New Family Tips

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…

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

By Jodi Graves | September 9, 2025

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…

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

By Jodi Graves | August 13, 2025

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…

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…

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

By Jodi Graves | July 30, 2025

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…

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…

Day 4 With My Newborn: Where Am I and What Is That Smell?

By Jodi Graves | July 9, 2025

Day 4 With My Newborn and I have no idea what day of the week it is…

Baby Heat Safety: MFD Breaks it Down

By Jodi Graves | July 1, 2025

Here are the top questions we get asked at Michigan Family Doulas about baby heat safety. Whether you are visiting the Ann Arbor Art Fair, heading up north to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival, or just relaxing in your backyard, we want you to feel confident your baby is comfortable and safe! We are…

More Than a Month: Michigan Family Doulas’ Heart for Infertility Awareness

By Jodi Graves | June 17, 2025

June is Infertility Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and complex emotions that can surround the journey to parenthood. Infertility is far more than a statistic or a medical diagnosis; it’s a deeply personal experience that touches every aspect of a person’s life. This month, we want to reaffirm…