Wow, I’m honored to say the least!
When I first sat down to co-write “Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby,” I wanted to create something real. A guide that felt more like talking to a good friend than reading a health textbook. So we intentionally filled it with real-life experiences, evidence-based information, expert insights, and raw stories from both professionals and […]
The Truth About Pooping During Labor
It’s one of the most common worries pregnant women have—but almost no one wants to say it out loud: “What if I poop during labor?” Let’s talk about it. Because the truth is, pooping during labor is completely normal, fairly common, and not something to stress over. In fact, experts estimate that about 50% of […]
The 5-5-5 Rule: Postpartum Healing
To help freshly postpartum moms adjust and heal, a trending practice is becoming popular again—the 5-5-5 postpartum rule. This method encourages moms to rest and relax during the first 15 days at home with their baby. That means no cleaning sprees, no pressure to “bounce back”, and definitely no playing hostess. Just rest, recover, and […]
Everything You Need To Know About Second Night Syndrome
No, it’s not just you—baby is definitely doing a complete 180 from their first day of life. In fact, almost all newborns go through it too. This is what experts call the “second night syndrome”. It’s a completely normal and common milestone where newborns become more alert, fussy, and demanding during their second day of […]
Birth Doula vs Midwife: Here’s What Each Does
Assembling your team for pregnancy and birth is probably one of the most important things you can do when expecting. The two most common (and essential!) team players you’ll hear tons about are birth doulas and midwives. Both professionals work very closely with pregnant women, providing care, support, and guidance throughout pregnancy, birth, and the […]
No Do-Overs: What Reality TV and Childbirth Have in Common
“You don’t get a do-over on reality TV.” That line has been looping in my head since The Blox, Season 16. I went in thinking I was ready after all, I’ve pitched. I’ve presented. I’ve lived and breathed entrepreneurship for over a decade. I’m used to being put on the spot and thinking up creative solutions […]
Map Out Your Birth with a Doula-Approved Birth Plan Checklist
Alright, here’s the truth—creating a birth plan isn’t about controlling every little thing. It’s more about preparing yourself and your birth team for what matters most to you. And making a birth plan checklist gives you a chance to think through your preferences and make sure everyone is on the same page. It also gives […]
How to Prepare for Twins [6 Tried-and-True Tips]
Getting ready for twins? There’s nothing more helpful than solid advice from baby experts who’ve been there and done that. Truly, taking care of twins is a whole new ballgame. “I took a multiples training class several years ago, and there was a section about becoming an octopus. Honestly, with twins or triplets, you’ll literally […]
What Does a Postpartum Doula Cost?
A postpartum doula typically costs between $30 and $60 per hour, with overnight care ranging from $35 to $75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and services provided. At Gold Coast Doulas, we understand that navigating life with a newborn is a beautiful but challenging transition—and having the right support can make all the difference. […]
Breastfeeding Twins: Tips, Positions & Supply
Breastfeeding twins is an incredible journey. But there’s no sugar-coating it, it can feel overwhelming. Two hungry babies, double the latches, keeping milk supply up, and finding a comfortable feeding position—it’s honestly a full-time job if you think about it. With the right strategies, support, and practice, you can absolutely make breastfeeding with twins work […]
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting and life-changing experience. With all the joys of a new baby, there also are challenges, from sleepless nights to adjusting to a new routine. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in. But what exactly is a postpartum doula, and how can they support new parents during this special […]
Embracing Prenatal Mindfulness for Your (and Your Baby’s) Wellbeing
Written by Candi Seil, MPP of BabyKnow, an online video program focusing on infant growth and development. Pregnancy is a time filled with anticipation, joy, and wonder. Your body is changing, your mind is full of thoughts, and your heart is expanding. It may also feel overwhelming at times. You may navigate new challenges, […]
Top 10 Pregnancy Books Recommended by Birth Doulas
