graves | August 10, 2025
,

Hello, Michigan families! Jodi Graves here from the Michigan Family Doulas and Michigan Family Nannies team. As a part of this organization, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing our growth firsthand, and I’m incredibly proud of the comprehensive support we offer to families across our state (and across the Midwest)! Our mission has always been…

Eating for Two

Beyond “Eating for Two”: Understanding Breastfeeding Nutrition

By Jodi Graves | August 4, 2025
, ,

Welcome to August, which marks National Breastfeeding Awareness Month! Here at Michigan Family Doulas, we’re passionate about supporting families through every stage of their feeding journey. We understand that nourishing yourself while breastfeeding is so important – not only for your baby’s growth and development but also for your own energy, recovery, and overall well-being.…

Day 3 With My Newborn

Day 3 With My Newborn: The Milk-Stained Chronicles

By Jodi Graves | June 19, 2025
,

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…

Newborn Poop and All: Day 2 With My Baby

Day 2 With My Baby: Newborn Poop and All

By Jodi Graves | May 6, 2025
, ,

I thought our first night with our newborn would be a lot harder than it was

first month with a newborn

Day 1 With My Newborn Baby

By Jodi Graves | April 22, 2025
, ,

Blog 1: A Day-by-Day Look at the First Month with Your Newborn We just pulled out of the parking lot with this tiny, perfect little angel. Is the car seat secured properly? I’m not really sure…thank goodness I decided to sit in the backseat next to her so I can watch her closely. She’s so…

Compliment Day

Celebrating Our Amazing Parents on Compliment Day

By Jodi Graves | March 1, 2025

Did you know March 1st is World Compliment Day? We at Michigan Family Doulas want to take a moment to celebrate you and the incredible journey you are on. Parenthood is a beautiful, challenging, and transformative experience, and we are in awe of your strength, dedication, and love. You Are Amazing Every day, you show…

How to Use Pumped Milk for Better Baby Sleep: The Importance of Tryptophan

By Jodi Graves | February 3, 2025
,

We all know about tryptophan—it’s the chemical in turkey that makes us sleepy after we gorge ourselves on Thanksgiving. But did you know that tryptophan is also an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in our sleep patterns? Let’s dive deeper into what tryptophan is and how it benefits both adults and infants.…