Postpartum Healing

New Mom Mental Health

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

By Jodi Graves | October 31, 2025
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New mom mental health is damaged by “Supermom Pressure,” a belief that hurts postpartum recovery and can impact your new baby’s well-being.

Clean Pumpkin Muffins

Jodi’s Clean Pumpkin Muffins for Moms

By Jodi Graves | October 23, 2025
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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…

Postpartum sweating

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…

Postpartum Fitness

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…

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…

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…

Self-Care

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…

Day 4 with my newborn

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

By Jodi Graves | July 9, 2025
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Day 4 With My Newborn and I have no idea what day of the week it is…

Day 3 With My Newborn

Day 3 With My Newborn: The Milk-Stained Chronicles

By Jodi Graves | June 19, 2025
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Well, here we are. Day 3 With My Newborn. I’d like to say I’m thriving, but honestly, I just found a pacifier in my coffee mug and I’m not entirely sure I didn’t sip around it. Also, please don’t judge me but I am not bothering with decaf coffee. I asked my husband for an…