Precious Arrows Doula Services

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

Hang in there, Mama. It will get better, and you'll be so glad you kept on.

01/09/2026

On January 9th, we honor the birthday of one of DONA International’s founders, Dr. John Kennell (1922-2013).🙏🏽

Long before the word “doula” existed, women supported one another through pregnancy, birth, bonding, and breastfeeding. Dr. Kennell helped bring recognition and research to that support, giving language and evidence to what families had always known: presence matters.

A pediatrician and researcher, Dr. Kennell is widely remembered for the quote:

�“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

His work showed that continuous labor support leads to calmer births and better outcomes for mothers and babies. As the doula field continues to grow and adapt, remembering how this work began helps shape how doulas show up today.💪🏽

We remember Dr. Kennell for helping ensure that no one labors alone, and for shaping the foundation of modern doula care.💜

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/05/2026

01/04/2026

I see a LOT of holiday plugged ducts. ABM #36 reframes clogged ducts as part of a mastitis spectrum, not a single hard plug that needs to be “worked out.” What we used to call a clogged duct is now understood as localized inflammation and narrowing of milk ducts, often caused by milk stasis, swelling, or changes in feeding or pumping patterns. The milk is still moving, just less efficiently in that area, which is why parents may feel a tender lump, fullness, or soreness without fever or systemic illness.

The protocol emphasizes reducing inflammation, not aggressive removal. That means:
•Gentle, normal feeding or pumping based on baby’s cues, not over-emptying
•Ice or cold packs after feeds to calm inflammation
•Anti-inflammatory support like ibuprofen if medically appropriate
•Light lymphatic drainage or very gentle massage, avoiding deep or painful pressure
•Supportive bras and avoiding tight clothing or compression

Importantly, ABM advises against older recommendations like forceful massage, vibration, aggressive pumping, heat before feeds, or trying to “push out” a plug, as these can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of mastitis.

If symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours, or if fever, flu-like symptoms, redness spreading, or worsening pain develop, the protocol recommends evaluation by a healthcare provider to assess for inflammatory or bacterial mastitis and guide next steps.

12/31/2025

What unique challenges do breastfeeding mothers with a history of weight-loss surgery face? That’s the focus of this 2025 qualitative interview study. Nutrient deficiencies, maintaining a healthy weight, fears about milk production are just a few. Learn more about their world by downloading this study here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187151922500280X?via%3Dihub