Postpartum Healing

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.

Healing Ginger-Turmeric Chicken Stew for Postpartum Recovery

By Jodi Graves | November 25, 2025

This one-pot meal delivers warmth, easy digestion, anti-inflammatory support, and balanced electrolytes — ideal for new moms needing comfort and sustained energy.

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.

Jodi’s Clean Pumpkin Muffins for Moms

By Jodi Graves | October 23, 2025

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…

Why Am I So Sweaty?

By Jodi Graves | October 20, 2025

Postpartum Night or Day Sweats: Why is it happening? How Can I Stop it? Why You Might Be Sweating More After Birth — Especially If You’re Breastfeeding If you wake up drenched in sweat after having your baby, don’t panic — postpartum sweating is completely normal! After delivery, your body works hard to get rid…

Beyond the “Bounce Back”: A Postpartum Fitness & Health Guide for National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

By Jodi Graves | September 25, 2025

On September 24th, we celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, a time to focus on the well-being and strength of women everywhere. The postpartum journey is a powerful, transformative experience, but the pressure to “bounce back” can make the conversation around health and fitness feel overwhelming. At Michigan Family Doulas, we believe that postpartum…

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…

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 Postpartum Reality: Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Essential

By Jodi Graves | July 24, 2025

We aren’t talking “spa day” this International Self-Care Day. Prioritizing our well-being isn’t a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for a healthy, balanced life as we reflect on this internationally recognized day. That is why self-care is important for everyone; it holds an exceptionally profound and often overlooked significance for birthing people in the postpartum…