Postpartum in the summer can feel overwhelming — from the heat to the pressure of “bouncing back” into a swimsuit-ready body. But the truth is, you don’t owe anyone a before-and-after. In this empowering post, we’re canceling bounce-back culture, celebrating the strength of the postpartum body, and offering supportive tools to help you feel grounded, nourished, and confident this summer — on your terms.

What if rest wasn't something you had to earn? In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, we're reclaiming rest as a radical, ancestral act of healing. This blog explores why rest is so often denied to women of color—and how we can begin to take it back.

It’s common—normal, even—to feel an overwhelming need to keep your baby close after birth. Maybe you don’t want others to hold them, care for them, or even be too near. You're not being overprotective. You're responding to powerful biological cues that are designed to help you bond, protect, and nurture your baby. In this post, we explore the science behind that deep instinct, how it connects to your mental health, and why things like smell and physical closeness matter more than people realize.
We’ll also talk about how others can support you without needing to hold the baby—and how to know when your feelings might be something more, like postpartum anxiety.

“Your baby is measuring big.”
If you’ve heard those words during pregnancy, you’re not alone—and it’s normal to have questions.

In this post, we explore what it really means when your baby is estimated to be large, how accurate growth scans are (hint: not very), why size alone isn’t a valid reason for induction or cesarean, and how many parents go on to birth bigger babies with ease. We’ll also talk about gestational diabetes and how it may play a role.

Whether you’re feeling pressured, confused, or just want more clarity—you deserve evidence-based information and calm, confident support.

Read on to feel empowered, not intimidated.

Planning a summer getaway while pregnant? Whether you're flying across the country or heading out on a road trip, travel during pregnancy can be safe, enjoyable, and even restorative, with a little extra planning. In this guide, you’ll find tips for flying, driving, staying cool, packing smart, and knowing when to rest. Learn how to keep your body comfortable, your baby safe, and your trip as stress-free as possible.

Experiencing a birth that didn’t go as planned can leave many parents feeling confused, disappointed, or even traumatized. Whether you had a cesarean birth you weren’t expecting, faced unexpected interventions, or felt unsupported during labor, your feelings are valid. In this post, we’ll explore how to begin healing after a difficult birth, how to process and reclaim your birth story, and when it might be helpful to seek additional support. If you're struggling to make sense of your experience, this guide is for you.

Looking for ways to bond with your baby as a new dad? Here are 10 thoughtful, easy, and meaningful ways to connect with your newborn from day one.

When you’re queer, trans, nonbinary, or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, finding a provider who truly sees and affirms you can make all the difference, especially during sensitive seasons like pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.

Too many LGBTQ+ folks have experienced dismissal, judgment, misgendering, or care that feels clinical but not compassionate. You deserve better, and you don’t have to settle for “tolerated” when you could be celebrated.

Here’s how to find LGBTQ+ friendly (and affirming!) providers who will support your whole self.

Licensed therapist Jennifer shares what new parents need to know about postpartum mental health, including common signs, when to seek help, and how doulas and therapists can support families together. You’re not alone—support is here.

Embarking on motherhood can be a rollercoaster of emotions. It can be deeply joyful and incredibly overwhelming—sometimes all at once. One moment you may feel full of love and purpose, and the next, totally unsure of who you are now. That mix of emotions is normal.

If you’ve felt lost in your role as a mother or like your identity is slipping through your fingers, you are not alone. This is called identity loss, and it’s one of the most common and least-talked-about parts of becoming a parent.

Let’s talk about what it is, why it happens, and how to begin finding yourself again, without guilt.

If you're preparing for birth and looking for natural ways to manage labor pain, you're probably already exploring positions, breathing techniques, and maybe even water therapy. But there’s another powerful tool that often gets overlooked: the TENS unit.

Used widely in the UK and gaining popularity in the U.S., TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units are a safe, drug-free way to manage contractions, especially in early and active labor. At Your Family Doula Services, I not only teach clients how to use them, but I also offer labor-specific TENS unit rentals so families can feel empowered and prepared when labor begins.

Having support during the postpartum period isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When you're held, cared for, and supported in the right ways, you’re more likely to feel calm, connected, and confident as you adjust to life with a new baby. The beautiful thing is: there are so many options for support, and the key is finding the one that meets your needs. Understanding the different roles—whether it’s a postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist, or a mother’s helper—not only helps you ask the right questions when interviewing, but also ensures you feel satisfied with the kind of care you receive. When you know who you’re hiring and what to expect, your postpartum experience can feel a lot more aligned, intentional, and nurturing.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common postpartum support roles so you can decide what feels right for your family, whether you’re looking for help during the day, overnight, or both.

Pregnancy involves many decisions, like where to give birth, how to prepare, and who you want by your side. One of the most common questions I hear as a doula and educator is, “What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?” While doulas are becoming more mainstream, there is still some confusion about our role during pregnancy and delivery and how it differs from all of the other support available.

Let’s break it down simply so you can feel more confident in building a support team that fits your birth vision.

There’s no sugarcoating it: being pregnant in the summer is a whole experience. Between the extra weight, the blood volume increase, the hormone-induced temperature shifts, and the actual sun blazing outside, summer can be rough on a pregnant body.

But as a doula, educator, and mom who has supported so many families and been pregnant through a couple of humid Jersey summers myself, I’ve gathered the realest, most helpful tips to help you feel good in your body, stay sane, and even enjoy parts of this season.

One of the most common things I hear from potential clients is:
“I hope it’s not too early to reach out...”
Or just as often:
“I hope it’s not too late!”

Let me reassure you right now — it is never too early to hire a doula. In fact, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy opens up so many more opportunities for connection, preparation, peace of mind, and support.

When you're pregnant, it can feel like everyone has an opinion about what you should do. You hear advice from family, friends, strangers in HomeGoods... even your algorithms start serving you tips. It’s a lot. But here’s the thing no one tells you loud enough:

✨ You have options.
✨ You have power.
✨ And birth education can help you own both.

As a doula and childbirth educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how learning about birth shifts your mindset from fear to confidence. Birth education isn’t just about knowing what happens during labor—it's about understanding your body, your choices, and your voice.

Labor is an intense and life-changing experience, not just for the birthing person but also for their partner. Partners often want to be involved and helpful, but they aren’t always sure how to best support labor. This is where a doula can be a great resource by guiding and empowering partners to be as involved as they want and ensuring the birthing person receives continuous care.

The warm months bring sunshine, fresh air, and the joy of outdoor adventures. But if you're welcoming a baby in the spring or summer, it’s important to know how to keep them safe and comfortable in the heat. Babies are more vulnerable to temperature changes, so understanding how to protect them from overheating, dehydration, and sun exposure is key.

I’m sure you have heard the saying “It takes a village” when it comes to parenting. This African proverb sheds light on the fact that it takes a community to raise children in a safe and healthy environment that promotes growth and security. This phrase is often used in passing when talking about children but where is “the village” nowadays?

As a doula, I often refer clients to pelvic floor physical therapy. Although it is highly beneficial, many people are not sure what it is or why they should look into it! Today on the blog, I have the pleasure of speaking with my good friend, Jessica McNally. She is a pelvic floor therapist and owner of Jessica McNally Physical Therapy and Yoga LLC in Morristown, New Jersey. She will answer some of the most commonly asked questions so you have a better idea of what to expect!