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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. 🤍
Postpartum Mental Health Disorders and When to Seek Help
Postpartum mental health is something that so many people quietly struggle with, yet it is still one of the most misunderstood parts of the fourth trimester. After birth, you are adjusting to your new body, your new baby, your new routine and your new identity. It is a lot, and while it is completely normal to feel emotional or overwhelmed, there are times when things become heavier than the usual baby blues. As a doula, I see this often, and I want families to know they do n
Maighen
Dec 12, 20253 min read
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Understanding Different Pelvis Shapes and How They Can Affect Birth
Something that comes up a lot in birth work is the idea that your pelvis shape can determine how your birth unfolds. Many people hear things online or from friends and start wondering if their body is “built” for birth or if their pelvis will make things harder. The truth is that most people have no idea what type of pelvis they have, and even if they do, it rarely changes the overall plan for their birth. But learning about pelvis shapes can still be helpful because it can g
Maighen
Dec 10, 20252 min read
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What to Expect at Your Hospital Birth and How Long You Might Stay
Walking into the hospital in labour can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Even if you have read all the books or watched every video, there is something about actually arriving that makes everything feel very real. Knowing what to expect can make the whole experience feel calmer, more grounded and a lot less intimidating. Every hospital and every birth is different, but there are a few things that most people can expect when they give birth in a hospital setting. Wh
Maighen
Dec 8, 20253 min read
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Affordable Birth Control in Strathroy, London and Middlesex
Birth control should be accessible, uncomplicated, and affordable, but for a lot of people, the cost can feel overwhelming. The good news is that if you live in Strathroy Caradoc or the London Middlesex area, there are actually some great options for low-cost and even free birth control. I wanted to put everything in one place so you can find what works for your budget and your body without stressing about where to start. One of the best resources in our area is the Middlesex
Maighen
Dec 5, 20252 min read
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The Truth About Red Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy
Red raspberry leaf tea is one of those things people hear about all the time during pregnancy. Some swear by it, some are scared of it, and others are completely confused because every website says something different. So let’s talk about what it actually does, what it does not do, and why it is not the magical labour starter people make it out to be. Red raspberry leaf tea has been used for generations in different cultures and traditions, mostly as a uterine toner. The idea
Maighen
Dec 3, 20252 min read
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Understanding Pregnancy Tests: False Negatives, False Positives and Everything in Between
Pregnancy tests seem so simple. You pee on a stick, and it tells you yes or no. But anyone who has ever tried to conceive or has been surprised by a pregnancy knows it is rarely that straightforward. There are so many things that can affect the accuracy of a test, including timing hormones, individual cycles and even twin pregnancies, which can make testing a little more confusing than people expect. Most people take a pregnancy test around the time their period is due. That
Maighen
Dec 1, 20253 min read
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When Hospitals Ignore Black Women: Why These Stories Matter and Why I’m Speaking Up
Lately I’ve been seeing more and more stories of Black women being ignored in labour, brushed off when they’re clearly in pain, or sent home when they should have been admitted. And honestly, as a doula and as a woman, it makes me sick. This isn’t rare, and it isn’t new, but seeing it all happen publicly makes it impossible to pretend it isn’t happening every single day behind closed doors. One story that broke me was about a mother in Indiana who went to the hospital in acti
Maighen
Nov 28, 20253 min read
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Pregnancy and Nutrition: What You Can Actually Eat and What to Avoid
Nutrition in pregnancy can feel overwhelming because everyone has an opinion, and every Google search leads you somewhere different. One person says pineapple will make you go into labour, another says you cannot eat seafood at all, and someone else swears you should only eat organic everything. It gets confusing really fast. The truth is that pregnancy nutrition does not need to be stressful. Most foods are completely safe, and your body is incredibly good at telling you wha
Maighen
Nov 26, 20252 min read
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Do Doulas Need to Be Certified? What You Should Really Know
One of the questions I get asked all the time is whether doulas have to be certified to practice. The short answer is no. Doulas do not need to be certified to support families, and certification is not what makes someone a good doula. What matters most is experience, compassion, communication, and the ability to show up for families in a steady, grounded and knowledgeable way. But there is another side to this conversation that is worth talking about, because certification c
Maighen
Nov 24, 20252 min read
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Rising Cesarean Rates and the Pressure to Deliver Before the Holidays
Something I’ve noticed more and more over the years, especially as a doula, is how often people feel pressured into birth interventions that weren’t part of their plan. One of the most common examples is being pushed toward a cesarean birth or an induction that leads to one — and it tends to happen even more often around the holidays. It’s heartbreaking, because for many families these decisions aren’t being made because there’s a true medical emergency. Instead, they’re made
