The Happy Mama Place

03/21/2026

Sometimes parents are doing everything right… and still feel like they’re doing it wrong.

Recently I was talking with parents I work with after we made a small adjustment to their baby’s bottle ni**le flow.

It’s been a lot of trial and error lately, but baby is now eating better and just slept their longest stretch yet — from 7pm to almost 4:30am at 3 months old.

We were talking about how much progress had been made, and I said to mom,

“Your baby is eating and sleeping really well for their age. You’re doing the right things.”

She looked a little confused and said she didn’t feel like she knew what she was doing.

That moment stuck with me.

Because this is something I see often.

Parents can be doing exactly what their baby needs… adjusting, observing, learning their cues… and still questioning themselves.

But paying attention, trying something new when something isn’t working, and continuing to learn your baby…

That is good parenting.

Sometimes parents just need someone to help them see what they’re already doing well.

Lisa | Postpartum Doula

03/19/2026

A recent feeding with one of my newborn clients reminded me how much the little details can make a difference.

Baby was eager to eat, but milk was dribbling, the latch kept slipping, and the feeding felt a little stressful for everyone.

So we slowed things down and made a few small adjustments together.

We used a Boppy pillow so baby could stay comfortably supported during the feed.

I showed the parents how placing a small rolled burp cloth under baby’s neck can help keep their head and body more aligned.

Then we adjusted the bottle to a more horizontal position and paced the feeding so baby had time to suck, swallow, and breathe comfortably.

Nothing complicated.
Just a few small changes.

But the difference was almost immediate.

Baby relaxed… and the feeding became much smoother.

One of the things I love about postpartum doula work is helping parents learn these little techniques so feeding can feel calmer and more manageable at home.

Sometimes it isn’t about doing something completely new.

Sometimes it’s simply about having someone there to help you figure out what works for your baby.

For the parents here —
what’s one feeding tip or trick that helped you during the newborn stage?

Lisa | Postpartum Doula
The Happy Mama Place

03/19/2026

Insurance is finally starting to recognize what birth actually needs.

UnitedHealthcare expanding coverage for doula care is a big step toward making real support more accessible for families.

Because having a doula isn’t extra…
it’s guidance, preparation, and feeling supported through every step of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

This matters for outcomes, for confidence, and for how families experience birth.

If you’re pregnant, this is your reminder:
you don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re expecting and want to feel supported, seen, and fully prepared for birth. I’m here.

Message me anytime or tag a friend who might need this kind of care.

More expectant mothers are turning to doulas to help with childbirth. NBC News' Zinhle Essamuah looks at why one of the nation's biggest health insurers is now covering the cost.

03/18/2026

This mama trusted me to support her during the birth of her fourth baby… and now again for baby number five.

At just 5 weeks pregnant, she came in to begin preparing her body early.

Simple positions like this help create space and balance so baby can move and settle more easily as pregnancy grows.

Birth preparation doesn’t only happen at the end sometimes it begins with small, gentle work like this.

I’m always honored when families invite me to walk alongside them again.

03/17/2026

This popped up in my feed this morning from one of my favorite local spots Something Special Bakery their homemade buttermilk waffle with apple filling, caramel sauce, and cinnamon whipped cream.

And honestly… it looks amazing.

But lately I’ve been back in the gym consistently after a few busy months. Birth work has a way of turning schedules upside down, so when life settles a little I try to get back into a rhythm that supports my body.

My little “cheat meal” when I do treat myself there is a hot tuna melt on oat bread with a side salad and a can of Coke and it’s one of my favorites.

I talk with my clients a lot about balance and listening to your body during pregnancy and postpartum. The same idea applies in everyday life too.

It’s not about perfection.
It’s about paying attention to what your body needs and making choices that support you.

Some days that’s movement.
Some days that’s rest.
And sometimes it’s a tuna melt and a Coke.

Your body is wise
sometimes it just needs the space to speak.

03/15/2026

If you're expecting, or supporting someone who is, this space is for you.

