Martin's Village

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week! 💖✨ We’re offering a free professional photoshoot for 12 families to capture and cherish these intimate moments. Register now to be part of this empowering event! 📷🌸

This week, we celebrate Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, honoring the breastfeeding traditions and practices of Indigenous communities. Breastfeeding is a sacred act, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and wisdom of Indigenous peoples. By respecting and revitalizing these traditions, we can support the health and well-being of Indigenous parents and their children. Let’s listen, learn, and uplift Indigenous voices, ensuring that their knowledge and practices are recognized and valued.

So excited that we will be at the Books, Blocks, and Balls event on 8/10. We hope to see you there. Come ready to read and learn about Child development.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This week, we celebrate the universal practice of breastfeeding and its profound impact on the health and well-being of children and parents around the world. Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful act that transcends cultures and borders, providing unparalleled nourishment and bonding opportunities. Let’s honor and support breastfeeding parents globally, recognizing their resilience and dedication. Together, we can advocate for policies and practices that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding everywhere. ***y

So happy to be considered. Congratulations to all the nominees!

CommunityVotes Grand Rapids 2024 Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Grand Rapids, MI. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

Summer is hitting us hard everywhere! Stay safe by staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and taking breaks in the shade. Enjoy the sun responsibly!

The placenta is truly miraculous! This amazing organ nurtures life, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. It also acts as a protective barrier, filtering out harmful substances. Even after birth, the placenta continues to provide benefits. Many cultures use it in various ways for healing and nourishment. Embrace the wonder of the placenta!

Guess who has a table for the community to check out? WE DO! We hope to see you at the spectacular “Woman, Who Are You?” event!

Celebrating freedom, resilience, and new beginnings. Happy Juneteenth from our doula service!

Welcome to the world, precious baby K! Our village is so excited to have you here. Wishing you a life filled with joy, love, and countless blessings. Congratulations to the new parents!

This event was amazing! We were able to raffle off 10 postpartum baskets sponsored in part by Dynamic Dyad at the community babyshower with Great Start Family Coalition of Kent County . Such an amazing time in community! Thank you for those who came and supported. More to come. Til next time!

Celebrating Pride Month with love and inclusivity! Comprehensive doula support is crucial for ensuring that all families, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, receive the compassionate and affirming care they deserve. 🌈

Always honored to be part of an incredible birthing team, where doctors, nurses, and midwives work together to ensure a safe and smooth arrival for your little one. My role as a doula is to provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, helping families navigate this beautiful journey. Discover the benefits of having a doula by your side!

Hello, sweet baby! Our hearts are overflowing with happiness as we welcome you into our village. May your days be bright and your path be surrounded by love. Best wishes to the proud parents!

On this Birth Advocacy Day, let's take a moment to honor the incredible work of birthworkers—the first line of support for birthing individuals around the world.

From doulas to midwives, childbirth educators to lactation consultants, birthworkers play a pivotal role in the journey to parenthood. They're not just there to assist during labor and delivery; they're educators, listeners, advocates, collaborators, and pillars of support every step of the way.

They educate birthing individuals and their families, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their care. They listen with empathy and compassion, offering a safe space for individuals to voice their fears, concerns, and preferences. They respect each person's unique journey, honoring their choices and supporting them without judgment. They collaborate with healthcare providers and other support professionals to ensure holistic and personalized care for their clients. And above all, they provide unwavering support, encouragement, and empowerment, empowering birthing individuals to navigate their birthing experiences with confidence and dignity.

So today, and every day, let's express our gratitude to birthworkers for their tireless dedication, compassion, and advocacy. They truly are the unsung heroes of birthing journeys, and their impact reaches far beyond the delivery room.

Happy Birth Advocacy Day!

Today, May 16th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness, amplifying voices, and celebrating the choices of birthing individuals everywhere. It's a day to shine a spotlight on the importance of advocating for respectful and informed childbirth experiences.

On this special day, let's come together to:

🗣️ Raise awareness about the rights of birthing individuals.
💪 Empower individuals to make informed choices about their birth experiences.
🌈 Celebrate the diversity of birthing journeys and choices.
✨ Advocate for inclusive and respectful maternity care for all.

Whether you're a birthing person, a birth worker, or an advocate, your voice matters. Together, let's continue to advocate for positive change and support birthing individuals in having safe, empowering, and dignified birth experiences. Happy Birth Advocacy Day!

Embarking on a journey with Martin’s Village Doula Services starts with a simple yet impactful step: our consultations.

These short, free discussions are all about understanding your desires and ensuring fitness for your unique needs.

At the heart of it all is connection. We believe it's vital to establish a bond, ensuring we're the right fit for one another. Because when trust and understanding are present, the journey ahead becomes not just smoother, but truly transformative. Let's connect and explore the possibilities together.

Email: [email protected]

As doulas, we understand that every step of the childbirth journey requires unwavering support, and massage is an invaluable tool in our toolkit. From soothing discomfort during labor to promoting relaxation and easing tension, gentle massages provide holistic comfort and empowerment.

Let’s dive into the magical world of the fundus - your uterus’s crown jewel!

The fundus is the top part of your uterus, where your baby grows during pregnancy. It expands as your baby grows, and healthcare providers check its height to monitor your baby’s development.

Week 12: At this stage, your uterus is just beginning to rise out of your pelvis, and your fundus is typically around your p***c bone level. It’s still snug down there, but it’s gearing up for some exciting growth ahead!

Week 36-38: Fast forward to the home stretch! By now, your fundus has reached its peak, extending right up to your rib cage. It’s like your baby has built their own little penthouse in there!

As your due date approaches, your fundus might feel like it’s pressing against your diaphragm, making breathing a bit more challenging.

Week 40: You’ve made it to the finish line! At full term, your fundus may be lower, as your baby is nestled snugly inside, engaged and ready to make their grand entrance into the world. You may find it easier to breathe as this is when baby may “drop”.

Every bump and curve of your fundus tells a story of love, resilience, and the miraculous journey of pregnancy. Embrace it, cherish it, and know that you are truly amazing!

Let’s talk about the incredible journey of the uterus during postpartum recovery!

After giving birth, the uterus undergoes an amazing process of involution, shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. This isn’t an overnight feat; it takes time, dedication, and lots of rest!

Did you know that the uterus can shrink from weighing around 2.2 pounds to just 2 ounces in a matter of weeks? Talk about resilience! Postpartum recovery is hard work, both physically and emotionally. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and allow your body the rest it needs to heal properly.

Remember, every postpartum journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate this transformative time. You’re doing an amazing job!

Greetings Villagers!

A photographer reached out and asked for Black and brown models in our community. Please take advantage if this is a good fit for you and your family.

Disclaimer: This event is not organized or hosted Martin’s Village, but we extend our support and endorsement to the event organizers. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, we cannot be held responsible for any changes, cancellations, or discrepancies related to the event. Attendees are encouraged to verify details directly with the event organizers. Our support for this event reflects our commitment to the community and shared values.

Thank you to North Star Birthing Services for the opportunity to be of service to community.

Celebrating the miracle of new life! Our doula support is rooted in advocacy, education, and equity, ensuring every family feels confident and cared for.

Embracing those Braxton Hicks contractions, a timeless dance of preparation in the journey of pregnancy. Dating back to the 19th century when Dr. John Braxton Hicks first identified them, these gentle yet firm squeezes of the uterus serve as a dress rehearsal for the big moment. It’s nature’s way of practicing, fine-tuning, and getting ready for the grand performance of childbirth.