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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. 🤍
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Understanding Prenatal Mental Health and Hormones in Pregnancy
Prenatal mental health is one of those topics that everyone knows is important, but not enough people actually talk about. Pregnancy gets painted as this glowing, magical time, and yes, it absolutely can be beautiful. But it can also feel overwhelming, confusing, emotional and heavy in ways that sometimes catch you completely off guard. And honestly, none of that means anything is wrong with you. It means you’re human and you’re growing a whole person while your brain and hor
Maighen
Feb 182 min read
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The 5 S’s of Soothing Newborns: Why They Actually Work
If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with families as a doula across London, Strathroy-Caradoc and Sarnia, it’s that newborns are beautifully simple and completely complicated at the exact same time. People love to say, “babies just cry,” but when you’re the one pacing the hallway at 3 a.m. trying to figure out why your tiny human is losing their mind for the fifth time that night, those words aren’t exactly comforting. This is where the 5 S’s come in. You’ve probably he
Maighen
Feb 163 min read
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How to Tell If Your Partner Is Struggling With Postpartum Mental Health
Postpartum mental health conversations usually centre around the birthing parent, and for good reason, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who struggle. Partners often slip through the cracks because they feel they have to be the strong one, the calm one, the rock everyone can lean on. And when someone is busy holding up the whole house, it’s amazing how quietly their own foundation can start to crack. I’ve seen it more times than you’d expect during my work as a doul
Maighen
Feb 133 min read
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Understanding Neonatal Vaccines and Why They Matter
Talking about neonatal vaccines can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re freshly postpartum, exhausted, and trying to make decisions with a newborn in your arms. There is so much information online, some accurate and some not so accurate, and it can leave parents feeling confused about what’s actually important in those first hours and days. So I want to keep this simple, gentle, and real, because your baby’s health matters and so does your confidence as a new parent. Wh
Maighen
Feb 113 min read
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Bridging Modern and Traditional Practices in Pregnancy and Postpartum
There’s something so fascinating about pregnancy and postpartum care when you step back and look at it from a wider lens. On one hand, we’re living in an age of incredible medical knowledge, research, and technology. On the other hand, some of the most grounding, effective, and nurturing practices come from traditions that have been lived, shared, and passed down for centuries. It’s not an either/or situation. In fact, I find that the most supported families are the ones who
Maighen
Feb 93 min read
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Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Blood pressure in pregnancy isn’t just another routine check box. It’s one of the most important indicators of how your body is coping with the huge changes of pregnancy, and it can offer early signs of conditions that affect birthing people all over the world. When I support families, this is something we talk about often because understanding your own body truly is empowering. Most people have heard the word preeclampsia, but very few are taught what it actually means. Pree
Maighen
Feb 63 min read
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Where Should the Fundus Be Postpartum? Understanding What’s Normal
One of the biggest surprises people experience after giving birth is how much attention their stomach suddenly gets. You spend hours (or days) bringing a baby into the world, and just when you think you can finally breathe, someone presses down on your abdomen with the confidence of a chef checking rising dough. If you’ve ever flinched, gasped or mentally screamed during a postpartum uterine check, you’re definitely not alone. But there’s a reason for it, and understanding th
Maighen
Feb 44 min read
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Why Vitamins, Supplements, and Nutrition Really Matter in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Nutrition in pregnancy and postpartum is one of those topics that everyone has an opinion on, yet somehow no one really explains in a way that feels grounding or simple. You probably hear things like “just take a prenatal” or “make sure you’re eating enough,” but that barely scratches the surface of what your body is actually doing. Growing and nourishing a baby, and then recovering afterward, is a huge metabolic and emotional load. Your body needs support, and that’s where g
Maighen
Feb 23 min read
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Supporting You Through Every Step of Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum in London, Strathroy Caradoc, and Sarnia
There is nothing I love more than supporting families through the entire arc of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Now that I’m officially certified in all the areas I have been training toward, I’ve been reflecting on how beautifully my services connect. It’s not just one moment or one type of care. It’s a full circle of support designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re in London, Strathroy Caradoc, Sarnia, or nearby areas, I’m here to walk with you through the entir
Maighen
Jan 303 min read
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