New Family Tips

Post #2: Sleep Deprivation in a Michigan Winter Hits Different

By Jodi Graves | February 17, 2026

Newborn isolation is real. Winter amplifies it. And isolation + sleep deprivation can intensify:

Anxiety

Irritability

Postpartum blues

Feelings of being overwhelmed

This is why in-home postpartum support in Michigan isn’t a luxury — it’s preventative care

The Fourth Trimester Files

By Jodi Graves | February 10, 2026

Navigating newborn life? This series breaks down real fourth trimester challenges & how postpartum doulas & nannies support Michigan families—without the fluff.

Baby Nanny vs. Postpartum Doula: What’s the Difference?

By Jodi Graves | January 22, 2026

While both nannies and doulas work with infants, their roles, training, and purpose are very different. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right support for your family during the postpartum period and beyond. Here’s a hint: doulas aren’t just hippies!

Creating a Gentle Routine with Your Newborn (Without a Strict Schedule)

By Jodi Graves | January 16, 2026

The truth? Newborn routines don’t look like schedules—and that’s okay. A gentle, flexible rhythm can help both you and your baby feel more grounded without adding pressure.

Flu Season with a Newborn: What Parents Should Know (and What Really Matters)

By Jodi Graves | December 29, 2025

Bringing home a newborn is tender, surreal, and—during flu season—often a little nerve-wracking. When your baby is brand new, their immune system is still developing, and even minor illnesses can feel overwhelming for parents.

Why Pediatrician Recommendations Can Feel So Confusing for New Michigan Parents

By Jodi Graves | December 10, 2025

Many new Michigan parents feel overwhelmed by confusing pediatrician recommendations. Learn why guidance varies so much and how Michigan Family Doulas & Nannies help families feel supported, confident, and informed.

The Postpartum Myth: Why ‘Toughing It Out’ Hurts Your Recovery (and Your Baby)

By Jodi Graves | October 31, 2025

New mom mental health is damaged by “Supermom Pressure,” a belief that hurts postpartum recovery and can impact your new baby’s well-being.

Seamless Sleep Coaching: From Day One to Dreamland with MFD & MFN

By Jodi Graves | October 13, 2025

At Michigan Family Doulas (MFD), we’ve always focused on building strong foundations for families during the crucial postpartum phase. We help you navigate the initial sleepless nights, establish confidence, and embrace the chaos. But what happens when the initial fog lifts, and you’re ready to tackle those bigger sleep coaching milestones? That’s where our sister…

Sweet Dreams & Safe Sleep: What Grandma Knew (and What We Know Now!)

By Jodi Graves | October 6, 2025

This Infant Safe Sleep Month, let’s talk about how much safe sleep advice has evolved and, more importantly, why.

From Postpartum Doula to Nanny: Your Guide to Family Care in Metro Detroit

By Jodi Graves | September 16, 2025

The world of postpartum and newborn care can be confusing, with a variety of titles that sound similar but offer very different services. For families in Metro Detroit, knowing the difference between a postpartum doula and a night nurse—or a nanny and a newborn care specialist—is key to getting the right family care support. Michigan…