Birth & Beyond Maternal Support, LLC

06/20/2026

Parenthood has a funny way of changing your definition of success. 😅

Before kids, success might have looked like crossing things off a to-do list.

After kids?

Sometimes success is remembering where you set your coffee.

Sometimes it’s reheating the same cup three times.

And sometimes it’s actually drinking it while it’s still hot. ☕

The little things matter.

A warm meal.
A shower.
Five quiet minutes.
A hot cup of coffee.

Those small moments of care can make a big difference during pregnancy and postpartum.

So tell me… be honest. How many times have you reheated the same cup of coffee? 😂☕🤍

06/20/2026

For many years, the focus after birth has been on helping babies find the breast and achieve a latch as quickly as possible.

Today, researchers are learning more about the instinctive feeding behaviors healthy newborns are born with.

Many healthy newborns are capable of progressing through a series of instinctive behaviors—including rooting, crawling, exploring, and self-attaching—when given uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth.

This doesn’t mean babies should never receive assistance. Some babies and families absolutely benefit from support from nurses, midwives, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), IBCLCs, and other trained professionals.

What it does mean is that healthy newborns may be more capable than we once realized.

Just as we learn by doing, babies learn by doing too.

When babies are given the opportunity to explore, root, nuzzle, and participate in finding the breast, they are actively practicing the skills they were born with.

The goal isn’t to avoid support when it’s needed. The goal is to recognize that many healthy newborns are born with instinctive feeding abilities and may benefit from the opportunity to use them.

I’ve included several research sources in the comments below for anyone who would like to learn more about the 9 Stages of Skin-to-Skin, instinctive feeding behaviors, and the research behind the “breast crawl.”

If you’re pregnant and would like to learn more about skin-to-skin contact, newborn feeding behaviors, postpartum preparation, or doula support, please feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to answer questions and help you explore your options. 🤍

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Pregnancy and postpartum can make you feel hungry in ways you didn’t expect. 😅

Growing a baby takes energy.

Recovering from birth takes energy.

Feeding a baby takes energy.

And sometimes that means you’ve just finished a meal and you’re already wondering what’s for your next snack.

While every family is different, focusing on protein, healthy fats, and staying hydrated can help support energy levels during pregnancy and postpartum.

A gentle reminder that nourishment doesn’t have to be perfect.

Sometimes it’s a home-cooked meal.

Sometimes it’s a handful of trail mix while holding a baby.

Both count. 🤍

Whether you’re preparing for a new baby or adjusting to life postpartum, support can make a big difference. If you’d like to learn more about birth or postpartum doula support, I’d love to chat and see how I can support your family.

06/18/2026

A lot can change in just a few weeks! I’m officially full through September, with limited availability remaining for the rest of 2026 and early 2027.

If you’re expecting a baby or looking for postpartum support, now is a great time to start exploring your options and getting support in place.

And remember—postpartum support may still be available even if I wasn’t your birth doula. Support doesn’t have to end after those first few weeks, and many insurance plans (including Oregon Health Plan) may cover postpartum doula services through your baby’s first birthday.

I’d love to connect and answer any questions you may have.

— Shelly

06/18/2026

The numbers have changed…And so must the conversation 🤍

For years, we often heard that postpartum depression affected about 1 in 10 fathers.

Newer research suggests the number may be much higher.

Some studies indicate that approximately 1 in 5 fathers experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during the first year after welcoming a baby.

That’s a lot of partners quietly struggling during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

When we talk about postpartum mental health, we often focus on the birthing parent—and for good reason. But partners can struggle too.

Lack of sleep.
Financial stress.
Relationship changes.
New responsibilities.
Feeling overwhelmed while trying to support everyone else.

These challenges can affect the entire family.

One thing we know from the research is that support matters. Families who feel supported tend to have better outcomes, and studies have found lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety among families who receive continuous support, including doula care. 💙

Fathers’ mental health matters every day, not just on awareness days. Partners deserve support too, and their wellbeing plays an important role in the health of the entire family.🤍

If you’re expecting a baby and thinking about how to build your support system before baby arrives, feel free to send me a message or give me a call. Birth and postpartum support aren’t just about labor—they’re about supporting the entire family through one of life’s biggest transitions. 💙

06/18/2026

One of the simplest things families can do before baby arrives is create a postpartum snack station, or two.

Think beyond the nursery.

Set up a basket anywhere you’re likely to feed, contact nap, or spend long stretches of time with your baby.

A few ideas:
• Water bottle
• Protein bars
• Nuts or trail mix
• Crackers
• Phone charger
• Burp cloths
• Lip balm

When you’re caring for a newborn, basic needs like eating, drinking water, and charging your phone can suddenly become surprisingly difficult. 😅

A little preparation now can make those early weeks feel much easier.

If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to start thinking about your postpartum plan. And if you’re already postpartum, it’s never too late to make your recovery and daily life a little easier. 🤍

I’d love to chat and see how I can support you.

06/16/2026

💙 Donation Request to help a Local Family 💙

Shared with permission:

A sweet baby boy made his arrival much earlier than expected, weighing just 3 pounds 7 ounces.

Because he arrived so early, his family didn’t have the opportunity to finish preparing for his arrival or celebrate their baby shower before he was born.

We’re hoping to help gather preemie-sized clothing and other tiny baby essentials for this little guy as he continues to grow.

If you have any gently used or new:
• Preemie sleepers
• Preemie onesies
• Tiny socks or hats
• Preemie outfits
• Other preemie-sized baby essentials

and would be willing to donate them, please send me a private message.

Babies this small often need clothing that families haven’t had a chance to gather before an unexpected early arrival.

Let’s see if we can help surround this little boy and his family with a little extra love and support. 💙

Please message me directly if you’d like to donate or have items to share.

06/15/2026

Birth isn’t the finish line. Many families are surprised to learn that high blood pressure and preeclampsia can still be concerns after baby is born.

A recent review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reinforces the importance of postpartum monitoring and follow-up care.

As a doula, I don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions, but I can help families understand recovery, recognize when something doesn’t seem right, and encourage appropriate follow-up with their healthcare team.

Postpartum care matters.

Your baby isn’t the only one who deserves care after birth. You do too. 🤍

Whether you’re currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or navigating life with an older baby, postpartum support can make a difference. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about birth or postpartum doula support.

06/14/2026

Thank you for offering this free resource for NICU families. The NICU journey can feel incredibly isolating, and peer support can make such a difference. ❤️

A NICU stay doesn't end when parents leave the hospital. The emotional weight, anxiety, grief, hypervigilance, and relief all at once, often follows families long after discharge 💚

PSI's NICU Postpartum Parents support group provides a free, virtual, confidential space for parents of babies who are currently or formerly in the NICU, facilitated by trained PSI volunteers. The group is open to parents of babies up to two years old who experienced a NICU stay for any reason.

PSI Support Groups are online, confidential, and always free 💙

🔗 Register here: https://loom.ly/gxQTq8s