If the idea of pregnancy and birth makes you nervous, you’re not alone. For something so natural, sometimes it doesn’t feel like you know what you’re doing. And that’s okay! We weren’t meant to do this alone. Thankfully, there are some great resources out there. Our award-winning doulas at Gold Coast Doulas have rounded up […]
2024 Reflections
In 2024, Gold Coast Doulas celebrated a year of empowering families through expanded services, impactful education, and unwavering support, while fostering stronger community connections and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. What we did well In 2024, Gold Coast Doulas prioritized refining its operational systems and structure to fuel sustainable growth. By continuing to leverage […]
Why I Decided To Hire A Doula
Written by Garrett Wood Kusmierz, CEO and founder of kozēkozē, a perinatal products company on a mission to reduce the mess and stress of motherhood so that moms can better bond with their babies. I want to start by saying that my situation is a little unique—not only did my doula find me but, in […]
Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase Win Second Place for their book, Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby at the Fall 2024 The BookFest® Awards
Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase are second-place winners of the Fall 2024 The BookFest Awards for the book titled Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. The book is honored in the parenting category. The BookFest honors authors who create outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction. The BookFest’s mission is rooted in the belief that […]
9th Annual Diaper Drive Results
The final numbers are in for the 9th Gold Coast Doulas LLC Diaper Drive for Nestlings | Diaper Bank of West Michigan and Great Start Parent Coalition. We are thankful to our clients and community members who donated from September 1st to October 1st. In this annual outreach, we collected 14,910 disposable diapers and 87 […]
Gold Coast Doulas Holds 9th Annual Charity Diaper Drive
Gold Coast Doulas is holding our 9th annual Diaper Drive from September 1st to October 1st, 2024. Giving back is an important foundation of our business as a Certified B Corporation; clean diapers significantly impact the health of new families and our charitable giving focus is on supporting low-income women and children. One in two U.S. […]
Embracing the Postpartum Journey: Easy Ways to Boost Your Mental Health with Positive Psychology – Guest Blog by Elisabeth from Elle’s Corner
Gold Coast Doulas asked Elisabeth to guest blog on the topic of mental health during the postpartum period. Elisabeth is a certified coach and expert in maternal mental e-health, and the founder of Elle’s Corner. Elle’s Corner, specializes in maternal mental health, providing transformative online courses specifically designed for new mothers. Introduction Becoming a […]
The Importance of Support in the Pre and Postpartum Period with Kristin Revere
Kristin Revere and Meaghan Beames chat about support in the pre and postpartum period Meaghan is the host of The MyBaby Craniosacral Podcast. “It’s all about knowing options and building your own dream team of professionals based on however you choose to birth your baby and parent your baby.” Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas, […]
Green Beginnings: Six Essential Tips for a Safe, Low EMF Nursery
Guest blog post by Rebecca Pickett of Bebcare Low EMF Emissions Baby Monitors Creating an eco-friendly, green nursery is more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of the newest addition to your family. By choosing non-toxic, sustainable materials, you’re reducing your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals or wireless emissions […]
Meet the Visionaries: Unveiling the Minds Behind Tender Seasons, Michigan’s Maternity Wear Icon
Guest blog post by Kayli Joann, Founder & CEO of Tender Seasons. I stared in the mirror in disgust at the baggy, “cute” nightgown I had purchased for a little getaway with my husband. I was very pregnant and excited to get out of the house for a weekend! I had been on the search […]
5 Things to Know About Surrogacy – Guest Blog by Jessie Jaskulsky
Gold Coast Doulas asked Jessie Jaskulsky to guest blog on the topic of Surrogacy since March is Surrogacy Awareness Month. Jessie is the mom of Lily and Luna. It is through her first-hand experience with surrogacy that she is passionate about simplifying the process for others. Having gone through this beautiful but wildly complicated process […]
Did you forget something?
Gold Coast Doulas asked Heidi McDowell to guest blog on the topic of preparing your body for childbirth. Heidi is a yoga teacher at Mind, Body, Baby, a doula, a wife, and most importantly, a mama. Her goal is to create a community space for you that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. She holds certifications […]
