How to Get More Sleep with a Newborn

/
How to Get More Sleep with a Newborn

There’s a very specific kind of tired that hits after you have a newborn.

It’s not just “I didn’t sleep well.” It’s the kind where your body feels heavy, your brain feels foggy, and even simple decisions take more effort than they should.

I remember talking to a mom who said, “I thought I understood what people meant when they said you’d be tired, but I didn’t realize it would feel like this.”

And that’s the part about new motherhood that no one really truly understands until you’re in the middle of it. It’s not simply the night wake-ups. It’s the broken sleep. The starting and stopping all night long and never quite dropping into a deep, restful state before you’re needed again.

So if you’re in that place, wondering how you’re supposed to function like this, you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. This is simply what postpartum looks like.

Yes, it can be challenging, but I’m here to share that there are ways to make it feel more manageable!

Read More

Why Your Baby Wakes Up All Night (and What You Can Do About It)

/
Why Your Baby Wakes Up All Night (and What You Can Do About It)

You finally get your baby down, tiptoe back to bed, and… thirty minutes later, they’re up again.

If you feel like your nights are just a never-ending cycle of feeding, rocking, and shushing, you are not alone. In fact, it’s normal for newborns to wake up frequently in the early weeks and months. That doesn’t make it any easier when you’re completely exhausted, your partner has to be up for work, and you can barely remember what day it is.

At Detroit Dreams Tonight, we support Metro Detroit families through those sleepless nights with compassionate, expert care and we’re here to share more about why your baby might be waking up so often… and what you can do to make nights a little smoother for everyone.

Read More

5 Signs It’s Time to Hire an Overnight Doula

/
5 Signs It’s Time to Hire an Overnight Doula

You love your baby. You really do. You’re ecstatic to be a parent and you’re feeling so thankful.

But you’re so, so tired. You’re the kind of tired that doesn’t allow you to see straight. The kind of tired that you feel in your bones.

The nights feel endless, your days blur together, and even the simplest tasks, like showering or remembering what day it is, feel impossible.

If you’re wondering how you’re supposed to keep going like this, it might be time to bring in some help. That’s where an overnight doula comes in.

At Detroit Dreams Tonight, our team specializes in overnight postpartum & newborn care so you can get the rest you desperately need and show up as the parent you want to be. Not sure if you’re ready for that kind of support? Here are five clear signs it’s time to hire an overnight doula.

Read More

The SNOO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

/
The SNOO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As new parents, sleep can often feel like an elusive dream. Between feedings, diaper changes, and the never-ending cycle of soothing your baby, rest can seem out of reach. That’s where many parents find The SNOO smart bassinet to be a lifesaver. This smart bassinet makes promises to help your baby sleep better by automatically responding to their cries with soothing motion and sound. While it may sound like the perfect solution for exhausted parents, the truth is more nuanced. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to using the SNOO, and why it's important not to rely on it as your only solution for sleep.

Read More

Surviving the Witching Hour: 6 Tips for New Parents in Metro Detroit

/

Hey, exhausted parents - are you in the thick of the newborn witching hour? If so, let's talk.

Oh that lovely nightly ritual where your sweet angel baby turns into a tiny tyrant, wailing their lungs out, leaving you feeling like you've stumbled into a sleep-deprived horror show. I’ve been there. And if you're in desperate need of some serious shut-eye, maybe it's time to call in the cavalry – a postpartum doula or sleep consultant – because let's face it, you deserve some damn sleep!

If you’re a new parent know this: the witching hour is a universal struggle. Newborns don't come with manuals, and navigating the intense evenings and sleepless days and nights can feel like you're drowning. But there's hope. With the right strategies and a bit of grit (just like Detroit does!), you can turn the witching hour into something more manageable. So, let's dive into my six essential tips to help you get through those tough hours and reclaim some peace in your home.

Read More

Daytime Doula or Overnight Newborn Specialist? How to Find the Perfect Postpartum Support

/
Daytime Doula or Overnight Newborn Specialist? How to Find the Perfect Postpartum Support

Your new baby is here! Hooray! Amidst the joy and snuggles, there are also a lot of challenges. Believe us, we’ve been there… sleepless nights, round-the-clock feedings, and the constant adjustment to a new normal can leave even the most prepared parents feeling a bit overwhelmed. That's where the support of a postpartum doula comes in, and here in Southeast Michigan, we're ready to help make your transition into parenthood as smooth as can be.

