Tranquil Transitions

04/27/2026

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04/24/2026

Late preterm infants are babies born born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. Close enough to term that expectations rise quickly. Far enough from term that their bodies are still finishing important work.

They don’t look like the babies people worry about. Thirty-five weeks. Thirty-six. Sometimes just shy of thirty-seven. They come out with decent size, good color, a cry that sounds strong enough. No one is rushing in. Nothing about them demands a second look.

They’re often called “the great pretenders” because they almost pass for term. They almost feed well. They almost hold their temperature. They almost keep their blood sugars steady. At first glance, it feels like they just need a little time and they’ll be fine.

But “almost” is where the gap lives.

In those last few weeks, the brain is still rapidly developing. Feeding skills are still being refined. The ability to stay awake long enough to eat, to coordinate suck, swallow, and breathe, to maintain temperature, to keep blood sugar stable… all of that is still coming together.

Late preterm infants don’t have the same reserves as a full-term baby. Their stamina runs out faster. They start a feeding with energy, then fade before they’ve taken what they need. They can maintain their temperature until something small throws them off. Their blood sugars slip. Their breathing can look steady, until it isn’t.

Nothing about it stands out all at once. And that’s how they fall through the cracks.

They don’t meet the criteria that trigger extra support, yet they don’t have the physiologic cushion to handle what’s expected of them. They live in that in-between space where they’re treated like they’re ready, even when their bodies are still working to get there.

What they need isn’t complicated, but it has to be intentional. More time to feed without pressure to perform. Support with temperature. Protection from energy loss. Someone paying close enough attention to catch the small changes before they become something bigger.

Because what they’re missing isn’t strength. It’s margin.

And without that margin, even the smallest challenges take more from them than anyone expects. They are not just a little early. They are still building the coordination, endurance, and regulation that full-term babies are born with.

They don’t declare themselves. They show you in pieces.

And if we’re not looking for it, we may miss it.

04/19/2026

A 2025 study published in AJOG adds powerful, up-to-date data showing associations between doula care and improved maternal and newborn outcomes.

Key Maternal Outcomes:

More vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC): For every 100 patients who received doula care, there were 15 to 34 additional VBACs compared with those without doula care.

Higher postpartum follow-up attendance: 5 to 6 more per 100 received postpartum office visits.

Key Neonatal / Infant Outcomes

Increased exclusive breastfeeding rates: Babies whose families had doula support were more likely to breastfeed exclusively.

Fewer preterm births (and early preterm births): Doula-supported births showed a reduction in preterm birth rates.

In short, the study links doula care with improvements in birth outcomes — across birth mode (more VBACs), infant health (less prematurity), and early infant care (breastfeeding, postpartum follow-up).

Read more: https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2025/11/evidence-for-doulas-new-ajog-study-finds-doulas-improve-outcomes/

03/21/2026

According to the March of Dimes 2025 US report card:

"In 2024, nearly 380,000 babies were born preterm—1 in 10 births—placing the US among the highest rates in developed nations. Progress is not reaching the families who need it most."

"For the fourth consecutive year, the United States earned a D+ grade for preterm birth, marking the longest stretch of the lowest grade in Report Card history."

Less than 8 US states earned A and B reports. The US is failing our most vulnerable women and children.

We cannot emphasize enough that doulas are bandaids on the massive wound that is US health care. We aid in improving outcomes for each of our clients but we are not the solution, neither is the responsibility ours.

Nonetheless, a 2024 study found doula support was associated with a 29% lower risk of preterm birth. Why?

It's likely multifaceted but doula care is often associated with:

✨️ Education about risk factors, red flag symptoms, and ways to reduce risks around a variety of pregnancy complications
✨️ Encouragement to attend all prenatal care appointments
✨️ Continuity of support and encouragement of advocacy - if something feels off, you deserve appropriate care!
✨️ Reminding parents of their rights during pregnancy and labor

Not all cases of preterm labor can be prevented and we don't always know why a preterm labor occurs. However, there are things we can do, when families have access to proper medical care, to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Some ways to reduce risk include:

✨️ Adequate prenatal care
✨️ Continuity of care with midwives
✨️ Continuity of care with an OB
✨️ Addressing any signs of and treating UTIs
✨️ Adequate support, including nutrition support, for parents with hyperemesis gravidarum
✨️ Educating parents and providing screening for risk of cervical insufficiency and treating it
✨️ Establishing care in the first trimester
✨️ Proper support for managing gestational diabetes
✨️ Monitoring blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia

If your response to this is, "but doesn't everyone already have access to those things?" unfortunately, no. Many disparities in care exist.

03/04/2026

💕

Hello!
It's time for a formal introduction:

I started nursing in 2011, the majority of my career has been as a bedside NICU RN and IBCLC. I started The Milk Grove as a Certified Postpartum Doula and Certified Postpartum Transition Coach to support our local families through education and empowerment outside the hospital walls- where support is often needed most.

I offer Breastfeeding and Pregnancy/Parenting classes,
Postpartum Doula and NICU Doula support along with full service lactation support.

I believe in connections and working with the right families, so I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if we're a good fit:)

I can't wait to hear from you!

03/02/2026

Denmark is taking a major step by moving to end the “cry it out” method for babies after a nationwide study revealed potential harms. Over 700 psychologists warned that this sleep training practice could negatively impact brain development and parent-child attachment. The findings emphasise the importance of responsive caregiving during the early stages of life for healthy emotional and cognitive growth.

The study examined the effects of letting babies cry for extended periods and found links to elevated stress levels and possible long-term impacts on brain function. While some parts of the U.S. continue to recommend the method, Denmark’s decision reflects growing concern among experts about the risks versus the benefits of this approach. Advocates of alternative sleep strategies stress nurturing and gradual methods to promote better sleep without compromising developmental outcomes.

This move is sparking viral attention globally among parenting and health communities. It highlights a shift in understanding early childhood care and the need for policies informed by psychological research. Parents and caregivers are now encouraged to explore safer, evidence-based sleep strategies that support both healthy brain development and secure emotional bonds with their children.

02/15/2026

Green Bay's Serenity Mason, a former NICU nurse, launched The Milk Grove to offer new parents expert postpartum support. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/3ZWbDwx

12/08/2025

🥳The holiday season is OFFICIALLY here — and so is my third and final monthly special designed to give families a little extra care during the busiest time of the year.

✨ December Mama Special✨

Enjoy 20% off ANY service/services/gift certificates during the month of December
OR
25% off ANY service/services/gift certificates when paid in cash or via Venmo during the month of December

📆Deal ends December 31st and must be redeemed by the end of June 2026 (6 months).

Perinatal Service
https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/rooted-beginnings

Postpartum/Newborn Education
https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/after-the-arrival-parenting-with-confidence

Doula Services
https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/cradle-concierge-morning-bloom-reset

https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/cradle-concierge-golden-grove-reset

NICU Doula Service
https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/nicu-graduate-program

Book a Free Consult Here
https://www.themilkgrove.com/services/p/connect-with-me

Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating the postpartum, or gifting support to a mama in your life, this is a wonderful way to celebrate a beautiful new beginning at a special rate. 🌿

📩 Message me to book or learn more https://www.themilkgrove.com/intitial-client-intake-form

11/22/2025

We spend months, sometimes even years, preparing for birth- reading, planning, practicing, attending classes- but once the baby arrives, everything shifts. The attention, the support, and even the conversation often times turns entirely towards baby.

Read More: www.MotherhoodAlliance.com/blog

10/13/2025

📣As The Milk Grove continues to grow and word begins to spread, I’m delighted to remind you of a few exclusive offerings designed to nurture both you and your journey into motherhood.

✨ Three special opportunities are blooming this season — and a beautiful new collaboration is on the horizon.

🌿 Save 15% off my signature Rooted Beginnings Prenatal Service when booked through Motherhood Alliance or SaveKey Green Bay.
🌿 Enjoy the October Mama Special and receive a complimentary Healthy Mama Tea Blend AND Healing Perineum Sitz Bath — each thoughtfully handcrafted with organic, restorative herbs to soothe, replenish and restore your amazing body.

Best of all... these offerings may be combined for an added touch of luxury.

💛 My Rooted Beginnings service is meant to help prepare your whole family to welcome your new baby home. It’s perfect for the new parents, seasoned parents looking for an alternative experience this time around or the NICU family in need of deeper support.

Are you seeking professional support or recommendations on pregnancy? Delivery? Baby products? Mom products? Birth plan development? 4th trimester expectations? Infant cues/behavior expectations? Feeding? Sleeping? Extended family support?

Whatever it may be, this is YOUR space to ask questions, calm fears and prepare for this next chapter with clarity and confidence.

My goal is to help you prepare so you feel informed, confident and ready to grow into motherhood. No question is too small and every concern matters. I hope to empower and support you as you welcome your baby and new self- because every mother deserves care that feels as special as she is.

09/04/2025

Care Spotlight: Doula Services

Bringing life into the world deserves supportive care. Our Doula Services honor cultural traditions while providing emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Learn more today: https://oneida-nsn.gov/resources/health/community-health-services/community-health-services-population-based/ -Services