Cosmic Tree Doula Blog

Rooted & Rising: Postpartum Fellowship

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:21:52 GMT

Community for new mamas after Jesus’ heart.

We share stories, scripture and support.

Jesus wants us to have community. We are not made to walk alone—in our faith journey, in our motherhood, and in life. We are excited to join together mamas searching for more within this incredible life transition. This will be a safe space to share and learn from one another—a place to find encouragement from other believers who want to walk alongside you in faith.

We’ll have loose topics to get the conversation flowing, but there are no off‑limits subjects. Motherhood is messy and challenging, and there are answers and hope within God’s Word. He knows what we need, and He wants us to ask for it. When we gather, we will say a “Praise and Prayer” to recognize the ways God is moving in your life and to ask for help in any way you need. We know the value of being together, and we want to provide support for you.

We will meet bi‑monthly for postpartum fellowship for mamas who are looking to develop community, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and receive prayer and encouragement.

Morning option: Mile City Church 54899 Eight Mile Rd. Northville/Lyon, MI 48167 on Tuesday, March 23rd at 10:30am.
Evening option: Gail's home 37965 Glengrove Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48331 on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 5:30pm.

Please bring your sweet babes in all their glory; giggles, toots and cries. There will be a playmat, play gym, chewy toys and baby snacks. And of course for moms, warm beverages and snacks. This is a free event and any donations are appreciated but in no way required.

We would love to see you there. If you are interested in more information or have any questions, please reach out via email to baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com

Bible Verses For Motherhood

baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com (Bailey Baldwin) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:52:51 GMT

For the days full of joy, the days soaked with tears and everything in between.

When we give ourselves to the Lord, we can navigate life with more peace, strength and love. He speaks to us through His word. The Bible is filled with words of encouragement and love. The season of motherhood is a blessing from God, but it does not come without worry, fear and challenges. There is a lot of unknown and we can be reassured to know our God is omniscient and He will always be there for us. We can give him our worry and fear and not try to "solve" our own problems or control the outcome, for only he knows what the future holds.

How to use these verses:

Write them out or print them and post them around your home as a reminder
Spend time in His word daily
Speak them out loud or pray them when you notice your baby wiggle and kick.

Here are a few of our favorite passages that feel especially useful during the trials of labor and beyond.

Scripture for Pregnancy

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139: 13-16

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127: 3-5

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 6: 7

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:22–25

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Scripture for Labor

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41: 10

And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

II Corinthians 12: 9

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalms 139: 14

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

Psalms 121: 5-6

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26: 3

Scripture for Motherhood

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid.

Psalms 23: 1-4

I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 46: 4

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.

Colossians 1:11-12

Bailey and Gail use their faith to help guide their words and hands while supporting families. They are happy to pray for you, with you or over you.

Hormones in Labor

baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com (Bailey Baldwin) — Fri, 03 May 2024 20:36:35 GMT

Labor involves a cascade of hormones. These hormones, when the birthing person remains calm and feels safe, can create a smooth labor process. The birth team and environment can support this by helping the birthing person feel loved, cared for. When fear creeps in, the catecholamines work in opposition to the oxytocin. The catecholamines can come from many things like unresolved fears or concerns, a strange environment, past trauma, a change in circumstance. Also of note, when labor is induced or augmented with a synthetic form of oxytocin, like Pitocin, the body may experience an increased pain sensation. Since the Pitocin was not produced by the body, it does not cross the blood brain barrier in the same way. This affects how the body responds with endorphins, which may lead to a need for increased external pain relief.

Birth is unpredictable, but the innate trust in the birthing person's abilities, the birth process and the support of the birth team can lead to incredible experiences.

Oxytocin:

The star of the show! This wonderful hormone creates the feelings of love, calm and connection. In the context of labor, it helps facilitate uterine contractions, the urge to push, and the fetal ejection reflex. Oxytocin also contributes to the “letdown” of human milk during breastfeeding. The oxytocin surge after birth helps new parents bond with their new baby. Oxytocin is able to flow more freely when the environment is safe and calm and the birthing person feels secure, confident and is able to focus. If stress or fear is introduced to the situation, oxytocin will slow and catecholamines will take over.

Endorphins:

The oxytocin flows and contributes to the increased intensity of surges. To counteract this, our body produces endorphins, which are made in the brain and adrenal glands. As pain, exertion, stress and fear increase, so do endorphins. They contribute to the feeling of “labor land” and allow you to tap into the primal brain and instinctual behavior needed for labor. The morphine-like effect they have is a form of pain relief, along with their ability to increase feelings of pleasure.

Catecholamines:

Catecholamines refer to the stress hormones or epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and others, produced largely by the adrenal glands. These hormones are responsible for the fight, flight, freeze and fawn reaction we have to stressful situations. During the first stage of labor, feeling of distress or lack of safety can slow down labor or affect how the baby is tolerating labor. However, in the second stage of labor, during pushing, a surge or catecholamines is normal and helps provide the strength, effort and alertness needed to push the baby out!

Prolactin:

That urge you have to clean, organize, and prepare, or “nest”, can be attributed to prolactin. This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is also responsible for preparing the mammary glands during pregnancy, promoting the production of milk and plays a role in mood. Prolactin can contribute to mood elevation and calming. It is also, thought to be related to the altruistic behavior that allows the new parent to put the babies needs before their own. Its the Mama bear, protective mindset!

The Role of a Doula:

My goal, as a doula, is to help you in understanding this process and individualizing care so that you feel safe, respected, loved and cared for throughout this journey. I want to empower you to have the birth that you desire.

Let’s chat more about your birth!

Placenta Encapsulation

baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com (Bailey Baldwin) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:55:11 GMT

Placenta Consumption? Tell me more!

Your body grew the placenta, a temporary endocrine organ, from scratch, This organ worked hard to create and maintain the womb to grow your baby. It provided provided nutrients, removed waste, served as a barrier from disease and chemicals, and produced the necessary hormones.

Do you know about the placenta benefits after birth?

At this time, a good amount of the information is anecdotal, meaning specific experiences of postpartum people after consumption. Also, data from other mammals gives us some insight.

Increased milk production

The journey of feeding your sweet baby can be so rewards, but can also contain challenges. A common question new mamas ask themselves is, "am I making enough milk?" Placenta consumption may help increase lactation volume and allow you to focus on bonding with you sweet babe.

Restore/Balance postpartum hormones and improve postpartum mood

The delivery of your baby sparked a major shift in hormones. Your body has transitioned from its pregnant state and moved in the "fourth" trimester. There are many reports of feeling improved emotions and decrease in depressive symptoms.

Increase energy and improve postpartum recovery

Labor is hard work! After the marathon of bring baby into the work, rest and healing is a must. The placenta is full of nutrients to aide in replenishment of what is lost. The placenta can can contain a good amount of protein and cholesterol as well as carbohydrates, fats, vitamin A, calcium, iron, sodium and selenium. The iron content in the placenta can help after the blood loss associated with birth, which can promote increased energy.

Let me know if you are interested in this service and I can help to connect you with a local, trusted resource!

Sources:

Placentophagy's effects con mood, bonding, and fatigue: A piolet trial, part 2 (2018)

Sharon M. Young, Laura K. Gryder, Chad Cross, David Zava, David W. Kimball, Daniel C. Benyshek

Published in the Journal of Women & Birth, Volume 31, Issue 4, August 2018, Pages e258-e271

Placenta as a Lactagogon (1954)

Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self Reported Motivation and Experiences (April 2013)

Jodi Selander 1, Allison Cantor, Sharon M Young, Daniel C Benyshek

PMID: 23445390 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2012.719356

Nutritional composition and heavy metal content of the human placenta (2017)

Sydney Chang, Laura Lodico, Zev Williams

Published in The Official journal of the International Federation of Placenta Associations, Volume 60, Pages 100-102

What I learned at my first birth

baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com (Bailey Baldwin) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:32:42 GMT

My first birth as a doula

Being present at the beginning of a life is an honor beyond compare.

Having a family choose me to be a part of this journey and their baby's birth story is incredible.

Yes, I have skills and knowledge to offer. But, I learn a great amount from the family as well.

I recently had my first experience as a doula during a labor. It was long, intense and amazing . I was able to witness this new life and the two beautiful people become first time parents. During the hours of labor, I supported this family in maintaining their goals within the pace of the hospital setting. They were also cared for by several inspiring providers (nurses and midwives). My training came into play while I did massage, offered position changes, advocated for their wishes, provided counterpressure and encouraged nutrition.

There was so much awe within the labor and birth process. The power of witnessing a new life come earth side, take his first breaths and hear the first cries was astonishing. The faces of the new parents as they gazed that their perfect little baby was so wonderful.

