National Baby Co
Why Should My Daughter Hire a Doula?

As a chiropractor, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with moms through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the body can be when it’s aligned, supported, and trusted — and how easily that power can be overshadowed in a modern medical system that often prioritizes efficiency and control over intuition and connection.

But my story with birth actually started long before I became a chiropractor. My first experience with birth was at 12 years old in a bathtub with my mom + dad, (both also chiropractors), as my mom gave birth to my youngest sibling… with no midwife present. The midwife didn’t make it in time. It was just my mom, my dad, and me- and I watched in awe as my mother, who had once been told she could never have children, brought her fourth baby into the world naturally, in a bathtub, through the power of chiropractic and innate intelligence. That moment changed me forever.

So when I speak about the body’s wisdom and the natural process of birth, it’s not theoretical — I’ve lived it. I’ve seen how alignment, trust, and support create safety and strength in one of the most sacred experiences of life

Why Should My Daughter Hire a Doula?
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
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Breastfeeding Ain't Easy

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We hear a lot about how wonderful and magical and beautiful breastfeeding is. We hear about the benefits to mom and baby, the cost effectiveness, and the incredible bond it can form. 

What we don't often hear about or talk about is how challenging it can really be. We don't hear about the sleepless nights, the cracked nipples, being attached to your kid 24/7 through a growth spurt. 

We believe and amplify the glamour, but shy away from the messy.

Well, I'm here to tell you that if breastfeeding was or is a challenge for you, you are not alone!

Doulas of Orange County recently posted the following picture on our Instagram feed and the response was surprising to say the least. 

Fathers Day in Orange County

In our line of work we meet a lot of families and it is our belief that the significance of the role of FATHER in our society often goes unnoticed or is under appreciated. But here at Doulas of Orange County the yearly celebration and recognition of Fathers is one of our favorite days of the year! It is a day to honor the uniqueness, strength, and dedication of each dad, granddad, step-dad, and dad-to-be... and really, what could be better than that?!

There are so many fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Dads but this year we want to encourage you to think beyond the BBQs, the tools and the ties. Here are a few of our favorite ways to show your love & appreciation to the amazing dad in your life...

Guys Night Out

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Staying connected with friends after a baby arrives can be tough, especially if said friends don't have kids of their own. Dynamics change, schedules change and loyalties change. Saturday nights used to bring a night out with the guys... now it's Netflix and lights out by 10pm. Sometimes a guy just needs a night out with his man friends. A night to relax, drink some beers and let the worries of being a dad fade into the background for a few hours.

What guy wouldn't love opening a card with a coupon for Guys Night Out?! Tuesday Trivia Night at Kitsch Bar is always a blast or have him check out one of the many OC breweries.

Outdoor Adventures

It's no secret that most men enjoy activities that involve the outdoors!  Here are a few options if the guy in your life is always on the move and in search of adventure.

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Plan a family outing that includes a hike to Holy Jim Falls, complete with a packed picnic. This Trabuca Canyon favorite is kid-friendly and a great way to get the whole family's hearts pumping! Hearty sandwiches and an ice cold beer near a waterfall? Yes please! 

Gift your man with a deep sea fishing excursion! There is no shortage of incredible oceanic options here in Orange County. We recommend a half or full day trip with Davey's Locker out of Newport Beach! Make it a family affair or send him along with 1 or 2 of the guys... either way, it's bound to be a blast!

If he's a sports enthusiast, the Friends & Family Fun Pack is a must for any Angels fan!

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Dads of OC

Give Dad a special dose of bonding time at our Dads of OC park hangs! Here he'll meet other Orange County dads, get some Vitamin D and enjoy some interactive play time with the kiddos. Kids aged 0-10 are welcome to come along and there will be a play mat with interactive toys for the little ones. Held at 9:30am on the third Saturday of the month at Mariners Park in Newport Beach. Dads, you bring the kids, we'll bring the coffee and donuts! Registration is required and available on our website. 

