New Family Tips

Welcoming a Postpartum Doula into Your Home

By Jodi Graves | December 2, 2024

Tips for a Smooth Transition Bringing a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the postpartum period. A postpartum doula can be an invaluable resource, providing support and care as you navigate this new chapter. Here are some tips on how…

Feeling Overwhelmed About Your Baby’s Health? Here’s How to Cope

By Jodi Graves | November 25, 2024

What to Do If You Feel Overwhelmed or Anxious About Your Baby’s Health Feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your baby’s health is completely normal, and you’re not alone in this. Here’s a more personal guide to help you navigate these feelings with care and compassion. 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings First and foremost, it’s important to…

Top 5 Things You Need to Know to Bring a Premature Baby Home

By Jodi Graves | November 18, 2024

Bringing a premature baby home from the hospital is a momentous occasion, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are the top five things you need to know to ensure a smooth transition and provide the best care for your little one. 1. Hire a Postpartum Doula A postpartum doula is an invaluable resource for…

Partner Education

Partner Prep: Navigating Pregnancy and Postpartum Together

By Jodi Graves | November 15, 2024

The Importance of Partner Education During the Prenatal and Postpartum Period Welcoming a new baby into the family is a transformative experience, not just for the birthing person but for their partner as well. At Michigan Family Doulas, we believe that the journey through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period is a shared one. Educating…

Supporting a Family with a New Premature Baby: A Guide

By Jodi Graves | November 11, 2024

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion, but when a baby arrives prematurely, it can bring a mix of emotions and challenges. Families with premature babies often need extra support and understanding. Here are some ways you can help: 1. Offer Practical Help 2. Emotional Support 3. Help with Hospital Visits…

Safe Sleep

Understanding SIDS and SUIDS: Is there a difference?

By Jodi Graves | November 8, 2024

Welcome to the world of acronyms that every new parent should know! Today, we’re diving into the mysterious and often confusing realms of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death). Let’s break down these terms, compare them, and hopefully, clear up some of the fog surrounding these critical topics. What is…

What is ‘Second Night Syndrome’ and How do I Survive it?

By Jodi Graves | October 3, 2024

Second night syndrome refers to a phenomenon many newborns experience on their second night after birth. On the first night, babies are often sleepy and calm after the exhausting process of labor and birth, but by the second night, they tend to become much more alert, fussy, and irritable. This change can be surprising and…

Your Guide to Lactation Support: Who Are the Specialists?

By Jodi Graves | September 19, 2024

When it comes to lactation support, the alphabet soup of certifications can be quite confusing. From IBCLCs to CLCs and CLEs, each type of lactation support specialist brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table. Let’s break down these certifications to help you understand who you might be consulting. The IBCLC, or…

Travel With a Newborn Baby

By Jodi Graves | September 6, 2024

It’s getting to be that time of year again….traveling to see family for the holidays! Embarking on a journey with a newborn baby can be an exciting yet daunting experience for new parents. However, with the right preparation and mindset, it can also turn into a delightful adventure filled with cherished memories. Here are the…

Giving birth….a time filled with anticipation, joy, and a fair share of anxiety….Enter the MFD doula: your doula can make a world of difference during and after childbirth.

By Jodi Graves | March 18, 2024

What is a Doula? The term ‘doula’ comes from ancient Greek, meaning ‘a woman who serves,’ and that is precisely what they do—serve the needs of the birthing person during one of the most significant moments of their life! A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing…