Postpartum Healing

What Does Overnight Postpartum Care Look Like?

By Jodi Graves | September 20, 2024
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Imagine this: It’s the middle of the night, and instead of waking up every couple of hours to feed or change your baby, you’re sleeping soundly. Meanwhile, a trained professional, your MFD postpartum doula, is taking care of your newborn’s needs. They handle the feeding (whether it’s breast milk or formula), diaper changes, and soothing…

Understanding Pre-eclampsia and the Role of the Doula

By Jodi Graves | May 25, 2024

Preeclampsia is a condition that can arise during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure & swelling and can be accompanied by signs of damage to other organ systems. It’s a serious health concern that requires careful monitoring and management. Full eclampsia can manifest as convulsions which are life threatening, as well. Enter your birth doula:…

Navigating the Challenges of PMADS: Focus on Psychosis

By Jodi Graves | May 24, 2024

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a group of conditions that can affect individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These disorders encompass a range of emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, and in rare cases, psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that occurs in approximately 1 to 2 of every 1,000 deliveries and…

Navigating the Challenges of PMADS: Focus on OCD

By Jodi Graves | May 23, 2024

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can emerge as a side effect, presenting with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, often centered around the well-being of the baby.

Navigating the Challenges of PMADS: Focus on Anxiety and Depression

By Jodi Graves | May 22, 2024

Navigating the Storm: How Postpartum Doulas Can Be a Beacon for New Mothers Facing PMADs The journey into motherhood can be one of life’s most profound transformations, yet it’s not without its challenges. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a spectrum of emotional and psychological changes that can affect new mothers, with symptoms ranging…

Navigating the Challenges of PMADS: Focus on PTSD

By Jodi Graves | May 21, 2024

For some, the postpartum period can be shadowed by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

Seasonal Eating The Ayurveda Way….

By Jodi Graves | March 21, 2024

Seasonal eating is a fundamental principle in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine originating in ancient India. Ayurveda views the human body as a microcosm of the larger universe, influenced by the same elements and energies that govern nature. As such, aligning one’s diet with the changing seasons is believed to promote balance, harmony, and…

Postpartum Night Sweats

By Jodi Graves | March 20, 2024
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If you’ve recently given birth, you may have noticed that you sweat a lot more at night than usual. You may even wake up drenched in sweat and have to change your clothes and sheets. Don’t worry, this is a normal and natural reaction to the hormonal and physical changes that happen after pregnancy. Here’s…

It’s Spring! Why Seasonal Eating Matters

By Jodi Graves | March 19, 2024
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Seasonal eating isn’t just a culinary trend; it’s a fundamental practice for optimal health. Let’s explore why seasonal eating during postpartum recovery is essential and how Michigan Family Doulas can provide valuable support. Freshly harvested produce is…well…fresh, more flavorful, and nutrient-dense. When fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen naturally, they retain their full nutritional…

How Eating Disorders Can Affect Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

By Jodi Graves | February 28, 2024
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It’s National Eating Disorder Awareness week! Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that involve distorted perceptions of body weight and shape, extreme behaviors to control food intake and exercise, and low self-esteem. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Eating disorders can have severe consequences for physical and mental health,…