We’re hosting a free community event to talk about the early postpartum weeks. Recovery, feeding, sleep, and adjusting to life with a new baby.

During the event you’ll hear from professionals who support families every day, including a lactation consultant, pediatric sleep consultant, and postpartum doula support.

This will be a relaxed space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others preparing for life after birth.
The event is free, but we ask that you reserve a ticket so we can plan seating.

Reserve your spot here:
https://square.link/u/iKRoMjtO
We would love to see you there.
The Happy Mama Place

03/14/2026

The days and weeks after baby arrives can bring a lot of change for families.

That’s why we’re grateful Lisa Wunner Postpartum Doula will be joining our postpartum conversation.

Lisa is a postpartum doula who supports families after baby arrives by providing newborn care, emotional support, and practical guidance so parents can rest, recover, and settle into life with their baby.

She offers both overnight and daytime support to help families get the rest they need during those early weeks and months.

During the event Lisa will talk about common newborn behaviors, how parents can begin recognizing their baby’s cues, and what postpartum doula support can look like for families during the fourth trimester.

Join us for a relaxed and honest conversation about the early postpartum period.

Reserve your free ticket here:
https://square.link/u/iKRoMjtO

03/13/2026

Every mother has a story about the postpartum weeks.
Some things are beautiful.
Some things are harder than expected.

Your experience might be exactly what another mom needs to hear today. 🤍

03/13/2026

One part of this birth stayed with me.

Six days before this baby was born, we were at the hospital.

At 3:30 in the morning she was told she was 5 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and baby was at +1 station.

Her surges began spacing out.

The doctor told her she couldn’t go home.

Later that afternoon a new provider came on shift — someone I have a professional relationship with. The room felt calm and respectful. He shared his thoughts, I shared mine, and we both honored our roles.

The recommendation was to break her water and start Pitocin later if needed.

We talked together about the benefits and the risks.

I shared what I often see happen when membranes are released while baby is still above the p***c bone.

She took a moment and made her decision.

She chose to go home and wait for labor to begin naturally.

Six days later my phone rang at 7:30 in the morning.

She said she had felt three surges.

I suggested waiting an hour to see if the pattern continued.

She paused and said,
“I think we should go now.”

Then she asked a question many women ask when labor is beginning.

“Should I try to go to the bathroom now… or wait?”

We waited.

When she arrived at the hospital she was 8 cm, 100% effaced, and baby was +1 station.

Dad looked at the doctor and said he didn’t believe it.

Six days earlier they had heard the same numbers.

I gently told him,

“This is different. Your wife feels like she has to poop.”

We arrived at the hospital at 8:20 AM.

Their baby was born at 9:07 AM.

Sometimes the body just needs time.

And when families feel informed, supported, and trusted to make their own decisions , birth can unfold in the most powerful ways.

03/13/2026

Breastfeeding is one of the most common questions families have in the first few weeks after baby arrives.

Many parents leave the hospital still wondering about latch, supply, pumping, and what is actually normal with newborn feeding.
That’s why we’re grateful Brittany from Kimble Lactation Support will be joining our postpartum conversation.

Brittany works with families to support breastfeeding and pumping in the early weeks so parents can feel more confident navigating feeding once they’re home with baby.

Join us for a relaxed and honest conversation about the fourth trimester.

Reserve your free ticket through the registration page
https://square.link/u/iKRoMjtO

03/12/2026

Sleep is one of the most common questions parents have after a baby arrives.
That’s why Karen Rickert of Pocono Pediatric Sleep Consultant will be joining us at our postpartum gathering.

Karen supports families with newborn through 4 month sleep and helps parents understand what is normal during the early weeks with a baby. She’ll also be sharing gentle ways to support healthy sleep habits from the start.
She can also help parents prepare older siblings before baby arrives and guide families through new routines that support the whole household during the postpartum period.

If sleep has been on your mind, this will be a great opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect during those early weeks.

I’ll share the event details in the comments for anyone who would like to join us.