Doula Musings

pregnancy guide

The Emotional & Practical Aspects of Pregnancy: Work, Sex, and Support Systems

By Jodi Graves | October 31, 2025

Pregnancy isn’t just a physical journey—it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal.
Work, sex, and support all play vital roles in how smoothly the experience unfolds. There’s no one “perfect” way to navigate it, but staying informed, listening to your body, and building a strong community around you makes all the difference.

Best Foods for Fertility

The Fertility Diet: 15 Foods That Naturally Boost Your Chances to Conceive

By Jodi Graves | October 28, 2025

If you’re trying to conceive, what you eat can make a real difference. Fertility is about more than timing — it’s about nourishing your body with the right nutrients to support

Clean Pumpkin Muffins

Jodi’s Clean Pumpkin Muffins for Moms

By Jodi Graves | October 23, 2025
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Hello Michigan Family Doulas clients! Jodi here, and with the crisp autumn air officially here, I can’t help but think about all things pumpkin. While pumpkin spice lattes might be tempting, I’ve got something even better for you! Take a look at this recipe for delicious, clean Pumpkin Muffins that are packed with nutrients, not…

First Week with a Newborn

Day 7 With My Newborn: Surviving the First Week of Breastfeeding, Diapers, and Chaos

By Jodi Graves | October 21, 2025

It’s official! I’ve survived my baby’s first week of life. Seven days of nonstop feeding, crying and laundry that multiplies like gremlins.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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…