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Welcome to
the Blog
Welcome to the blog. I’m really glad you’re here.
This space is where I share thoughts, research, stories, and honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything that comes with becoming and being a parent. You’ll find posts about the science behind our bodies, the emotional parts of the journey that don’t get talked about enough, and practical support for navigating pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby.
Some posts will be educational, some will be personal, and some will simply be things I wish more families were told. My hope is that when you leave here, you feel a little more informed, a little more supported, and a little less alone in whatever season you’re in.
Take a look around, read what resonates with you, and come back anytime. 🤍
Why Am I So Tired During Pregnancy? Understanding Pregnancy Fatigue
At some point during pregnancy a lot of people end up Googling the same question. Why am I so tired during pregnancy? And honestly… if you’re asking that, you are very much not alone. Pregnancy fatigue is one of the most common symptoms people experience, especially in the first trimester and again toward the end of pregnancy. But because everyone talks so much about nausea or cravings, the level of exhaustion can sometimes catch people completely off guard. Many people descr
Maighen
2 days ago3 min read
What Is Postpartum Hemorrhage? Signs, Causes, and When to Get Help After Birth
Bleeding after birth is something every postpartum parent experiences, but sometimes the amount of bleeding people expect and what is actually normal can feel confusing. Which is why many people eventually end up asking the same question. What is postpartum hemorrhage? Or sometimes the question comes up in a slightly different way, like wondering how much bleeding after birth is too much, or when it might be time to call a healthcare provider. Postpartum hemorrhage is not som
Maighen
4 days ago3 min read
How Can Dads Prepare for a New Baby? A Real Guide for New Fathers
If you are expecting a baby, chances are at some point you have asked yourself (or google) how you're going to adjust to becoming a parent. How can dads prepare for a new baby? And honestly, it is a great question. A lot of pregnancy information tends to focus on the person carrying the baby, which makes sense because their body is doing a lot of the work. But becoming a parent is something that happens to both people. And many dads want to know how they can actually prepare,
Maighen
6 days ago4 min read
How Long Do You Bleed After Giving Birth? Understanding Postpartum Lochia
One of the most Googled postpartum questions is also one of the things people talk about the least. You leave the hospital with a newborn, a diaper bag, and suddenly you realize something no one really explained in detail. You are still bleeding. Which leads a lot of parents straight to Google typing something like: How long do you bleed after giving birth? The short answer is that postpartum bleeding, called lochia, usually lasts around four to six weeks after birth. But li
Maighen
Mar 273 min read
Are Birth and Postpartum Doulas Regulated in Ontario? What Families Should Know
You would be surprised how often this question comes up when people start looking for support during pregnancy or postpartum. People are researching, scrolling through websites, comparing services, and then they end up Googling something like: Are birth and postpartum doulas regulated in Ontario? The short answer is no. Doulas are not currently regulated in Ontario in the same way that professions like midwives, nurses, or doctors are. But that answer alone does not really ex
Maighen
Mar 254 min read
How to Adjust to Life With a Newborn (What No One Really Tells You)
If you have recently brought a baby home, or you are preparing to, there is a good chance you have typed something like this into Google at some point. How do you adjust to life with a newborn? And honestly… it is a fair question. Because everyone talks about the baby shower, the nursery, the tiny clothes, and the excitement of meeting your baby. But the part where your entire life shifts overnight? That part tends to get glossed over. Bringing a newborn home is beautiful, em
Maighen
Mar 254 min read
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy? A Conversation About Early Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy tests are wild when you think about it. One tiny line can change everything in a matter of seconds. People stare at it, hold it up to the light, send pictures to friends, Google what a faint line means, and suddenly their brain is running a hundred miles ahead. And sometimes that excitement is followed by a question that many people have never even heard before. What is a chemical pregnancy? A chemical pregnancy is a very early pregnancy loss that happens shortly af
Maighen
Mar 234 min read
All Things Postpartum Preeclampsia: symptoms, longevity, and more
Postpartum is already a weird time. Your body just did something huge, you are barely sleeping, your hormones are doing backflips, and suddenly there are a million things you are supposed to monitor about both your baby and yourself. One thing that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough though is postpartum preeclampsia . Most people think preeclampsia is something that only happens during pregnancy. But the truth is it can also develop after birth , sometimes days or even we
Maighen
Mar 203 min read
New Research Shows Ovaries Are Connected to the Nervous System (Here’s Why It Matters)
Every once in a while, a study comes out that makes people pause and say, wait… how did we not know this already? That’s kind of what’s been happening recently with new research showing that the ovaries have more complex neural pathways than we previously understood. In simple terms, scientists are learning that the ovaries are not just passive hormone producers responding to signals from the brain. They are connected to the nervous system in more direct and dynamic ways than
Maighen
Mar 183 min read