I learned so much from this first client. She taught me what perseverance is. She confirmed my knowledge of the pure, raw and primal power of the female body. Even after labor took its toll on her energy and spirit. Her faith in herself and God gave her what she needed. And her birth team's faith in her and birth itself.

I learned so much from the hospital care team. I learned a new position, a capability of the fancy hospital bed. I learned more about physiologic birth and that time is your friend. I was able to be guided through this natural birth and unlearn some of my bias to discover the beauty in the process.

I will never stop learning about birth and the purely incredible human body. This passion is deep within me and I am so grateful to have found this avenue of serving families in this truly transformational time of life.

Postpartum Planning

baileyandgaildoula@gmail.com (Bailey Baldwin) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:33:48 GMT

Learning about and planning for the

Postpartum Period

While you're pregnant so much time is spent on thoughts leading up to the “ BIG DAY ”. And there are so many unknowns when it comes to your baby’s birthday.

What will labor be like?
How will I know when I am in labor?
How long will my labor last?

But what about the after….. The experience of giving birth is so undoubtedly TRANSFORMATIONAL. This new life is brought into the world and you are tasked with the job of keeping your baby happy and healthy. There can be a steep learning curve when you are doing the work 24-7 on little sleep.

So the question is… What can be done in advance to ease this transition into living with a newborn?

Learning and planning for the postpartum period is so important!!! During your pregnancy you can consider how you want this time to be. Listen to experiences of other moms, find out what they wished they had had. Learn about what a healing body needs and how nourish it. Have the conversations with your partner about how the logistics of life will change and how the responsibilities will be altered. Consider important questions that you may have not thought of. You can hire a postpartum doula to aid in all of this .

A few of my favorite resources

“The First Forty Days” by Heng Ou
“The Fourth Trimester Companion: How to Take Care of Your Body, Mind, and Family ” By Cynthia Gabriel
“Postpartum University Podcast” by Maranda Bower, Postpartum Nutrition Specialist

The depiction of this time on social media can be deceiving and realistic preparations are invaluable. Things to consider

Who will make meals for you? Are these meals nourishing for postpartum healing?
How much time will you or your partner have off of work?
Are you aware of local resources in your area? An in-home lactation consultant? A mental health provider that can do virtual visits?
How can you set up your home to be efficient for you, during healing?
How will your partner assist you in meeting the demands of the baby's and your needs?
Who can you call when it has been a tough night to vent or to come over and give you some sleep?

✨ A Postpartum Doula can help you in making these plans and accomplishing these tasks and more. The doula will provide individualized support on a custom schedule. She will be there for you to celebrate the joys and to listen when you need to talk about your worries. She will be a safe space to provide non judgmental care and help give you the tools to gain confidence within this new or expanded role. She will ensure you are nourished and cared for in a clean space. The doula is here to mother and nurture the mother. You need support while you are giving all you have to this tiny little human.

Cosmic Tree Doula provides postpartum services. See the services tab to learn more details and schedule a discovery call!

Birth Planning

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:53:30 GMT

Crafting Your Perfect Birth Plan

Bringing a new life into the world is an amazing journey filled with Many choices and loads of excitement. An important initail step is Deciding where you will give birth – at home, in a hospital, or in a birth center and who will be part of your birth team. These two choice can have a big impact on your birth.

With the help of a doula, you can navigate these options and create a plan that feels just right for you and your baby. Let's dive in!

Selecting Your Birth Team:

Regardless of your chosen birth setting, assembling the right birth team is essential. This team may include your partner, family members, friends, midwives, doctors, and of course, a doula. Consider the dynamics, expertise, and values of each member to ensure they align with your vision for childbirth. Whether you're surrounded by familiar faces at home, the experienced staff of a hospital, or the nurturing environment of a birth center, your birth team plays a pivotal role in supporting you through this transformative journey. Consider sharing the pregnancy experience with this team. This will allow them to more personally help you during labor when they have great knowledge and understanding of where you've been and your worries about the what lies ahead.

Home Birth:

Imagine the warmth of your own space, surrounded by loved ones, as you welcome your little one into the world. That's the essence of a home birth. With a midwife and your carefully selected support team, you can curate a serene atmosphere tailored to your preferences. Think soft lighting, soothing music, and all the comforts of home. You can also decide how to manage pain – whether it's through water immersion, massage, or hypnobirthing. However, it's important to acknowledge that home birth carries certain risks, including the possibility of emergency situations requiring immediate medical intervention. While rare, complications such as postpartum hemorrhage or fetal distress may arise, necessitating swift transfer to a hospital for specialized care. A midwife with expertise and experience can help you to determine when an escalation of care is necessary and make a shared decision. And don't forget about postpartum care – you can plan for breastfeeding support and even placenta encapsulation if that's your thing.

