There was a recent article in The Bump that dives into the real cost of hiring a doula and the deep value behind that investment. It’s a conversation worth having, and I was grateful for the opportunity to weigh in as an expert.

The article breaks down typical doula pricing—ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for a birth doula, and up to $3,500 in larger markets. It also notes that postpartum support usually averages $25–$50 hourly

This spring, I lost my best friend, Irene. After a long and courageous journey with cancer, she made the brave decision last fall to stop treatment and simply livewith whatever time she had left. She did just that — living fully, intentionally, and surrounded by love until her passing just a few weeks ago.

Irene wasn’t just my best friend — she was my inspiration. I met her when I was 19, and our lives have been interwoven ever since. She was by my side during one of the most intense moments of my life — when I went into early premature labor with my first baby, a birth that eventually led to a cesarean. Long before anyone really talked about “doulas,” Irene was my doula. She was present, supportive, steady — everything a doula should be.

The early postpartum days are beautiful, blurry—and often busy in ways you never expected. You might find yourself balancing a newborn on one arm, trying to soothe, feed, or burp them… while realizing it’s 2 p.m. and you haven’t eaten since breakfast. That’s why nutrient-dense, one-hand snacks are essential in postpartum life, and we are sharing our favorite recipe for a delicious snack.

The most essential prenatal care is not provided by a midwife or a doctor. There is nothing more important for a healthy pregnancy than the simple yet profound daily choices that an expectant mother makes about her diet.

The beautiful concept of a doula traces back to ancient times. Derived from ancient Greek, 'doula' translates to "a woman who serves." Throughout history, from small tribal communities to expansive ancient civilizations, doulas played a pivotal role. They were not just assisting in childbirth but also offering wisdom, comfort, and emotional succor to expecting mothers.