When Teeth Happen. A Real-Deal Guide to Teething Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk about teething. Because at some point your sweet, gummy-smiled baby suddenly wakes up chewing on their own fist with the determination of a beaver and you’re thinking oh great here we go. Teething is one of those classic parenting experiences everyone warns you about but somehow no one explains in a way that actually feels helpful. It’s either horror stories or “my baby didn’t even notice,” and you’re left sitting there with drool down your shirt wondering which un
Maighen
Mar 163 min read
Starting Solids Without Losing Your Mind
Okay so let’s talk about starting solids for a second, because somehow this one milestone turns into a full blown parenting panic. One minute you’re feeding your baby milk and trying to survive the newborn stage, and the next minute people start asking “have you started solids yet?” in that tone that makes it feel like you’re already behind. Then the opinions start rolling in. Someone says babies should start at four months. Someone else swears it has to be six months. Someo
Maighen
Mar 134 min read
Walking Into the NICU for the First Time and What Ontario Parents Should Know
Stepping into the NICU for the very first time can feel like your entire world shifts in a single breath. Even if you had a sense things might take this turn, nothing fully prepares you for the reality of bright lights, soft beeps and tiny babies cradled in equipment that looks more complicated than a spaceship. If you are a new parent in Ontario, the NICU you walk into will likely follow very similar standard practices across the province, but every family’s experience is st
Maighen
Mar 113 min read
The Quiet Heroes Behind Human Milk Donation and Why Their Gift Matters More Than Most People Realize
Human milk donation is one of those topics that floats quietly in the background until you need it. It’s not flashy. It’s not widely talked about. And yet it’s one of the most generous, life-changing gifts a person can give. I work with parents every day, and I can tell you with complete certainty that donors are some of the unsung heroes of the postpartum world. Most people imagine donation as something complicated or clinical, but it’s usually as simple as a lactating paren
Maighen
Mar 93 min read
The Truth About Young Parents and Why They Deserve More Support, Not Judgment
Young parents get judged more than almost any other group in the perinatal world, and honestly, it breaks my heart. I’ve supported teens, twenty-somethings, and first time parents who happen to look young, and the amount of assumptions thrown at them is exhausting. People see age and instantly decide they know your story, your maturity level, your financial situation, or how good of a parent you’ll be. And none of that is fair or accurate. Being a young parent doesn’t mean yo
Maighen
Mar 62 min read
Circumcision in Ontario What Parents Should Know Before Deciding
Circumcision is one of those topics that comes up all the time in prenatal visits, birth classes, and even casual conversations with expecting parents. People whisper about it like it’s taboo, but honestly, it’s just one more parenting decision, and you deserve clear, calm, shame free information. My job as a doula isn’t to sway you one way or the other. It’s to help you understand the facts so you can make the choice that feels right for your family. Your baby, your values,
Maighen
Mar 43 min read
The Many Modalities of Doula Work and Why We Support More Than Just Birth
People are always surprised when they find out how many modalities of doula work exist. Most people hear the word doula and automatically think of birth support, but our work stretches into so many areas of life. Birth is just one chapter. For many doulas, the journey begins long before labour and continues well after the baby arrives. It’s why this work feels so holistic and deeply rooted in community care. There are fertility doulas, who support people trying to conceive th
Maighen
Mar 23 min read
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Birth Without Overthinking It
Packing your hospital bag is one of those things everyone puts off until later, but once it’s done, it suddenly makes everything feel real. I always tell my clients that your hospital bag doesn’t need to be Pinterest perfect. It just needs to hold things that help you feel safe, comforted, and prepared for the experience ahead. Birth is unpredictable, but feeling ready makes the whole process a lot calmer. Start with the basics. Comfortable clothes for after birth, toiletries
Maighen
Feb 273 min read
Why Your Pelvic Floor Matters More Than You Think in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pelvic floor health is one of those topics that everyone mentions but no one really explains, and honestly, it deserves way more attention. Your pelvic floor is working harder than ever during pregnancy and postpartum, and keeping it strong and supported can make a huge difference in your comfort, recovery, and overall well being. I talk about this often with my clients across London, Strathroy, and surrounding areas because it’s one of the foundations of feeling good in your
Maighen
Feb 253 min read
When Birth Plans Change and How to Prepare Yourself
Birth plans are such a beautiful way to set intentions and think through the experience you want, but one of the most important parts of preparing for birth is making space for flexibility. I always tell my clients that a birth plan isn’t a script your body has to follow. It’s a guide, a communication tool, and a way to get clear on your values. But every birth has its own personality, and sometimes things shift, slow down, speed up, or go in a completely different direction
Maighen
Feb 233 min read
What to Expect at Your 6-Week Postpartum Follow-Up
Your postpartum follow-up is one of those appointments no one really prepares you for, but it’s honestly such an important piece of your healing. While most families are so focused on feeding, sleep, diapers, and adjusting to life with a newborn, the postpartum visit sneaks up out of nowhere. But this appointment is really meant to check in on you, not just your body, but your overall well-being after such a huge life event. Timing can vary depending on your provider and your
Maighen
Feb 202 min read
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