Are you passionate about supporting families after birth? Do you possess the skills, compassion, and dedication needed to provide exceptional care to both newborns and their parents during the 4th trimester? If so, we invite you to become a part of Detroit Dreams Tonight, where we're seeking Overnight Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Care Specialists to join our incredible team.
Read MoreI've never been more hungry than I was after having my baby. And I've never felt less like cooking. It's like my body went into overdrive, demanding fuel and nutrients to keep up with the demands of motherhood. If you're a new mom and finding yourself in the midst of postpartum and feel hungry ALL. THE. TIME., I see you and I’m here to tell you:
Mama, you need to eat!
And not just any old food. I’m talking about the good stuff – the kind that helps you heal, fuels your body, replenishes your minerals, keeps you sane, and maybe even makes you feel a little less like a sleep-deprived zombie.
Read MoreYour 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 MoreAs 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.
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 MoreBecoming 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 MoreWelcoming 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 MoreAs parents, we constantly strive to make choices that benefit our children and the world they will inherit. From the food we feed them to the toys we provide, every decision plays a role in shaping their future. One such choice, particularly for eco-conscious parents is cloth diapering. Not only does it reduce waste and save money, but it also offers numerous health benefits for your baby. Today, we will delve into the benefits of cloth diapering, exploring its environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and health advantages.
Read MoreIf 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 MoreMaybe you’re one of the lucky ones whose friends and family arranged a meal train for those first precious weeks as a growing family. Or maybe you took advantage of those pregnancy nesting urges by preparing a whole bunch of freezer meals ahead of time. Whether you were super organized, have the support of friends or family, or let the postpartum meal preparation fall through the cracks there will undoubtably come a time where you need a quick and easy postpartum recipe.
When you haven’t slept in god knows how long the last thing you want to do is have some taxing meal prep zap the very last bit of energy you have. If we may, let us share a couple of ideas that just might save that precious bit of energy and restore your sanity.
Read MoreAhhhh, don’t you love it when the first signs of Autumn begin to shine and everything turns to pumpkin spice? When you need a sweater for the mornings but end up in shorts by 1pm? To me, it’s magic.
Fall is such a beautiful time of year and there are so many activities in Michigan to take advantage, especially ones that are fun for the whole family. Whether you are looking for a little relief from postpartum “cabin fever”, or You have a toddler chomping at the bit to get out and explore, Fall has a little something to offer everyone.
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Working out while pregnant as well through postpartum can be a little daunting. What type of workouts are ok? What is not ok? Are you overdoing it? Are you not doing enough?
Physical activity is not only beneficial for the body, but it is also good for the brain. Exercise (in moderation) has been shown in one study to “improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.” Prenatal and postpartum exercise also have an impact on overall health and well-being. In a study from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a correlation was found between regular exercise including walking, stationary cycling, aerobics, dancing, and water resistance lowered the incidence of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertensive events, pre-term birth, cesarean birth and low birth weight. While all exercise during pregnancy and immediately after birth should be done after consulting your medical team, there’s no doubt that appropriate amounts of exercise can be good for your physical and mental health.
So what are your options for getting moving prenatally or newly postpartum? We have found some excellent options for classes and community in the Metro Detroit area.
As a yoga teacher myself, I’m always the first to recommend prenatal yoga. With an emphasis on relieving stress and relaxing tired muscles, this can be a way for you to get your body gently moving. Sweet Momma Yoga offers not just classes for pregnancy, but leads Baby & Me classes as well. Elise, the instructor, who is also a doula focuses on caring for the whole of a mom’s journey. Having time available to share and ask questions at each class, and sharing in the excitement of welcoming each new bundle of joy are just other bonuses of joining a prenatal or postpartum class series. They also have classes just focused on you and getting a little self-care in their “Me Time Yoga” class. If you aren’t close to Bingham Farms, opt for Elise’s online classes.
Fit4Mom is a national company that offers class options like Stroller Barre, Run Club, Stroller Strides and Body Boost. With a user-friendly website that helps you find the location nearest you, your options really just at your fingertips. One fitness class that I have enjoyed has been Barre, Fit4Mom offers a class called Stroller Barre that gives moms the opportunity to get back to their Barre class, but now including their baby, creativity reigns supreme during postpartum. Currently the Ann Arbor branch is partnering with Arbor Psychology Group that is hosting the 2021 Climb Out of the Darkness event in Ann Arbor. The money raised will go to making their Perinatal and Infant Mental Health program more accessible to parents in the Ann Arbor area.
If you’re looking for a variety of classes to participate in from yoga to fitness all in one location, check out Nature’s Playhouse in Ferndale. They offer prenatal yoga, belly dancing, a postnatal core restore class, and several incredible support groups. Their emphasis on community and being a “sanctuary for parents” ensures that you’ll get the support you need (and deserve) in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond!
In today’s current circumstances in-person classes are not always available or accessible. But the upside of modern technology is that you can now take fitness classes right from the comfort of your home. When looking at online classes like those offered in your Amazon Prime subscription, remember the goal of prenatal exercise is not to lose weight but to keep your body and baby in good health. Don’t forget that as a new parent often the most important part of a workout is getting out and being social and finding a community to support you. So call a friend, invite them on a walk. It doesn’t have to be intense, just getting out and getting fresh air and seeing a familiar smiling face can do the body, mind and soul a world of good.
Do you have a favorite prenatal or postpartum fitness class in Detroit? If so, spread the love so we can support the incredible instructors and teachers helping keep us all healthy and strong.
Whether you are looking for a stay-cation style babymoon, are aiming to ease those pregnancy cravings, or are finally able to go get the sushi you’ve been dreaming about for the last 9 months, we have some favorite date night ideas for Metro Detroit.
Read MoreIf your due date is drawing near, you’re probably thinking about getting your hospital bag ready to go. Packing your hospital bag well in advance will ensure you don’t forget any essential items at home on the big day — like your cellphone charger! That said, it’s also easy to go overboard and pack a lot of stuff you don’t need, adding unnecessary bulk to your bag. To help you keep it simple, Detroit Dreams Tonight shares some insights. Here’s everything you need to pack — and a few things that you don’t — for a comfortable stay in the hospital.
Read MoreThe concept of exhaustion takes on a new meaning when you have a baby. New parents are often surprised at how tired they feel or comment that they were totally unprepared for how it would affect their mood and their overall lives. We’ve experienced first hand how difficult it can be to take care of yourself when your baby is waking to eat every 2-3 hours around the clock, but hopefully these tips will help you get some more shut yet until your baby’s development allows for longer stretches of sleep.
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