By Still Waters Doula Services

06/27/2026

06/27/2026

You only need to express enough milk to feed your baby. You do not need shelves filled to successfully feed your baby.

If you have extra, that's awesome. But having a freezer stash is not a requirement for successful breastfeeding.

Even if you exclusively pump or pump while you're at work, you only need to produce as much as baby needs. The average breastfed baby drinks 24-32oz per 24 hours.

If you work 8 hours, plus commute, and adding in wiggle room, you could return to work while having around 15oz expressed. While you are away, you will be replacing that 15oz baby consumes with the milk you expressed while away.

Now, it is normal to desire more wiggle room. You might feel more confident having an extra 24-hour stash in case of emergencies. But beyond that, please never stress yourself thinking you need to pump and pump and pump to fill a freezer.

If you pump exclusively or for work and you have questions about your circumstances, work with a lactation consultant. They can help you come up with a sustainable feeding and pumping plan.

06/27/2026

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06/26/2026

Doulas can improve birth outcomes.

A 2023 meta-analysis showed how doula support improves maternal health and birth outcomes.

Doula support is associated with:

✨️ Reduced Cesarean and Premature Birth Rates
✨️ More Positive Lactation Outcomes
✨️ Shorter Labor and Less Pain Medication Use
✨️Improved Emotional Well-Being

One of the most consistent findings was that doulas help reduce anxiety and stress during labor.

But wait .. doulas often cost money, so isn't it just that those more likely to afford doula will have overall better social determinants of health?

Nope!

Yes, overall socioeconomic supports do impact birth outcomes but doulas still improve outcomes for people of all demographics.

One of the most compelling elements of this review is its insight into how doula support mitigates disparities rooted in socioeconomic and racial inequalities.

For women from lower-income communities or those on public insurance plans like Medicaid, doula support was associated with:

• Near-universal rates of breastfeeding initiation in historically underserved populations

• Lower odds of non-medically indicated cesarean deliveries compared with those who desired but could not access doula care.

• Higher gestational age and reduced low birth weight in community-based pregnancy support programs.

Read more below.

👇🏽 How have you seen doulas improve outcomes?

06/26/2026

🌸 A few minutes for yourself can change your whole day.

06/26/2026

💛 Supporting our community, one household at a time.
If you’re in need of a little extra support, our Emergency Food Bank is here for you.
📍 Location: 344 Poplar St., Kamloops
🕘 Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM (Closed on July 1, 6 & 8 )

✅ What to bring:
• ID for all household members
• Proof of income
📦 Please note: Emergency Food Bank hampers are available once every 60 days per household.

You are not alone—help is here when you need it. Please share this post so others in our community know support is available. ❤️

06/26/2026