Tri City Birth Collective

10/28/2025

👏🥲😍👏

10/08/2025

💚 This part. 💚

“Just stop, switch to formula, it isn’t a big deal.”

We have to stop saying this.

Sometimes feeding our babies is difficult.

Sometimes it is overwhelming.

Sometimes we are touched out and overtaxed in the process.

It doesnt help to hear: “just stop. Switch to formula. Don’t be a martyr.”

Sometimes feeding our babies with our bodies doesn’t seem to work.

And still, they don’t need to hear “just stop” or “give it up already” or “formula is just as good.”

For someone who planned to feed their baby naturally with their body, to breastfeed, ending breastfeeding can raise their risk of postpartum mood disorders significantly. It doesn’t mean they shouldn’t stop, it simply means there is an increased risk to do so.

Which is why, if they want to continue, working to make that possible is a protective measure. Not only for the health of the baby but also for the health of the one that intended to nurse that baby.

“Just stop” can even add to the stress. It can feel judgmental, even blaming. “You wouldn’t be having such a hard time if you weren’t trying to breastfeed, it doesn’t even matter, you’re doing this to yourself” is what it can sound like. But it does matter to them.

There are ways we can support someone and let them know they aren’t pressured to breastfeed without undermining them. A friend of mine and expert in the field gently told me that stopping was ONE of my options (we had also gone over the othet options) and it was my call because I was the expert on me and my baby. That was supportive for me to hear, even with my 9th baby.

Ending breastfeeding isn’t failure, it can be quite brave to change paths from the one you prepared for.

But it isn’t simple, easy, or risk free.

Nothing “just” about it.

Pressure to end can be even more damaging than pressure to continue. It can be isolating and disconnecting.

“Just stop” isn’t supportive, it is dismissive and minimizing. It is blaming and judgmental.

What are some actually supportive ways to communicate that ending nursing is ok?

***Pic of me syring feeding my youngest my colostrum. The baby that 3 of my friends and lactation colleagues reminded me that it was ok to stop breastfeeding but did so in a way that was sensitive, caring, informed, and truly supportive. That baby is 2 now and yes, STILL breastfeeding.

09/05/2025

Amazing! 😍

08/29/2025

Divine timing...really every time.

07/13/2025

💚 Are you or someone you love expecting a baby? 🫄
💚 Have they hired a Doula?
💚 Experienced, Certified Doula care is now available in the Tri-City region for ALL growing families!🫃🏳️‍🌈
💚 In-hospital and out-of-hospital services can be provided.
✅️ Private pay, private insurance, and Medicaid accepted! 🤰
💚 Click the link below 👇 to get in-touch with Tri City Birth Collective and schedule your consult - I'm looking forward to learning more about your birth goals!

https://app.doulado.co/client?eyJpbnRha2VfaWQiOiI5MzgifQ%3D%3D=_

💚 Please share to help improve birth outcomes in Michigan!

Warmly,

Krystal Barnhart CD(DONA), LCCE
(989)820-2817
www.tricitybirthcollective.com

05/16/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AbQTaGsER/

For too long, a one-size-fits-all approach has been taken to childbirth, overlooking the unique needs of each mother.

That's why we expanded Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies to include Doula Services. With doulas, moms can create a plan that is best for them and their child’s health.

04/02/2025

🌿 This resource and information is VITAL to reducing regional and national unplanned cesarean birth rates! 📣 (twice as high as the ACOG/WHO outlines as "normal" )

❗️50% of cesareans are unnecessary/preventable❗️Learn more about labor inductions below!

The most important things you need to know before deciding whether or not to have induction of labour, by Dr Sara Wickham.

03/30/2025

💚 Celebrating 200 followers! 🎉

👋 Hey everyone! 👋 Please hit those 3 dots...and invite your friends to follow this page! Birth impacts us ALL! If you or someone you love is having a baby, please feel free to reach out via ALL.THE.WAYS. 👇 📩 📨 Looking forward to supporting you and your family!

🤰 Tri City Birth Collective has been quietly busy, preparing to grow it's reach by providing Doula care to area growing families that have Medicaid healthplans! Every person that wants a Doula should have one...and as a Doula...everyone should. 🥰

🌿 Stay tuned for more updates and interactive content! There's a blog brewing, a podcast cooking, and more educational resources on the way! 😊

Love & Light,

Krystal Barnhart CD(DONA), LCCE, Owner
www.tricitybirthcollective.com
(989)820-2817

03/22/2025

THIS. 💚👏

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ACfkBWChi/

03/20/2025

💚🎧💚 Love this!

03/20/2025

💚 When they say "Another Doula just won't do." you drive North...and backwards in time.

03/19/2025

👏 👇 👏

https://www.blog.gentlebirth.com/home/please-remove-your-hands-from-my-va**na?fbclid=IwY2xjawJG9r1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdWalHKDyrouqcXTWDjnPCjve41B3gnVgIt2ckEnqlFBx9_Y0TOFg5D-YA_aem_9bUJWw90t0QT0TtP95_4SQ

Recently a Cosmo Australian blogger Zoe George graphically described how her va**na was ‘broken’ in labor. This Mom of 2 experienced a difficult forceps birth during her first baby’s birth. The words ‘broken’ and ‘va**na’ should never be in the same sentence but it’s a case of what y...