http://www.julysunshinedoula.com/

July Sunshine Doula, Philadelphia, PA (2026)

01/21/2026

“I trusted Jennifer with the overnight care of my newborn twins from the moment she stepped in the door. She was knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly treated my boys as one of her own. I slept soundly and didn't worry about them for one second in her care. I was able to be a more present and loving mother during the day because of her. Oh and she sleep trains babies as well. After 5 nights she had my twins sleeping 12 hours!” - Lauren K.

01/06/2026

✨ The Importance of Postpartum Nutrition ✨

Postpartum nutrition is not a luxury — it’s a vital part of recovery.

After birth, your body is healing from pregnancy, labor, and delivery while also adjusting hormonally and, for many, producing milk. What you eat during this time directly impacts your energy levels, mood, healing, and milk supply.

🥣 Nourishing foods support:
• Tissue repair & uterine healing
• Hormonal balance
• Stable blood sugar & mood
• Milk production (if breastfeeding)
• Energy during sleepless nights

🍲 Focus on foods that are:
• Warm & grounding (soups, stews, bone broth)
• Rich in protein (eggs, beans, meats, tofu)
• High in iron & minerals
• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)
• Easy to digest & comforting

This is not the time to restrict, diet, or “bounce back.”
This is the time to replenish, restore, and receive care.

As a postpartum doula, I remind families:
✨ You cannot pour from an empty cup — nourishment is part of your support system. ✨

💛 If you’re expecting, plan your postpartum meals now.
💛 If you’re already postpartum, it’s never too late to start nourishing yourself.

—
Jennifer Mendez
July Sunshine Doula ☀️

01/02/2026

“I can't begin to describe how amazing it was to have Jennifer as my doula. It felt like I had another family member in my birth room, one that reminded me how strong I was in the middle of such a sacred and vulnerable moment. Jennifer encouraged me to find my roar. I felt free to let my body and my voice do what they needed to do, without feeling shame for any of it.
Even when things got intense, Jennifer started preparing us way ahead, before any doctor started suggesting interventions. She was 10 steps ahead of anyone. Yet she remained a gentle force that kept me believing in myself. I felt like such a badass, so strong, so proud of me! If you have the opportunity to work with Jennifer, do not take it for granted.”
- Krystal

12/28/2025

Bringing a newborn home can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to 💛

Join my Newborn Care Classes, available in-person or virtually, designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported before your baby arrives.

We’ll cover:
🍼 Feeding basics (breast, bottle, or combo feeding)
😴 Newborn sleep & soothing techniques
👶 Diapering, bathing & daily care
🧠 Newborn cues & realistic expectations
🤍 Partner support + postpartum tips

Perfect for first-time parents or anyone wanting a refresher!

📍 In-Person Classes
💻 Virtual Options Available
📅 Prenatal & Early Postpartum Friendly

📩 Message me to register or learn more

— Jennifer
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula | Newborn Care Specialist

12/12/2025

Here we ‘grow’ again!

The most common ages for growth spurts are around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Knowing what to look for can help you respond to your baby's needs during these times.

🍽️ Increased Hunger: One of the first signs of a growth spurt is an uptick in your baby’s appetite. You might notice they’re feeding more frequently or showing signs of hunger even shortly after a meal. This increased hunger is their way of fueling their growth, so it’s essential to feed them on demand during these times.

😴 Changes in Sleep Patterns: Growth spurts can also affect your baby's sleep schedule. Some babies may sleep more than usual as their bodies work hard to grow, while others may experience disrupted sleep, waking up more often. This variation is perfectly normal!

😅 Fussiness: Increased fussiness is another telltale sign of a growth spurt. As your baby adjusts to the rapid changes, they might seem a little more irritable than usual. Comforting them with extra cuddles and patience during these phases can help them feel more secure as they navigate this period of growth.

The good news... growth spurts are temporary! While they can be challenging, they are essential milestones in your baby's development. Pay attention to these signs, and you’ll be better equipped to support your baby through these changes.

💬 Got any questions or need more tips on managing growth spurts? Ask away in the comments!

12/09/2025

🚨Think you know everything about newborns? Think again!
Here are the top 5 myths about newborns that every new parent should be aware of:
1. Myth: Babies can’t learn or remember anything until they’re older.
Truth: Newborns are capable of recognizing their mother’s voice and other familiar sounds from the womb. They can also remember and be comforted by those familiar voices, which can help with bonding and emotional security.
2. Myth: You should wake a sleeping baby to feed them.
Truth: While it’s important to feed your baby regularly, waking a sleeping baby isn’t always necessary-especially if they’re gaining weight well and they have reached birth weight again. Trust your instincts and your baby’s cues.
3. Myth: Babies need to be bathed daily.
Truth: Newborns only need a sponge bath until their umbilical cord stump falls off. Bathing too often can dry out their delicate skin.
4. Myth: All babies sleep through the night by 3 months.
Truth: Every baby is different, and while some may start sleeping longer stretches by this age, many still wake frequently for feeds or comfort.
5. Myth: It’s normal for babies to cry all the time.
Truth: While crying is a normal way for newborns to communicate, excessive crying could indicate discomfort, hunger, or other needs. It’s important to pay attention and respond to your baby’s cues.
💡 Save this post for later so you can debunk these myths with your family and friends!
👨🏻‍⚕️**Always talk to your baby’s medical provider/pediatrician if you have any concerns** 🧑‍⚕️

