According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding is recommended for at least two years and beyond if both mother and child desire it. The reason? Breastmilk continues to meet a significant portion of a toddler’s daily nutritional needs.

We all know that one mom who proudly shares how her baby sleeps through the night—thanks to the Cry It Out (CIO) method. She says it only took a week, the tears stopped, and now her baby sleeps peacefully all night long. To any sleep-deprived parent running on fumes, that sounds like a dream. More than three hours of uninterrupted sleep? No endless rocking or patting? It’s tempting. From outside the nursery door, it looks simple. The baby cried, the baby learned, and now the baby sleeps. But what if we take a look from the other side of that door?

When it comes to labor and birth, one of the most effective tools you have is gravity. Upright and forward-leaning positions allow gravity to help bring your baby down, encourage proper positioning, and support a smoother, more efficient labor. Many hospitals default to the lying-on-your-back position, but this is actually one of the least effective for progress.

Breast milk is often thought of as a simple, white liquid, but in reality, it can appear in a variety of colors! From yellow to blue, green to pink, and even black, the color of your breast milk can change based on your diet, hydration, medications, and even your body’s natural adjustments to your baby’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the different colors of breast milk, what they mean, and whether you should be concerned.

Too often, pregnant individuals are expected to override their instincts, ignore red flags, and place unwavering faith in a system that has historically failed many of them. They’re told to “trust the process” when their concerns are brushed aside, to “trust the experts” even when their voices are drowned out, and to “trust the system” despite glaring inequities in maternal care.

In the United States, the induction rate has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31.4% of all births in 2021 were induced, up from 9.5% in 1990. While some cases are medically justified, many are scheduled for convenience, liability concerns, or outdated medical practices.

There are few things in life as instinctual, as deeply woven into the fabric of motherhood, as feeding your baby. From the moment that tiny body is placed on your chest, something incredible happens—your body knows exactly what to do.

A survey published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that while 95% of nurses reported feeling responsible for providing breastfeeding support, only 58% felt confident in their ability to do so.

Did you know that having a doula by your side can lead to a shorter labor, fewer interventions, and a more positive birth experience? Studies show that continuous support from a doula improves birth outcomes—not by forcing decisions, but by helping parents feel more knowledgeable, confident, and supported throughout the process.

You spend months preparing for the moment your baby arrives – folding tiny clothes, perfecting the nursery, and practicing breathing techniques. But once the birth is over, and you're holding that precious little one, what about you?

Delaying cord clamping involves waiting to cut the umbilical cord after birth, allowing more time for blood to flow from the placenta to your baby. This simple step can provide several key health benefits.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Although it’s often overlooked, this powerful nutrient provides a range of benefits that can support both you and your baby throughout pregnancy and beyond. Here’s how magnesium helps during pregnancy:

Contrary to what many believe—or have been led to believe—hospital policy is not law.

Doctors, social media, and even movies paint a picture that six weeks is the finish line—our bodies should be recovered, our sleep patterns should be restored, and our emotions should be stable.

As doulas, we are often asked one fundamental question: "Do you make decisions for your clients or advocate on their behalf?"

When it comes to breastfeeding, many parents are told that babies need to follow a strict feeding schedule. However, the truth is that breastfed babies don’t follow a rigid timeline—and that’s perfectly normal! In fact, feeding on demand and responding to your baby’s natural cues is one of the healthiest ways to approach breastfeeding.