Understanding fetal monitoring options can help you feel more in control of your birth experience. This guide breaks down continuous vs. intermittent monitoring, wireless options, and what to discuss with your provider.

Your uterus is one of the most powerful muscles in your body, designed to help you give birth efficiently. This blog explores how the uterus works during labor, the role of the Fetal Ejection Reflex, and why relaxation is key to a smoother birth experience.

Postpartum recovery is just as important as birth preparation. Learn how to plan for your healing, set boundaries with visitors, explore infant feeding options, and consider hiring a doula for postpartum support.

Experience compassionate, evidence-based support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with The Traverse City Doula. From hands-on labor techniques to guiding your birth team and postpartum care, we provide tailored support to ensure a confident and empowered journey into parenthood.

Discover expert advice from Jenn Carrier, MSN, FNP-C, CLC of Supported Starts on breastfeeding, bottle refusal, and lactation support. Learn how prenatal visits can set you up for success, when to seek professional help, and how a lactation counselor can guide you through feeding challenges. Read the full interview now!

Want to encourage a smoother, more supported birth? Oxytocin—the ‘love hormone’—plays a crucial role in labor progression, pain relief, and bonding with your baby. Discover practical ways to naturally boost oxytocin during labor for a more positive birth experience.

Helping your child adjust to a new sibling? This guide covers practical tips to ease the transition, foster connection, and prepare your little one for their new role.

Discover the beauty of everyday motherhood through documentary-style photography. No poses, no stress, just authentic moments filled with love, laughter, and real-life memories.

Decode the meaning behind your labor contractions with The Traverse City Doula's comprehensive guide. Learn what each stage of labor signals, how to manage contractions with breathing and positioning, and how expert doula support can help you navigate these powerful physical cues with confidence. Empower your birth journey today!

We’re excited to share an upcoming course from Jess Smith, the expert behind Tiny Triumphs in Traverse City, focused on targeting infant muscle asymmetries. Muscle imbalances are common in newborns and can impact your baby’s development if not addressed early on. In this course, Jess will guide parents through recognizing signs of muscle asymmetries and offer practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help support your baby's growth and motor skills. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to empower your baby’s development with targeted exercises!

Parenthood is easier with a village. Explore the role of family, friends, and professionals in supporting your journey, and join our Traverse City events like Forest Frolics and Village Vibes Momma Meetups to connect with others.

Capture the raw, real moments of your baby’s birth with a professional birth photographer. From the first cry to the quiet connection, these photos preserve memories you'll cherish forever. Here's why it's worth the investment.

This year has been an unforgettable whirlwind of beautiful births, heartfelt connections, and big milestones. From hospital VBACs to homebirth celebrations, watching parents advocate for the births they wanted was nothing short of inspiring. I also loved building community through Forest Frolics and Village Vibes Momma Meetups, where moms came together to laugh, connect, and strengthen their village.

The postpartum period is exciting, messy, and deserving of so much more attention than it often gets. It’s not just sleepless nights and endless diaper changes—it’s your body healing, your emotions recalibrating, and your entire world shifting.

New to parenthood? This guide on newborn procedures after birth covers essential first steps, from the Apgar score and delayed cord clamping to Vitamin K shots and newborn screenings. Empower yourself with knowledge about these routine newborn procedures so you can make informed choices for your baby’s health right from the start.

Learn how oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is crucial in labor progression. In this post, we explore natural ways to boost oxytocin, its benefits during labor, and how your partner can provide the right support through touch, comfort, and encouragement to keep labor moving smoothly. Discover tips for a calm, connected birth experience that enhances your body’s natural abilities!

Discover the power of embracing and celebrating birth stories. This post explores the importance of acknowledging your unique journey, processing emotions, and finding strength in every birth experience. Learn how honoring your story can bring healing, empowerment, and a deeper connection to the transformative process of birth.

Explore how a doula can elevate a birthing partner’s support game, empowering them with knowledge, confidence, and hands-on techniques. This guide dives into the ways doulas equip partners to provide emotional and physical support, helping create a connected, calming birth experience for everyone involved.

Creating a comfortable birth space can make a difference during labor, especially in a hospital setting. Simple touches like soft lighting, calming music, familiar scents, and positive affirmations can help transform a sterile room into a cozy, supportive environment. With the guidance of a doula, you can plan a space that feels more like home, giving you the comfort and confidence you need as you welcome your baby into the world.

Curious about birth photography? This post answers all your questions, from what moments are captured to how a birth photographer works discreetly in the delivery room. Learn how birth photography preserves the raw, beautiful journey of welcoming your baby.