Maighen
Nov 21, 20252 min read
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How to Dress Your Newborn for Changing Temperatures
Bringing home a newborn in the middle of changing seasons can make you second-guess every outfit choice. You want to keep your baby cozy without overheating them, and it can be a fine balance to find. The simple rule of thumb is that your baby usually needs one more layer than you’re wearing. If you’re comfortable in a long sleeve, your baby might need a sleeper and a light blanket. If you’re adding a sweater or jacket, your baby may need an extra layer too. As the Canadian w
Maighen
Nov 19, 20252 min read
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Hospital vs. Home Birth: Why Doulas Belong at Both
One of the biggest misconceptions about doula care is that doulas are only for people having home births. It is something I hear a lot. Many people think that if they are giving birth in a hospital, they will already have all the support they need from nurses and doctors. The truth is, doulas are not there to replace your medical team. We are there to support you, help you feel informed, and make sure your voice is heard no matter where you give birth. In reality, most of the
Maighen
Nov 17, 20252 min read
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How Overnight Support Can Change Your Postpartum Recovery
Bringing a new baby home is one of the most beautiful and overwhelming experiences a family can have. The nights can feel long, the emotions can run high, and exhaustion can creep in quickly. This is where postpartum overnight support can make a world of difference. As a postpartum doula, my goal is to help families rest, recover, and adjust to their new rhythm. Overnight support allows parents to get the sleep they need to heal and show up for their baby with more patience,
Maighen
Nov 14, 20253 min read
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The Importance of Having a Backup Doula
When you hire a doula, you’re choosing someone to walk beside you through one of the most personal and important experiences of your life. The connection between a doula and their client is built on trust, care, and understanding. It’s also built on preparation. One part of that preparation is making sure there is a backup doula available — someone who can step in if life happens and your primary doula cannot attend your birth or postpartum time. Having a backup doula doesn’t
Maighen
Nov 12, 20253 min read
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Photography Services in London, Ontario
Photography has always been one of my favourite ways to tell a story. Whether it’s capturing a quiet moment after birth, a branding shoot for a local business, or a family milestone, my goal is always to create images that feel real, emotional, and true to the moment. I offer a variety of photography services in and around London, Ontario, that reflect the many ways people want to remember the seasons of their lives. My Photography Services My photography work includes a mix
Maighen
Nov 10, 20253 min read
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The Positive Impact of Doula Support
One of the things I love most about being a doula is seeing how powerful our support can be for families. There’s a growing body of research that shows having a doula can make a real difference during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They reflect families feeling calmer, more confident, and supported through one of life’s biggest transitions. The numbers are really impressive. Studies show that doula support can reduce cesarean rates by
Maighen
Nov 8, 20252 min read
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What Does a Doula Do?
When people hear the word “doula,” they usually think of birth, but doula work extends far beyond that. Doulas support people through some of life’s biggest transitions, offering care that’s emotional, physical, and deeply personal. The heart of doula work is about presence, compassion, and helping people feel supported and seen. No matter what season of life they’re in. A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Maighen
Nov 6, 20252 min read
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How Much Does a Doula Cost and Why
One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How much does a doula cost?” It’s an important question and something I think every family should feel comfortable asking. The truth is, doula support can look different for everyone, and prices often reflect the time, care, and experience that each doula brings to their work. In most cases, birth doula services range anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 . Some doulas who are newer or still certifying may offer lower rates as they
Maighen
Nov 6, 20253 min read
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What Is a Death Doula?
If you’ve heard the term “death doula” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Most people are familiar with birth doulas, who support families as they welcome new life into the world, but a death doula offers support at the other end of life’s journey. The work is just as sacred, and it’s something I’ve felt deeply drawn to. I’ll be taking my death doula training in the future, and I wanted to share a little about what this kind of care looks like and why it matters to
Maighen
Nov 4, 20252 min read
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The Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula
If you’re expecting a baby, you might have heard both “midwife” and “doula” and wondered what the difference really is. Both play important roles in supporting families through pregnancy and birth, but they do very different things. Understanding the difference can help you decide what kind of support feels right for you. A midwife is a medical professional who provides clinical care before, during, and after birth. They monitor the health of both parent and baby, manage lab
Maighen
Nov 3, 20252 min read
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