 

Kid-Free Date Night

The challenges of parenthood are bound to put a strain on even the strongest of marriages. There is so much change in such a short period of time and while as individuals we learn and grow, sometimes as a couple, we drift apart. We know a lot of men (and women) who just crave some alone time with their partner to laugh and reconnect without distractions.

Plan a sexy date night just for the two of you. Arrange a sitter or send the kids to the grandparents house and treat your man (and yourself!) to a kid-free night on the town. Take him to his favorite restaurant, go wine tasting, enjoy a Duffy ride around Balboa Island, or book a room and a couples massage at the Ritz! 

The day of the date send him sexy, flirty texts to remind him how excited you are for some quality time with your boo. 

Something from the Littles

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Include the kids in spreading the love and appreciation of their dad by having them complete a craft or an art project. Whether their version of a family portrait, a finger painting, or clay handprints, memorialize it in a frame for him to cherish forever. 

 

 

Whatever Father's Day plans you make, we are certain that the love and thoughtfulness you put into it will make it a great day! Cheers to all you Dads out there! 

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Confident Birth :: A Childbirth Class Unlike Any Other

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When you think of birth classes what automatically comes to mind?

Maybe you picture a bunch of pregnant women and their partners sitting on the floor with pillows doing their "hee-hee hoos." Maybe the word "Lamaze" pops into your head. Maybe you think of watching a graphic video of childbirth.

The idea of a group of expectant couples gathered to breathe, watch birth videos and talk about their fears and feelings could bring anyone to a halt when registering for a class. It's something that a lot of people reluctantly sign up for simply because it's recommended by their OBGYN or because they themselves consider it some sort of "rite of passage."

I can see why people might feel this way. These are some of the same thoughts I had before becoming a Childbirth Educator. I couldn't understand what the value of childbirth class was, especially when based on my own experiences as a Doula, each birth is so different. How could one class prepare each individual person for the type of birth they wanted or envisioned?

My tune changed pretty quickly after becoming a Childbirth Educator and I started to teach classes of my own. My goal in becoming an educator in the first place was not only to add to my skills as a professional Doula, but so I could help educate my clients and community in an unbiased way.

Too often I had clients come to me with misinformation or information clearly biased towards unmedicated birth. Too often did I have women feeling embarrassed or shamed by the choices they had made for their birth. Too often was their a feeling of disappointment in the room when the birth didn't unfold perfectly like the birth plan dictated.

What about the women who wanted an epidural?

What about the people who faced an induction and all they had been taught was that inductions were unnecessary or wrong?

What about those who were faced with a decision to have a cesarean birth?

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Lessons on Compassion from "Call the Midwife"

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There's nothing like a good Netflix binge to help calm the mind and reset the body for the week ahead. I've had a particularly rough week emotionally, so when Sunday rolled around with it's rainy OC weather and nothing on my to-do list, I figured what better time to catch up on "Call the Midwife!"

For those that are unfamiliar, "Call the Midwife" is a PBS show all about midwifery care in the 1950s and 60s. It is a beautiful show that portrays the dramatic ups and downs of midwifery, birth, life, and death in the impoverished East End of London. Each episode is guaranteed to tug at the heart strings. 

In episode two of the fifth season, there is an interesting commentary on breastfeeding vs. formula feeding with a beautiful lesson on listening to an individual mothers needs and desires.

Without going into too much detail (because really, if you aren't watching this show yet, you should!!) one of the midwives is extremely vocal of her disapproval of formula feeding. Keep in mind that formula was a new phenomenon in the 1960s and that some people could barely afford to put food on the table. Sister Evangelina, the notoriously vocal midwife touts the benefits of breast milk as being the perfect food for baby and bonus, it's free! 

As a Birth & Postpartum Doula, I of course, know her views to be valid and correct from a logical standpoint, but I cringed at the words she used and the attitude she portrayed, essentially poo-pooing anyone who dared challenge her expertise and views. 

