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!

A question that many new parents ask themselves is “Am I going to be a good parent?”. You may have started wondering that from the moment you found out you were pregnant or even before you decided you wanted to try for a baby. No matter how prepared you thought you were for a baby, this question can come up at one point or another. Sometimes we can ask ourselves this again with subsequent pregnancies. “How could I possibly be a good parent to multiple babies?” In this post, we will talk about why you may be feeling this way and what you can do about it.

If you are pregnant, you have probably been googling every topic under the sun! The more you search, the more questions you may have. You’ll learn things you didn't even know you needed to know – like the fact that some people KEEP their placenta after birth! Now, if you’re not familiar with this and are wondering, “Why on earth would someone keep their placenta???” this post is for you! We’ll go over what the placenta is, why some people keep it, and what you can do with it. Keep reading to see if this is something you would like to do!

While most of what we hear about pregnancy seems to be the happiness and anticipation of the future, there are also times that can make someone feel a little down. There are many feelings and emotions in the realm of normalcy when it comes to pregnancy. One of the feelings, not many people discuss is gender disappointment.

The initial postpartum period is a delicate time for new parents and their newborn, as they navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood. One aspect that requires thoughtful consideration is the influx of well-wishers and visitors eager to meet the newest addition to the family. Deciding your stance on visitors during pregnancy can help your postpartum period go a little smoother. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. If you think it will be helpful, inform your family and friends of your plans ahead of time. Let's explore how to create a supportive environment for postpartum visitors, both for parents and baby, by covering the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

Becoming a parent can bring on a whirlwind of changes…

While it is very rewarding, parenthood can also be challenging. Many times we can feel as if we are just trying to make it through the day and survive but what if we want to thrive? If your goal is to thrive in parenthood and not just survive, here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Welcoming a new baby into your life is a joyful and transformative experience. Still, it can also be overwhelming and challenging, especially if you do not have a support system and plan in place. During the postpartum period, when both physical and emotional adjustments are at their peak, having support can make a world of difference for your overall recovery. This is where a postpartum doula comes in! Let’s discuss what a postpartum doula is, what one does, and why you might want to consider having one by your side during this crucial time.

Let’s break the taboo and talk about pregnancy loss…

Experiencing a pregnancy loss can be an emotionally challenging and isolating journey for many families. Coping with grief, uncertainty, and a range of complex emotions can be overwhelming, especially when it is something that is still seen as “taboo” to speak about. While doulas are often associated with providing support during labor and birth, their role extends beyond this. Doulas, specifically bereavement doulas, can be a valuable source of support and comfort during pregnancy loss as well.