Read More

How to Find a Great Postpartum Doula in Southeast Michigan

/

As you’re reading pregnancy books and scrolling through TikTok, you’ve probably heard about a postpartum doula somewhere along the way. Postpartum Doulas are an incredible resource for new parents. They are well-versed in the physical and emotional challenges that often arise in early motherhood and provide reassurance as you navigate the uncertainties. They empower new parents to embrace their roles with confidence, providing a sense of calm and encouragement as families transition into this transformative chapter of life.

But the question remains:"How do I find a great postpartum doula in Southeast Michigan?"

The answer lies in the compassionate and dedicated team at Detroit Dreams.

We're more than just a doula service – we're your partners in this wild ride of parenthood! Our mission? To be there for you, guiding you through the ups and downs, and cheering on every little victory that comes with early postpartum and parenting. Wondering how Detroit Dreams can be that reassuring presence during this crazy, beautiful time? Let's chat about it!

Read More

Sacred Postpartum Rituals & Supporting the Mother-Baby Dyad

/
Sacred Postpartum Rituals & Supporting the Mother-Baby Dyad

Becoming a mom is a deeply sacred and life-changing adventure and after 14 years as a doula, I’m increasingly convinced that postpartum care focusing on the mother-baby dyad is the most important work in the childbearing years. After experiencing a euphoric and fully supported 4th trimester myself, I am honored to introduce our Holistic Postpartum Recovery program —a spiritual and nurturing experience that deeply honors the mother-baby dyad, while drawing from ancient traditions to guide you towards an optimal 4th trimester recovery. If you’re looking for postpartum support in or near Oakland County, I have designed this program for you as a way to deepen your bond with your baby and help you tap into the timeless wisdom of your own maternal intuition.

Read More

Nurturing Your Postpartum Journey With a Postpartum Doula

/
Nurturing Your Postpartum Journey With a Postpartum Doula

Welcoming a new baby into your life is an incredible experience that brings immense joy and excitement. However, it's essential to remember that the postpartum period, often called the "4th trimester," is a time of adjustment and recovery for both parents and newborns. Finding a compassionate and knowledgeable postpartum doula can provide invaluable support during this transformative phase of your parenting journey. Their expertise in postpartum recovery, baby care, and newborn care specialist ensures that you have the guidance and support you need as you navigate this special time in your life.

Read More

Newborn Care Specialist or Nanny - Which one is right for you?

/
Newborn Care Specialist or Nanny - Which one is right for you?

If you’re a member of local Detroit parenting groups on Facebook you may have seen or heard about the various terms used to describe what we do. People often throw around a LOT of different titles when it comes to newborn care and may use the terms Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), Postpartum Doula, Baby Nurse and “Night Nanny” interchangeably. Do the varying terms make you wonder what’s the difference between them all? If you’ve ever been confused by these varying terms or are curious to know which is best for your family, we’re here to help!

Read More

Our 3 Favorite Bedtime Books

/
Our 3 Favorite Bedtime Books

One of my biggest pieces of advice as a sleep coach is to establish a bedtime routine early in your child’s life (or even in utero!) and to stick with it throughout their childhood. Creating a bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple with a bath, maybe a little infant massage, and include 5-10 minutes of stories or sleepy songs depending on the age of your child. Picking 1-2 books for a bedtime routine with your infant is a good start.

Here are a few of our favorite bedtime stories that can enhance your family’s bedtime routine and help your little one drift off to a peaceful sleep.

Read More

Newborn Sleep Cues: How to Know When Your Baby is Tired

/

Let's talk about baby sleep cues! As sleep coaches, this is one of the most asked questions for the newborn stage. It’s important to set the foundations of healthy sleep habits in the early months of your baby’s life before they are developmentally ready to sleep train.

Your newborn is so aware and communicates their needs to you throughout the day. Here are some signs that your little one is ready for a nap or bedtime:

Read More