Talking About Tricky Topics With Your Caregivers: Podcast Episode #133

Childcare support that grows with you. Personalized for your family

Today we discuss the importance of having difficult conversations with your nanny or caregiver. Ā Joining us is Carol Kramer Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny.Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes, SoundCloud, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome.Ā  You’re listening to Ask the Doulas, a podcast where we talk […]

5 Tips to Build a Low EMF Emissions Home for Your Baby

Bebcare Baby Monitors - DSR Digital Safe Radio - Ultra-low Radiation

Guest blog post by Andrew from Bebcare Low Emissions Baby Monitor Parents are deeply concerned about the safety of their baby. Why wouldn’t they be? Your baby is your bundle of joy and the most precious. With the abundance of wireless devices these days, EMF radiation is a hot topic amongst parents. In this blog […]

How to get my baby to sleep through the night.

Woman swaddling infant in a crib

This is probably the most commonly asked sleep question for parents, and unfortunately there isn’t an easy answer! There are many factors involved when attempting to answer this question. It can depend on things like: How old is your baby? How much do they eat? How often do they eat? Were they premature? Do they […]

How the Pandemic Positively Affected Working Out From Home!

Strength in Motherhood

The original owner, Marissa Andersen, and I (Sarah Greidanus) soon-to-be owner, went into 2020 knowing that it would be a big year for our business – FIT4MOM Grand Rapids. Marissa was passing on the reins to me after being in the helm for over 8 years. The transition was underway and everything was scheduled to […]

Creating a Calm Space: Podcast Episode #114

Amber Brandt poses in her kitchen with her chin resting in her palm

Today Amber Brant of The Coziness Consultant talks with Alyssa about how new moms can create a calm space in their homes in the midst of chaos.Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Welcome.Ā  You’re listening to Ask the Doulas, a podcast where we talk to experts from all […]

Car Seat Safety with Secure Quest: Podcast Episode #109

Secure Quest Keeping Kids Safe Logo

  Kristin talks with Jennifer Hoekstra, one of the owners of Secure Quest, about car seat safety for our babies and toddlers. Ā You’ll be astonished at how many of us install our car seats incorrectly!Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud.Ā  Kristin:Ā  Welcome to Ask the Doulas with Gold […]

Sleep and Virtual School: Podcast Episode #106

Little girl sitting at a desk taking an online class

  Kristin and Alyssa talk about the struggle to get kids to sleep during virtual school at home. Ā Is it important to have a set bedtime? Ā Can kids stay up late? Ā We answer these questions and more!Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa:Ā  Hello.Ā  Welcome to the Ask […]

What I Wish I Knew: Podcast Episode #104

Alyssa Veneklase and Kristin Revere sit in an office while podcasting together

Kristin and Alyssa, owners of Gold Coast Doulas, talk about the things they wish they had known before having a baby. Ā Listen to this fun episode packed with advice and lots of little gold nuggets of information for new parents!Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud.Ā  Kristin:Ā  Welcome to […]

Top 5 ReturnĀ ToĀ Learning Tips

Little girl sitting at a desk taking an online class

Fall is almost upon us…chunky sweatshirts and boots, falling leaves andĀ school…let’s take a look at how bestĀ toĀ prepare mentally and physically for what returningĀ toĀ learning meansĀ toĀ you and your family. First of all, you are NOT alone in your feelings of anxiety or vulnerability and it is exhausting living in the land of uncertainty. There are, however, a […]

Creating a Safe Sleep Space: Routers

A wooden desk with a pad of paper, cell phone, two cups of coffee, and a wifi router

Alyssa Veneklase talks with Lisa Tiedt, Building Biologist and owner of Well Abode, about creating health sanctuaries in our homes.Ā  You can watch this video on YouTube. Ā  Alyssa:Ā  Hi.Ā  It’s Alyssa and Lisa here again.Ā  This is Part 3 of our series on how to create a low EMF sleep space, and we’ve kind […]

Creating a Low EMF Sleep Space: Baby Monitors

Top 5 EMF Culprits Disrupting Your Baby's Sleep

Alyssa Veneklase talks with Lisa Tiedt, Building Biologist and owner of Well Abode, about creating health sanctuaries in our own homes.Ā  You can watch this video on YouTube. Ā  Alyssa:Ā  Hi, again.Ā  We are in our series of how to create a safe sleep space, and I am Alyssa, talking to Lisa Tiedt again.Ā  She […]

