Julie Saunders Birth and Postpartum Doula

12/02/2025

To the parents navigating silent reflux…

I see you.
Silent reflux can feel confusing, overwhelming, and lonely — especially when your baby looks “fine” from the outside but you know something isn’t right. Your worry is valid. Your instincts matter.

Here are a few gentle truths to hold close:

✨ Silent reflux is real. Many babies don’t spit up, but still experience discomfort from stomach acid moving upward.
✨ You’re not imagining it. Fussiness during or after feeds, coughing, back-arching, short feeds, restless sleep — these are real signs.
✨ You are doing an incredible job. You’re observing, advocating, and responding to your baby, even when it’s exhausting.

A few supportive strategies that may help:

🌿 Try more upright feeding positions — keeping baby’s chest higher than their tummy can reduce discomfort.
🌿 Offer frequent, smaller feeds — this can be easier for sensitive tummies to manage.
🌿 Pause for gentle burping — especially mid-feed.
🌿 Hold baby upright after feeding — even 10–20 minutes can help.
🌿 Watch for feeding cues, not the clock — responsive feeding supports digestion and comfort.
🌿 Create calm, low-stimulation environments during and after feeds, as stress can increase fussiness.
🌿 Reach out for support — from your pediatrician, IBCLC, or doula. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Most importantly:
Silent reflux does not reflect anything you’re doing wrong. You’re navigating something tough with so much love, patience, and intention.

You and your baby deserve comfort, compassion, and care.
You’re doing beautifully — even on the hard days.

12/01/2025

A gentle reminder about those “huge pump bottles” you see online…

Lately, social media has been full of videos showing moms pumping 8, 10, even 12+ ounces at once. While it can look impressive, it’s important to remember something:

✨ Those videos do not represent the average breastfeeding or pumping parent.
✨ Many of those clips are actually showing oversupply — not a standard output.

As a postpartum doula, here are some nurturing truths I want you to hold onto:

Realistic pumping expectations

A typical pump session may yield 1–3 oz combined in the early weeks.

Later on, 2–4 oz combined is very normal.

Output will fluctuate through the day — mornings are often higher, evenings lower.

Babies remove milk differently than pumps do. Your baby may be getting more than the pump can show.

Oversupply is not a goal — and can actually be uncomfortable

Oversupply can lead to:

Breast engorgement

Plugged ducts or mastitis

Forceful letdown that can make feeding harder for baby

A lot of stress and pressure to “keep up”

It’s not something every body should aim for, and it’s definitely not the measure of a “successful” breastfeeding journey.

Your body is not failing you — social media is shaping an unrealistic picture

Most parents pump modest, healthy amounts that meet their baby’s needs.
Your supply is meant for your baby — not for a trend, a reel, or a comparison.

Please hear this…

You are doing an incredible job.
Your worth as a parent is not measured in ounces.
Your body’s rhythm is perfect for your baby.
Don’t let someone else’s highlight reel make you doubt your own connection, effort, or progress.

11/29/2025

💛 “If breastfeeding feels hard, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong — it’s because it is hard. You’re doing an incredible job.”

💛 “You are not failing. You are learning. And your baby is learning with you.”

💛 “It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to rethink your plan. You’re still a wonderful parent.”

💛 “Breastfeeding challenges don’t define your bond with your baby. Love builds that — and you have plenty of that.”

💛 “Some days, feeding looks graceful. Other days, it looks like tears and trying again. Both are normal. Both are brave.”

💛 “Your worth is not measured in ounces.”

💛 “Hard doesn’t mean impossible — and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re alone.”

💛 “If today was tough, that doesn’t mean tomorrow will be. You and your baby are growing through this together.”

11/27/2025

🩷 A Letter to My Postpartum Families

Dear beautiful parents,

I wish you could see yourselves the way I see you — doing your best, learning your baby, and growing into this new season with so much love.

Please remember this: your baby is their own little person. They won’t always follow the books, the charts, or the timelines. Sometimes they’re not quite at a stage yet… and other times they’re already past it before you even knew it was coming. That’s normal. That’s human. That’s them.

Try to quiet the noise — the extra advice, the pressure, the comparison, the “my friend’s baby did this” stories.
You don’t need to parent from Google, or from someone else’s experience.

Trust yourself.
Trust your instincts.
Trust the connection you’re building with your baby every single day.

You know your family better than anyone.
You are allowed to follow what feels right for you — not what the internet says, not what a stranger swears by, not what someone else’s baby is doing.

What I wish every family could hear is this:
✨ You’re doing better than you think.
✨ You already have the wisdom you need.
✨ Your baby chose you — and you are enough.

With love and gentleness,
Julie

10/07/2022

10/06/2022

Sounds about right!

10/05/2022

Hi Friends I just wanted to share I have some postpartum support hours openings up for October- December. If you, or someone you know is looking for postpartum support send me a message today and find out how I can support you and your family during postpartum. Gift certificates are also available, give the gift that keeps on giving!

03/25/2022

Some days you aren't just a baby Doula! too! I had to capture this cute moment this week. you have the best cats and make delicious babies!

03/09/2022

Are you or someone you know looking for postpartum support? Contact us today to learn more about how a postpartum Doula can support you and your family.