11/22/2025

I am so blessed to have such amazing clients ❤️
“We absolutely loved working with Jennifer. From the very first night, she brought such a calm, confident presence to our home — exactly what we needed as second-time parents adjusting to life with twins. She is extremely qualified and experienced with twins, which gave us so much peace of mind. She cared for both babies with incredible skill and gentleness, and we always felt completely at ease knowing they were in her hands.
Jennifer shared a ton of helpful advice about feeding, sleep, and soothing — all tailored to managing two babies at once — and helped us find a routine that truly worked for our family. She’s knowledgeable, dependable, and so thoughtful, always taking time to explain what she was doing and why.
Beyond her professionalism, she’s simply a wonderful person — warm, kind, and genuinely invested in helping families thrive. We’re so grateful for her support during those early months and can’t recommend her highly enough.”
- Chelsea

08/23/2025

Your body just did something incredible, and now it’s time to heal and recover. If you’re wondering when you can start moving again (and how much is too much), let’s break it down with some evidence-based tips:

Give Yourself Grace

First things first—there’s no rush. Your body has been through a lot, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section. The general rule? Wait until your 6-week postpartum check-up before starting anything beyond light movement.

Start with Gentle Movement
Once you’re cleared by your provider, start small. Think:
Short walks (even 5-10 minutes is a win!)
Gentle stretches
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels are your BFF for rebuilding strength).
💡 Bonus: Babywearing during your walks = bonding + light resistance workout. Win-win!

Watch for Signs
Your body will let you know if you’re overdoing it. Pay attention to signs like increased bleeding, pain, or feeling wiped out. If that happens, it’s a signal to dial it back and rest.

Focus on the Core & Pelvic Floor
Pregnancy and birth can weaken these areas, so rebuilding strength here is key. Look for postpartum-friendly exercises like:
Diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breaths to engage your core).
Bridge exercises or gentle leg lifts.
Avoid crunches or planks until your provider gives the green light—they can put too much pressure on healing tissues.

Stay Patient & Celebrate Progress
Remember: It’s about recovery, not rushing. Celebrate the little milestones, whether it’s a walk around the block or finally feeling more like yourself. This is your journey, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

When in Doubt? Check with your doctor or a pelvic floor therapist before diving into a new routine. They can give you personalized advice and make sure your body is ready for the moves you want to do. 💛

Take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t forget—you’re doing an amazing job!

08/03/2025

✨ Doula + Partner = A Powerful Birth Team ✨
Hospital births don’t have to feel clinical or impersonal. With the right support, they can be empowering, connected, and full of intention. 💛

Many families are surprised to learn that yes, a doula absolutely belongs in a hospital setting.

As your doula, I’m there to bring a sense of calm, continuity, and comfort—no matter how many nurses switch shifts or how many monitors beep around us. I don’t replace your partner—I support both of you.

🤍 I help partners feel confident in their role—reminding them of comfort techniques, offering breaks when needed, and helping them stay emotionally present.

🤍 I hold space for your birth preferences and gently remind the care team of your wishes when needed.

🤍 I create a grounding presence when things get intense—whether it’s through massage, breathwork, words of encouragement, or just quietly being there.

Hospital births often move fast, and sometimes unpredictably—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With a doula by your side, you and your partner become an informed, empowered team. 💪🏽

07/28/2025

There is no greater honor than being invited into the sacred space where life begins. 🕊️✨

To be a doula is to witness transformation — the raw, powerful, beautiful becoming of both baby and parent.

I hold hands. I hold space.
I breathe beside you, whisper encouragement when you’re unsure, and remind you that you were made for this.

Every birth I attend reminds me: this work is holy. It’s fierce. It’s love in motion.

I am not here to rescue — I am here to remind you of your strength, your voice, your right to birth on your terms.

This is more than a job.
This is my calling.
This is my heart. 💛

07/26/2025

🌍💫 World IVF Day 💫🌍
As a doula, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside families who have journeyed through IVF — and I can tell you, their strength is unmatched.

Behind every embryo transfer, every injection, every wait, and every prayer… there is a heart full of hope and a dream that refuses to give up.

Today, we celebrate the science that makes miracles possible, and the families who remind us what resilience truly looks like.

To my IVF mamas and parents:
I see you. I honor your story. And I am so proud to support you in bringing your long-awaited babies earthside.

Whether you’re still on the journey or holding your miracle in your arms — this day is for you. 💛

Happy World IVF Day.

07/24/2025

✨ They call me The Baby Whisperer ✨
It’s a name I never gave myself—but one that clients started using again and again. And honestly? It fits. 💛

As a certified birth and postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and childbirth educator, I’ve spent countless hours holding, soothing, and supporting babies (and their parents!) through those tender early weeks.

I’m tuned in to the little things—tiny cues, sleepy sighs, overstimulation signals most people miss. Whether it’s calming a colicky newborn, helping a baby sleep through the night, or giving exhausted parents the rest they need—I bring a sense of peace and gentle structure to the chaos of new parenthood.

If you’re looking for expert support with a soft, intuitive touch… I’d love to help. 🕊️

📍Serving families in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware
💌 DM me to book a consultation or learn more about overnight care

July Sunshine Doula

01/21/2026

01/06/2026

01/02/2026

12/28/2025

12/12/2025

12/09/2025

11/22/2025

08/23/2025

08/03/2025

07/28/2025

07/26/2025

07/24/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category