DOC Team, Local OC Resources, Postpartum
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Real Postpartum Care for San Diego Families

Postpartum is a threshold. It’s not just the weeks and months following birth, but a full-body, full-heart transformation. It’s where the real work of becoming a parent happens. There’s nothing linear or polished about it. Some days feel like honey and skin-to-skin bliss. Others feel like cracked nipples, too many half-drunk cups of coffee, and wondering if anyone remembered to eat.

This is the dance of early parenthood: fierce love mixed with sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and the kind of tired that seeps into your bones.

That’s where we come in.

At Doulas of Orange County, our postpartum doulas offer steady, evidence-based, deeply human support for families across San Diego County — whether you need help during the day, overnight, or 24/7 live-in care. We come in with warm hands, sharp instincts, and the experience to help your family soften into this new season.

Let’s talk about what postpartum care really looks like — and why it changes everything.

Real Postpartum Care for San Diego Families
Postpartum, Our Favorites, Motherhood, Newborns
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Postpartum Recovery After Twins: What You Need ...

So, you’ve brought two babies into this world. First of all, you’re a superhero—no doubt about it. But let’s get real for a second: postpartum recovery after twins is not the same as recovering from a single birth. It’s double the diapers, double the feedings, double the sleepless nights—and sometimes, double the discomfort. Your body just did an incredible, exhausting, miraculous thing. Now, it's time to heal, recover, and find yourself again in the whirlwind of having two newborns at home.

It’s important to remember, you’re not just healing from birth. You’re also adjusting to a new life with two precious babies. And while there’s a lot of joy, there’s also a lot of messiness that nobody really prepares you for. Let’s break down what you really need to know about postpartum recovery after twins!

Postpartum Recovery After Twins: What You Need to Know
Local OC Resources, Our Favorites, Pregnancy
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Our Favorite Spots For a Pre-Baby Date Night in ...

As your due date nears, the reality of impending parenthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. You may be getting nervous or have anxiety around when you’ll go into labor. You may be stressing about getting the nursery ready or finalizing details for your maternity leave. That’s why planning and enjoying a big night out can provide a special opportunity to unwind, connect, and relish your partner’s company before your baby’s arrival takes center stage. I always encourage clients to schedule a “no holds barred” date night around 37 or 38 weeks - it’s a chance to take a deep breath, enjoy some quality time together, and remind yourselves why you’re a great team. Orange County offers an array of high-end, memorable spots to make this final pre-baby date night one for the books.

Our Favorite Spots For a Pre-Baby Date Night in Orange County
Motherhood, Newborns, Postpartum, DOC Team, Birth Planning
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
The Magical Golden Hour

In the quiet hush of the labor & delivery room, where the air is charged with anticipation and the scent of earthiness and birthyness, a new chapter in your life unfolds. The rhythmic cadence of your breath is mirrored by the gentle whispers of your doula, a reassuring presence in this oh so sacred moment. The culmination of nine months… maybe more, leads to this: the first hour with your newborn.

The Magical Golden Hour
Pregnancy, Parenting, Newborns, Our Favorites, Birth Planning
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
A Doula's Eco Friendly Baby Registry

When I was selecting items for my baby registry, it was really important to me to not go overboard. As a doula of 14 years, I’ve seen families get overwhelmed with the amount of stuff in their homes and nurseries and I knew I wanted to keep things on the simpler side. I also wanted to be mindful of the impact on not only the environment, but also my baby’s microbiome - which meant finding a lot of eco-friendly products to keep waste down and keep our home as “low tox” as possible. Here you’ll find some of my favorite sustainable and most useful items that I registered for.

A Doula's Eco Friendly Baby Registry
, ,

Real Postpartum Care for San Diego Families

, ,
Real Postpartum Care for San Diego Families

Postpartum is a threshold. It’s not just the weeks and months following birth, but a full-body, full-heart transformation. It’s where the real work of becoming a parent happens. There’s nothing linear or polished about it. Some days feel like honey and skin-to-skin bliss. Others feel like cracked nipples, too many half-drunk cups of coffee, and wondering if anyone remembered to eat.

This is the dance of early parenthood: fierce love mixed with sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and the kind of tired that seeps into your bones.

That’s where we come in.

At Doulas of Orange County, our postpartum doulas offer steady, evidence-based, deeply human support for families across San Diego County — whether you need help during the day, overnight, or 24/7 live-in care. We come in with warm hands, sharp instincts, and the experience to help your family soften into this new season.

Let’s talk about what postpartum care really looks like — and why it changes everything.

,

Welcoming A Baby in Spring; a Slow Unfolding

,
Welcoming A Baby in Spring; a Slow Unfolding

Spring is here—the days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and there's a gentle nudge in the air to move, do, bloom.
And yet… you're in the newborn bubble.

Tender. Tired. Raw. Deep in the sacred cocoon of postpartum.

If you're feeling pulled between the outward energy of the season and the inward need for healing and bonding, you're not alone. This season of your life doesn’t have to fight against spring's energy—it can blend with it, if you approach it with care, intention, and grace.

Let’s talk about how to honor your body and bond with your baby, while gently attuning to the light and life that spring brings.

, ,

Don't Tell Anyone I Hired a Sleep Coach

, ,
Don't Tell Anyone I Hired a Sleep Coach

"My friends would judge me if they knew.”

"I'm embarrassed that I had to ask for help."

"I'm afraid people will think I'm a bad mom."

What do these statements have in common?

They're all phrases I've heard from sleep coaching clients. And they are all surrounded in fear of judgment.

Most people who have chosen to sleep train their baby (regardless of the method they chose) will tell you how it saved their sanity, but they may also share that the process can be a little (or a lot) nerve wrecking. From shame surrounding their need for help, to a fear of being judged, to being unsure if it will work; parents who choose to sleep train, often have to overcome a few hurdles of their own. 

We all know that parenting is hard. No one tells you just how difficult it can be, especially when you're sleep-deprived, trying to keep it all together, and doing your best to be the perfect parent. But here's the thing: no one is perfect, and asking for help doesn't make you any less of a good parent. In fact, it shows strength, wisdom, and the desire to do what's best for both you and your baby.

When it comes to sleep training, it’s not simply about getting your baby to sleep through the night… although, that’s often a primary goal… it's about reclaiming your peace of mind, restoring your energy, and giving yourself the space to be a better, more present parent. Yet, despite all the benefits, there's still a huge stigma surrounding sleep training.

Why? Because there’s this belief that asking for help means you’ve failed. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

, ,

Using Carrot Benefits for a Night Doula in Orange County

, ,

Bringing home a newborn is no joke. You’re exhausted, recovering from birth, running on fumes, and trying to figure out how to keep a tiny human alive while also keeping yourself somewhat functional. I know that might sound bleak, but the amazing thing is - there is hope. You don’t have to navigate postpartum alone. If your employer offers Carrot benefits, you may be able to use them to pay for overnight postpartum doula support. That means you get some actual sleep while a professional doula helps care for you and your baby. Yes, it’s a real thing. And yes, it’s worth every penny (especially when it’s covered).

How to Cope with Bed Rest During a Twin Pregnancy: Tips from a Doula

How to Cope with Bed Rest During a Twin Pregnancy: Tips from a Doula

So, your doctor has just uttered the dreaded words: “You need to go on bed rest.” Whether it’s for a few weeks or the remainder of your pregnancy, bed rest can feel like a double-edged sword—especially when you’re pregnant with twins. On one hand, you’re doing everything to keep those babies safe and sound for as long as possible. On the other hand, it’s mentally and physically exhausting to be stuck in one place, day in and day out, while worrying about your sweet babies.