New Family Tips

Sleep Coaching

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…

Nursery with rabbit decor

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.

family care

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…

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…

Life With My Newborn

Day 6: Life With My Newborn (and My Sanity… Sort Of)

By Jodi Graves | September 9, 2025
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Sleep Update It’s day six of my life with a newborn and I’m 93% sure I’m now part raccoon. Not because of my appetite for trash (although last night’s dinner of cold mac & cheese eaten over the sink might qualify), but because of the dark circles under my eyes and my tendency to hiss…

enough milk

Is My Breastfed Baby Getting Enough Milk? How to Tell for Sure…

By Jodi Graves | August 13, 2025
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It’s one of the most common and persistent questions we hear from new parents in Metro Detroit: “Is my baby getting enough milk?” When you’re breastfeeding, you can’t see the ounces your baby is drinking, and this can lead to a lot of worry. Rest assured, this is a completely normal concern, and you’re not…

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 5 with our newborn

Day 5 With My Newborn: The Newborn Has Taken Over—Send Help (and Snacks)

By Jodi Graves | July 30, 2025
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It’s Day 5 with our newborn. Or as I now refer to it: Day 5 of the Siege. I remember a time, long ago (last week) when I thought I was a functioning adult, had a schedule, wore real pants. I made tea and drank it hot. Now? I’m unsure if it’s morning, evening, or…

asking for help

The Unseen Burden: Why We Resist Asking for Help

By Jodi Graves | July 27, 2025

Happy National Parent’s Day, Michigan families! Today, July 27th, is a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible, often tireless, work that parents do every single day. At Michigan Family Doulas, we see your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering love for your children. But we also see something else that’s equally powerful, and sometimes, incredibly…