Our exclusive postpartum doula’s guide to thriving in the first three weeks postpartum gives you tips for preparing before baby arrives and tools for settling in at home with your baby.

Most parents return to work after the birth of their baby, but that doesn’t make it any less daunting! To make the transition as smooth as possible for your family, we’ve compiled our expertise at Doulas of Cincinnati with these tips from parents who have been there:

And I wore that unicorn. I wore it every day except wash days for six months. Maggie came back to the breast then, so I reintroduced kinda-sorta-underwire. I alternated those two bras for the next two years.

Two. Years. People.

Then it was time to cut the cord. The last baby I would have was finally about to be completely separated from me. It was the last time I would be part of two. It was the epitome of bittersweet - it was the end of a journey, not just of this birth but of all of them, but although it was an ending it was a happy one, one symbolic of so much, so many lessons I had learned, so much love I had gained…

Dear Doula,

I am 36 weeks today, so it’s time to pack my bag!! I’ve seen a few lists on Pinterest, but some of the items listed seem unnecessary. Help!! What do I really need in my hospital bag?

-Packing in Pleasant Ridge

What does your ideal Saturday look like?

I recently started to love waking up a little bit earlier than the rest of my house on Saturday’s just to get some quiet time to myself reading, drawing, or doodling. Then, the rest of the day would be consumed with spending time with my husband and our three kids. We’re either playing outside or working on some DIY projects.

Not sure where to make your reservation (or if you can)? Check out our Tuesday Top Ten of the best brunches in Cincinnati. Any of these is sure to make your mom (and you!) smile.

Everything is really going so well. Except, at night, as soon as I sit down to nurse, I am STARVING! I was really careful during my pregnancy to eat well and gained just 21 lbs. I’ve been trying to continue with my healthy eating now that I’m breastfeeding, but I’m really struggling during nursing sessions. I just want to eat everything in sight, especially at night! I have never felt so hungry. Is this normal?

Hungry in Highland Heights

Baths are one of my most favorite de-stressors. They are warm. They smell good. They make your skin feel nice. Thy don't have any calories. What's not to love? Add some flameless candles, a [bath] bomb playlist (Ha! See what I did there?), and one of these super luxurious LUSH products to your watering relaaaaaxxxxxxx.

At Doulas of Cincinnati, we’re not interested in hitching our baggage (birth bags or otherwise) to your birthing day. In fact, we work tirelessly to unpack (and let go of) any biases or preconceived notions we may have picked up before we walk into your space on the big day.

My arms, for one, are thankful!