Drops of Hope Lactation Consulting & Doula Services

09/09/2026

PSA!

09/02/2026

Postpartum mamas, we need to talk about YOU.

So much attention goes to baby after birth, while mama is navigating one of the biggest physical, hormonal and emotional shifts of her life.

Supporting your body nutritionally and emotionally during this season matters.

A few of my postpartum favorites:

• Recharge for hydration = electrolytes
• EO Mega+ for omega-3 brain + mood support
• MetaPWR Advantage + VMG+ for foundational nutrition
• Magnesium, especially before bed
• Lots of healthy fats. L🥑VE postpartum!
• Rose, Balance, Neroli, Clary Sage + Melissa for aromatic and emotional support
• Gentle movement, rest and plenty of support

And please remember: postpartum depression is more than having a hard day. If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, disconnection or simply don’t feel like yourself, reach out.

Essential oils and supplements can be wonderful supportive tools, but they aren’t a replacement for professional care.

We spend so much time caring for the baby. Let’s make sure we’re caring for mama, too.

09/02/2026

A new baby comes with so many questions—and you don't have to figure it all out alone. 💚

Join us for Cradle Connections, a FREE monthly gathering for new parents and parents-to-be sponsored by CenLA Healthy Start. Come connect, ask questions, meet other parents, and get to know the resources and support available to you.

📅 Monday, September 14
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Starfish Book Nook + Coffee Corner
5508 Monroe Highway, Ball, LA

Let us know you're coming: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xysVyh6Hnkm-Am3FeklPL6KalXiVuQ5GgIph5yaRGp5UNzE0OTQ5MTM2UEc5U1laNTEyQzE2V0dRRy4u&route=shorturl

Your village starts here. 💚

08/28/2026

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

Doulas are the ones who will always be PATIENT-FIRST — even when the system isn’t.

They’re in the room to advocate, educate, support, and make sure a mother’s voice doesn’t get lost in the process.

Because birth shouldn’t be about what’s most convenient for the hospital.

It should be about what’s best for the patient.

And doulas who understand how to advocate effectively can change the entire birth experience.

Want to become that kind of doula?

Comment UNBOUND and I’ll send you the details for Doula Unbound.

08/21/2026

10% off now until Labor Day!

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Great news! Early hand expression/antenatal colostrum collecting can improve rates of postpartum depression and breastfeeding success!

So interesting! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42592109/
Antenatal or prenatal hand expression has been proposed as a possible intervention for folks with gestational diabetes. Now we have more evidence than ever. I find it interesting that it reduced maternal depressive symptoms.
The study found:
Findings: Over the 8-week postpartum period, the proportion of women exclusively breastfeeding in the intervention group was higher than in control group at discharge (16.3% vs. 8.9%; aOR 2.28 [95% CI 1.01-5.14]), four weeks (30.9% vs. 20.3%; aOR 2.00 [1.07-3.74]), and eight weeks (29.3% vs. 25.2%; aOR 1.37 [0.73-2.56]). The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding over time (adjusted odds ratio 2.43 [95% CI 1.17-5.04], p < 0.05). Regarding secondary outcomes, the intervention group reported significantly lower maternal depressive symptoms at 8 weeks postpartum (mean difference -1.74 [95% CI -2.94 to -0.54], p = 0.004) and higher breastfeeding self-efficacy at 8 weeks postpartum (mean difference 3.30 [95% CI 0.12-6.48], p = 0.042). Rates of any breastfeeding did not differ significantly between groups at any time point (aOR 0.68 [95% CI 0.21-2.20]). Neonatal hypoglycemia and gestational age at birth did not differ between groups.

Interpretation: The GAME program significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding, improved breastfeeding self-efficacy, and reduced maternal depressive symptoms in women with GDM, with no added perinatal risk. Integrating structured AME into routine antenatal care could improve both infant feeding and maternal psychological well-being in this high-risk population.

08/15/2026

Did you know that holding your baby skin-to-skin is one of the best ways to support their health and development?

Skin-to-skin contact means placing your baby directly on your bare chest, allowing them to hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, and connect with you in a comforting way.

✨ Benefits of skin-to-skin contact include:
👶 Helps regulate baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing
💤 Promotes calmer behavior and better sleep
💗 Strengthens bonding and attachment between parent and baby
😌 Reduces stress and crying for newborns
🧠 Supports healthy brain development
🤱Encourages feeding cues and successful feeding
❤️ Helps parents feel more confident and connected to their baby

The best part? Skin-to-skin isn't just for the first moments after birth. It can continue for weeks and months as a simple way to comfort, bond with, and support your baby's growth.

A few minutes of skin-to-skin can make a big difference—for both you and your baby.