Adult Separation Anxiety: Podcast Episode #99

Alyssa of Gold Coast Doulas holding a Zoom interview for the Ask The Doulas Podcast

On this episode, Alyssa and Laine begin by talking aboutĀ  parenting anxiety and the distance that parents can sometimes feel as their babies and children grow and seem to need them less. Ā The conversation takes some interesting turns to talk about having clear boundaries for kids, pivoting our expectations of children as they grow, and […]

My Favorite Sleep Products

Woman swaddling infant in a crib

During sleep consultations I am often asked what my favorite products are. While I have many, parents must realize that my favorite sleep sack or swaddle may not be their child’s favorite! I will list several products in this blog and tell you why I like them, but you know your baby or child best. […]

Top 10 New Parent Essentials

Mother holding and kissing her baby

Did you notice that this list doesn’t say ā€œBaby Essentials”? Nope, it’s not an error. YOU are the single most essential thing in your baby’s tiny life. While you process all the feels over this game changing reality, I’ve got your back with some advice on essentials that will ease your transition so that you […]

Parenting and Sleep: Podcast Episode #98

Mother comforting and speaking to her child outside

Laine Lipsky, Parenting Coach, talks with Alyssa today about the negative effects of sleep deprivation on children and parents.Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa:Ā  Hello and welcome to the Ask the Doulas Podcast.Ā  I am Alyssa Veneklase.Ā  I’m excited to be back with Laine Lipsky, parenting coach.Ā  […]

Mental Health Awareness Month: Podcast Episode #97

Dr. Gaynel headshot

Dr. Nave now works with queens through her virtual practice Hormonal Balance.Ā  Today she talks to us about hormones and how they affect our mental health, including the baby blues and postpartum depression.Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa:Ā  Hi.Ā  Welcome to Ask the Doulas Podcast.Ā  I am […]

Parenting During Covid-19: Podcast Episode #96

Woman wearing a cream colored tank top and jeans sits on a bright orange chair outside

Today we talk with Laine Lipsky, parenting coach, about some best practices for parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ā She gives us all some great tips on how to manage stress and deal with out children no matter what age!Ā  You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa:Ā  Hello and welcome […]

COVID-19 Reduce Your Risk!

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  Ask The Doulas Podcast Ā· Corona Virus Update on Doulas Reduce Your Risk by Megan Mouser, NP. March 31, 2020 STATISTICS COVID-19 With statistics regarding the novel coronavirus changing daily (and even hourly), the most up-to-date information can come from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Centers for Disease […]

A Journey Unlike Any Other

MJ wooden letters with a picture of two embryos

To all of the couples who have had retrievals, transfers, and IVF schedules postponed or affected by the Corona virus outbreak my heart breaks for you. IVF is no small or easy journey; it takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical state. It’s beautiful and terrifying all at the same time. It’s expensive […]

When Your Baby Doesn’t Follow Your Birth Plan

Birth story

Have you ever set out to accomplish something life-changing? How did you prepare for it? Did you research it online? Did you read a how-to book? Did you seek advice from those you trust? Would you ever show up for the big day without preparing ahead of time? Back in November of 2017, I finally […]

How Sleep Deprivation Impacts New Parents

Sleep Deprivation

Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and scary milestones of a person’s life. It’s likely your emotions will run the gamut from excited anticipation and joy, to fear of the unknown and uncertainty about what’s ahead and how you’re coping with parenthood. Managing night time feeds, tending to your baby throughout the […]

Gold Coast Doulas 4th Annual Diaper Drive

Nestlings Diaper Bank

Gold Coast Doulas is holding our 4th annual Diaper Drive from September 1st to October 1st, 2019. Giving back is an important foundation of our business; clean diapers make a huge impact on the heath of new families. Diaper need is something that goes almost completely unrecognized, but 1 in 3 babies suffer in dirty […]

Supporting a Postpartum Mother: Podcast Episode #79

Postpartum Depression

Elsa Lockman, LMSW of Mindful Counseling talks to us today about how partners, family members, and other caregivers can support a mother during those critical postpartum weeks to ensure she seeks help if needed. Ā How do you approach a new mother and what are her best options for care?Ā  You can listen to this complete […]

7 Ways To Save Money When Having A Baby

pregnant

Emily Graham is the creator of mightymoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of information tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative […]