How Many Overnights Should You Book with a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist?
July 25, 2026
In a separate blog post I discuss how long to book with a doula (how many weeks or months), but here I will focus on…
Blog
What to Expect When You CAN’T Know What to Expect: Planning for Life with a Newborn
June 28, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Newborn Topics, Parenting, Pregnancy and Childbirth
I was inspired to speak on this topic because I just got off the phone with three different expectant parents, inquiring about postpartum Doula services, who want to make sure they have adequate support in place after the birth of their baby or babies, but are overwhelmed with the prospect of planning for something they've never done before. Almost always the families that call me say, "How can I know what I need before I need it?" Some of them will have family members nearby or visiting, but don't yet know how it will go to have those…
NOT Your Mother’s Mothers’ Day
May 7, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Uncategorized
Do you feel it? I think the way we look at moms is shifting… I think there is greater recognition for what we do. For the parts that are tangible and the parts that are not. For what we sacrifice and don’t get back, even if yes, there are sweet rewards. For the costs - to our bodies, our careers, our psyches when we wonder if we are doing right by our children. (Approaching discipline in an age-appropriate way? Over scheduling or under scheduling them? Leaving them too much or helicopter parenting? Respecting their preferences or coddling???) I think, for a…5 Reasons NOT to Join a Doula Agency
April 15, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Doula Career
I knew starting a postpartum doula agency might raise some eyebrows in the doula community. I wasn’t sure why, exactly, other than the fact that “new and different” tends to raise eyebrows. But wow did I come across a GOLDMINE of reasons just the other day, on a rant on social media from a well-respected doula in our area. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not taking her post as if it were directed at me. But she has quite the following (for good reason - she has worked long and hard supporting and educating doulas and…Childcare at Work: “It really is not just making a living, it really is making a life.”
April 10, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Doula Career
This is so important for all of us to watch. While paid leave is also an important part of the puzzle, HERE is an idea that doesn't have to get government approval or cost taxpayer money. Parents are going to pay for childcare somewhere, why not 1) reduce their commute time by having it at the work location, 2) increase their access to their children 3) contribute to the success of breastfeeding with such access in many cases,... and the benefits go on an on as described in this video. In fact, many parents would likely pay a…
Luna Cookies: A Healthy, One-handed Snack for Parents of Newborns – Courtesy of One Moon Doula Services
March 28, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Newborn Topics, Parenting
One Moon Doula "Luna Cookies" recipe and photos courtesy of Megan Ameral Our Luna Cookies are the perfect, one-handed snack! Sweet oat cookies filled with dried blueberries (full of antioxidants such as vitamin A and C) and nutty cacao nibs packed with magnesium and calcium. Little bites of cinnamon and creamy coconut manna make these a decadent treat every family should have packed in their freezer. The perfect balance of healthy and delightful –pack a ziplock to throw in your diaper bag to go, or crumble on ice cream (dairy free if that's your thing) for the rest of the family. Brewer's yeast…
The Postpartum Doulas of One Moon Doula Services, LLC
March 1, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Doula Career
Last week I held the first team meeting with One Moon Doula’s newest postpartum doulas. I’m so impressed. Selecting a team at this time in my life, at almost 40 years old, couldn’t have been better timing. Combining my life experience and work experience with a renewed trust in my gut, confidence in my judgement… led me to know almost instantly who would be a good fit - not just for my agency, and for our clients, but for each other as colleagues and teammates.The Three (Actually Four) Reasons I’m Opening a Doula Agency
January 19, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Doula Career
I’ve had such a positive response - from parents, providers, and doulas - about my plan to open an agency of postpartum doulas to serve the families in North County, San Diego. It's a wonderful affirmation of the need, as seen by all of the stakeholders. I’ve also had some questions. Most are just to understand better. Some come tinged with a hint of suspicion (of what I’m not sure), or skepticism. So I'll just lay it all out there. I’m doing it for the parents. Parents who don’t exactly know what a postpartum doula is, but they…Tips for Feeling a Little Less Lonely with a Newborn
January 9, 2016 | Kathryn Keener | Newborn Topics, Postpartum Support and Recovery
As I talk about in this post, Jennifer Senior in All Joy and No Fun tells us that women’s contact with people in their networks shrinks in the early child-rearing years, and that a study in 2009 found that 80 percent of mothers surveyed believed they didn’t have enough friends and 58% felt lonely. Here's a list of just a few simple steps you can take to make your time with a newborn less lonely:
It Takes a Village – But You’ll Have to Build it Yourself
July 27, 2015 | Kathryn Keener | Newborn Topics, Parenting, Postpartum Support and Recovery
The last three clients who enlisted my postpartum doula services had something in common: their level of isolation as new parents. The first couple has moved here from out of the country and all of their family is abroad. The second couple hasn’t found friends since moving to a new location. The third couple also moved recently, haven’t had a chance to make any friends yet, and family is not nearby. (A few people from their church have offered to help but they don’t know them well and feel awkward taking them up on their offers). Two out…