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

Fall Family Fun in Orange County

It's October... and that means apple cider, Halloween costumes and pumpkin patches!

While the weather may not feel like it, Fall has arrived, and along with it some incredible family fun in Orange County. If you're looking for ways to get in the spirit of Fall while waiting for the heat to dissipate, we have a list of fun ideas for you and your family!

Fritter Fridays

If you haven't been to SideCar Donuts in Costa Mesa yet, NOW IS THE TIME TO GO! They have several seasonal treats available (all of which are scrumptious) but Fritter Fridays are the best! These delicious apple fritters are only served on Fridays and are made from scratch with Granny Smith apples and topped with a homemade apple cider glaze. Can you say YUMMM?!

Photo from @tawny via @sidecardoughnuts on Instagram

Photo from @tawny via @sidecardoughnuts on Instagram

Spooky Science Exhibit 

Educational fun is some of the best kind of fun! During the month of October the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana hosts Monster Academy, a spooky journey into science lessons that include creative play, making your own slime, and visiting Frankenstein's laboratory. 

Sooo Many Pumpkin Patches!

There is no shortage of interactive pumping patches here in Orange County! Tanaka Farms in Irvine, The Pumpkin Patch in Placentia, Enchanted Country in Brea, Johnson Brothers in Irvine, Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills and more. Pumpkin patches these days are more than just searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, many of them have rides, petting zoos, costume contests, and other attractions sure to keep your little one busy! Most of the patches listed here are open daily but check their individual websites for dates and times. 

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Knott's Spooky Farm

While Knott's Scary Farm may be too frightening for your littles, the park has great lots of family fun available for younger ages. Knott's Spooky Farm in Buena Park takes place on the weekends in October. Activities include trick-or-treating, costume contests, Halloween themed rides & attractions, and live shows. 

Great Park Balloon 

You may have noticed a different look on the Great Park balloon... in celebration of Halloween, the iconic orange balloon is decorated as a jack-o-lantern. Head to the Great Park in Irvine to take pictures with the balloon or spend $10 to ride on the balloon itself (children under 18 ride free with a paid adult). Don't forget to take a ride on the carousel as well!

Oktoberfest

Halloween fun isn't just for the kiddos. Enjoy a date night out and celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach. Their 2-For Deal is a steal! 2 Beers, 2 Brats, & 2 admission tickets for only $40! This deal is available on their website for a limited time and applies to Friday admission only. Looking for a family friend option to celebrate Oktoberfest? Check out Kinderfest on Sundays! Kiddos under 5 are free!

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Boo at the Zoo

Advertised as a "merry not scary" and family friendly event. Scheduled for the last two weekend evenings in October, the Santa Ana zoo is being transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Enjoy trick-or-treating, storytelling, games, a costume parade, and entertainment. Advanced tickets are available or you can purchase admission at the door. 

Costume Party at Doulas of Orange County!

Week by week we watch your little ones grow. We love being witness to milestones and sharing in your joy and what is more joyful than babies dressed in costumes?! Our weekly New Mama Cafe is hosting a costume party on Tuesday, October 31st. Join us 11am-1pm on Halloween for some healthy & sweet treats, fall flavored teas, and baby playtime! New Mama Cafe meets weekly to foster community & friendship for new moms and babies in Orange County. Registration for our Costume Party is available on our website. Moms & Babies are encouraged to dress up! 

With all of these events you are sure to get in the mood and evoke the spirit of Halloween and Fall. Hopefully the crisp, cool weather will soon follow! We love hearing about new & exciting events in Orange County, please share your own brand of Fall family fun with the hashtag #doulasoforangecounty on Instagram. 

3 Practical Mindfulness Techniques

Last week we shared about the incredible benefits of Mindfulness in Pregnancy and how it can contribute to a more positive and peaceful journey. It's one thing to read about it and know how it can benefit you and it's quite another to actually put these practices in place! That's why, today, we're sharing some practical tips on creating consistent space for mindfulness. 

Research suggests that it takes a minimum of 21 days to form good habits. We encourage you to keep this in mind when beginning any new practice so as to keep realistic expectations. We also encourage you to be gentle with yourself while creating consistentcy in this new practice. Any amount of mindfulness is good for you. Some days you may have 3 minutes, some days you may have 30. Focus on creating space, not the length of time and 3 minutes may feel like 30!

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Mindfulness in Pregnancy

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Pregnancy can be one of the most overwhelming seasons of life. Your attention is pulled in so many different directions with so many decisions to make: Where should I give birth? What do I want to include in my birth plan? Should I hire a doula? What color do I want to paint the nursery? Where should we register? 

That, plus the world around you doesn't stop just because you're growing a baby. There's still your job to think about, your family, and your social commitments. Trying to keep up with a busy schedule while coming to grips with the realities of being a parent can send anyone spinning. The constant demands of life can be a perfect storm for stress and anxiety. 

Tell me you can relate.

If I just described your life, finding a way to introduce mindfulness & balance into your pregnancy is a MUST. Regular mindfulness practices will provide you with tools to keep a positive outlook and a level head through the challenges of pregnancy and parenting.

What is mindfulness you ask?

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In The Spotlight: Midwife Nancy Pol

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What better person to feature during one of the biggest baby boom months of the year than a midwife! A special shout out to all of you who got busy around Christmas & New Years... you've kept the doulas, midwives and doctors on their toes this month!

Have you had the chance to meet Nancy Pol yet? If not, put it on your to-do list, especially if you are expecting or plan to become pregnant soon.

Nancy is a Certified Nurse Midwife (and all around amazing human being) with Beach Cities Midwifery. Beach Cities Midwifery has 3 birth centers to serve the growing families in Southern California: Laguna Hills, Long Beach, & Corona. They provide well-rounded, client-centered care for all women, but especially the pregnant and birthing ones. Nancy is just one of the incredible baby catchers they have on staff. 

We had the honor to chat with Nancy about her work as a midwife, her passion for serving families, and the other things that bring her joy in life. 

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How To Be The Best Postpartum Visitor

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We know you're excited to see that baby. We're excited for you to see that baby, to hold that baby, to love that baby!

BUT we're here to tell you: it's not all about that baby.

Being a helpful & encouraging postpartum visitor is about more than the birth and the new life that has emerged, it is also about supporting the transitioning family and helping the new parents stay sane!

To be honest, it's easy to get caught up in the euphoria of being around a newborn. They're just so fun to look at and they smell divine. But while you're staring at that sweet baby, your friend is hungry and tired, and probably hasn't showered in a few days. And she needs your help.

So, what can you do to help??!