Fast forward to a mom struggling to breastfeed and this same midwife (while encouraging her to keep trying), dismisses her fears and the pain breastfeeding was causing her. It took bleeding nipples and a full emotional breakdown for the midwife to finally admit that she was wrong and that formula was NOT, in fact, evil. 

The Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts for a New Mom

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14th 2017. We love that there is a day set aside to celebrate and honor Motherhood! You may have a spouse, family member or friend that is celebrating their First Mother’s Day this year and you’re scrambling to find the perfect gift to show you care.  

We did a roundup of our Top 10 ideas to gift the new mom in your life. 

Image Source:: The Bee and The Fox

Image Source:: The Bee and The Fox

1) Matching Shirts for Mom and Baby

We can’t even handle the adorable matching shirts offered over at The Bee and the Fox. Don’t worry these aren’t cheesy in the least. Or maybe they are; but we love them anyhow! Their Mama Bird shirt and Baby Bird onesie is enough to make any new mom’s heart sing with joy. This local OC company is based out of San Clemente, CA. Pro tip: snap a pic to document the dynamic duo together in their new tees.

2) Breakfast in Bed

This is the perfect gift from mom’s partner. Prepare some homemade pancakes, fresh fruit, organic eggs, coffee and a few hand picked flowers to present to her in bed. Offer to hold your little one so she can eat with two hands and truly relax. Snuggle up to enjoy some quality time together and soak in the beautiful fact that you're a family.

3) The Gift of Rest

Oh sleep, the most desired and loved pastime of any new mom. The gift of rest can be provided in a myriad of ways. Pop some lavender essential oil in the diffuser, go on a walk with the baby while mom takes a long nap in silence. If you want mom to wake up feeling refreshed and renewed this Mother’s Day, gift her in home, overnight care with a Postpartum Doula.

Image Source:: Nia Tudor

Image Source:: Nia Tudor

4) Watercolor Family Illustration

This custom family portrait by artist Nia Tudor is a unique and thoughtful gift that any mom would love. It's as easy as sending in a family photograph and Nia will paint a creative representation to hang on your wall for years to come. 

5) Day out with Friends

Let’s be real. Motherhood sometimes can be very isolating as a new mom finds their rhythm and transitions into life with a baby. There is nothing more refreshing than a day out with friends. Set up a lunch at her favorite spot with all the friends that make her smile. Local to Orange County? Cafe Gratitude in newport beach is delightful restaurant that we can’t get enough of!

6) In Home Spa

While a new mom needs pampering, she also wants to be with the one that made her a mom; her child. Bring the spa to her! Think aromatherapy, music, massage, face mask and a long soak featuring an herbal bath blend for mom and baby such as this blend from Mountain Rose Herbs.

7) Mom in the Frame

Snap a candid photo of mom and baby and gift it to her in a lovely frame. Moms are often are busy documenting their baby and those around them, that they forget to step in the shot. This will show that you value their bond and it will be treasured for years to come. Bonus points; schedule a lifestyle photoshoot documenting the small, yet meaningful moments in motherhood.

8) Rose Gold Bar Necklace

We adore this sweet and minimalist hand stamped necklace from The Silver Wren. You can customize this rose gold necklace to feature get the baby’s initials, the word mama or another endearing sentiment.

9) Date Night    

A date night for mom and her partner often doesn’t get on the calendar often during the first year. This is a perfect gift for anyone in mom’s life to set up. As the friend or family member you can offer to babysit and send the lovebirds off for a dinner together. We all know she’ll be missing the baby after 30 minutes, but hey… a 30 minute date is still appreciated! If baby is quite young, set up an in home date to experience and enjoy with baby in tow. Rent a movie and order takeout of her choice while enjoying a quiet evening as a family.

10) A Craft from Baby  

A heartfelt craft “created and signed” by baby is always a sure winner. Some ideas are a mold of tiny handprints, a handmade card, finger painting or a custom coffee mug with baby's photo! I have the cheesy mug and drink from it daily, true story. 

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We hope you enjoyed our Mother's Day 2017 Gift Guide for first time moms!