Every day millions of women in the United States make choices that are linked to negative outcomes.
They don't make these choices knowingly, in most cases. In fact, in each of my pregnancies I did things that were harmful to my health, my baby's health and could have contribute to birth complications.
As a doula, and mom of 5, I am on a mission to help moms make safer choices by providing information that I did not have. As a digital doula, I spend my days curating evidence, sharing my experiences and helping women prepare their mind, body and soul for this transition into motherhood, whether it's the first baby or the fifth.
I've created this series to help you unlock the power of the Secrets of Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
These "secrets" I'm going to unveil are only a secret as a result of the natural gap between evidence-based research recommendations and public policy and standard maternity care. I cannot guarantee that you won't develop a complication or that your baby won't have health issues. I wish that I could, but I can promise to give you evidence-based data that will help you "stack the deck" in your favor and your baby's favor.
I can help you bridge the knowledge gap. You get information & strategy to make lifestyle choices that have been shown to reduce risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and postpartum mental health problems.
There are things you can do during pregnancy, that support your mental health postpartum, improve baby's childhood and adult health and reduce your risk of developing complications that necessitate medical intervention during pregnancy, birth or immediate postpartum.
I'll see you in there.
https://stefaniemelo.com/secrets
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
If you’ve ever searched “freezer stash,” you already know how many moms are stressed about it.
Alternatively, you may not know that while pumping can be an absolute blessing: it's a lot of work. Particularly exclusively pumping.
And if you’re an overachiever like me, maybe you’ve even thought, “Should I start pumping the same day I give birth?”
Here’s the truth:
Unless there’s a medical need, you likely don’t need to pump right away.
Even if you’re going back to work later, you have time.
Even if you’re going back to work later, you have time.
There are some exceptions—like if:
👶 Your baby is in the NICU
👅 Baby has palate or latch issues
🍼 Baby needs a feeding tube
📉 Baby loses more than 10% of birth weight and you need to boost supply
👶 Your baby is in the NICU
👅 Baby has palate or latch issues
🍼 Baby needs a feeding tube
📉 Baby loses more than 10% of birth weight and you need to boost supply
But if you’re focused on building a stash just for returning to work, pumping now can actually be counterproductive—to your mental health and bonding with your baby.
According to La Leche League:
👉 You only need about 3 days’ worth of milk for return-to-work
👉 Babies typically need 1 to 1.5 ounces per hour of separation
(That’s about 9–14 ounces for a full workday—not 32 or more!!)
👉 You only need about 3 days’ worth of milk for return-to-work
👉 Babies typically need 1 to 1.5 ounces per hour of separation
(That’s about 9–14 ounces for a full workday—not 32 or more!!)
Smart hacks:
💡 Nurse baby at drop-off and pick-up
💡 Pump at work for the next day’s bottles
💡 Start freezing later when supply is steady and life is calmer
💡 Nurse baby at drop-off and pick-up
💡 Pump at work for the next day’s bottles
💡 Start freezing later when supply is steady and life is calmer
And here’s something really important:
Your baby needs colostrum now—not in 6 weeks.
Breast milk changes over time. Milk made for a 3-week-old is not the same as milk made for an 8-month-old.
So if no one has told you this yet, let me be the first:
You don’t need a deep freezer full of milk to be a great mom.
- You need rest.
- You two need to bond.
- You need confidence in your journey.
- You need evidence-based information.
- You deserve expert guidance to help you tune out the noise.
🌿 That’s exactly why I created Sage Mama Maternity—my all-trimester, full-spectrum Digital Doula program. So you’re not left guessing, Googling, or spinning with anxiety.
✨ Join the priority waitlist for Sage Mama Maternity, my complete education and personalized doula support program—designed for women who want a healthy, supported, and enjoyable pregnancy-to-postpartum experience.
You can do this. You don’t have to do it alone. 💛
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