Hospital Birth:

If the idea of a hospital birth puts your mind at ease, you're not alone. Hospitals offer access to advanced medical care and technology, which can be reassuring, especially for high-risk pregnancies. Your birth plan might include preferences for pain relief options like epidurals or nitrous oxide. You can also discuss your wishes for minimal interventions and bonding time with your baby right after birth. And remember, it's your birth experience – you can advocate for what you want, whether it's delayed cord clamping or skin-to-skin contact. As the patient, you are paying for this service and you have a voice! However, it's important to be aware that hospital births may be associated with higher rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections and episiotomies, which can impact the overall birth experience and postpartum recovery.

Birth Center:

For those who want something in between, a birth center might be the perfect fit. Picture a cozy, homelike environment with the added expertise of certified midwives. You can still have access to comfort measures like birthing tubs and relaxation techniques, but with the peace of mind knowing that medical assistance is nearby if needed. And just like with a home birth, you can plan for a family-centered experience with plenty of support for you and your partner. However, it's essential to recognize that birth centers may have limited access to medical interventions and emergency equipment compared to hospitals, which could pose challenges in the event of unexpected complications requiring urgent medical attention.

The Role of a Doula:

No matter where you choose to give birth, a doula can be your rock throughout the process. They offer emotional support, physical comfort measures, and evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions. From massage to advocacy, they'll be by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your wishes are heard and respected.

Whether you're dreaming of a home birth, feeling secure in a hospital setting, or seeking the middle ground of a birth center, the most important thing is to choose what feels right for you and your baby. With the support of a doula, you can create a birth plan that honors your preferences and empowers you to have the experience you've always imagined. What you want, your doula wants. You matter, your life experiences matter and your birth matters. So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and get ready to welcome your little one into the world – your way.

Consent: Your Voice Matters

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:53:30 GMT

Pregnancy and the experience of labor and delivery involves a vast amount of decisions. And if this is your first pregnancy this can be a lot of brand new information that can easily feel overwhelming. Forming a strong and trusted birth team can be the first step to navigating times of uncertainty.

My goal as a doula is ensure that you know these are choices for you to make. You do have a say. Your voice and opinion and preferences matter. A big factor in birth satisfaction is about how you were treated, respected and involved in yours and your baby's care. Your doula can assist you in finding that voice and being sure it is heard.

You may hear policies presented to you with no choice

Hospitals and providers hold certain policies that are specific to the facility. The hospital holds these polices for reasons of convivence and potentially to protect themselves from litigation. These policies are not laws. You do NOT have to follow them. An example of a policy may be "nothing by mouth other than clear liquids during labor". This policy does NOT mean that you are forbade from eating and drinking whatever sounds good to you. It may mean it is a good idea to bring your own snacks to the hospital.

Patterns of care can be adjusted to suit you

Healthcare providers are providing this care all day long to numerous patients. They develop routines of how and when tasks are done based on how they were taught and their personal experiences. For example you nurse may want to complete all of the tasks for admission right when you arrive to the hospital. If you are in active labor and having to divert all of your attention to the each contraction, this process may need to put on hold, handled by your partner or spaced out to accommodate time between contractions. You deserve individualized care.

When interventions are presented

Your provider may suggest interventions during labor. An intervention by definition is 'the act of interfering with the outcome or course especially of a condition or process'. Meaning this act can change or alter the course of your labor. These could be breaking the bag of waters, oral medications, IV medications, or even surgical intervention. Each intervention comes with a desired outcome, benefits, risks and alternatives. Your provider should be giving you all of this information and time for you to consider and to ask any follow up questions. Other aspects of this process can be listening to your intuition. Your mama instincts are strong and they matter. You are the one experiencing this labor.

Strong phrases to use during labor

- "Can we have some information about alternatives? I want to make my decisions carefully and slowly after discussing with my partner."

- "Is this an emergency?"

- "Can this wait an hour?"

- "I would like to get a second opinion from another care provider before deciding."

- "If I and my baby are safe right now, I am not ready to change plans."

- "I do not consent."

- "No."

All in all, your birth does not have to happen "to you" but rather can be filled with informed choices and feel empowering no matter what. Your birth matters. This will be something you remember for the rest of your life and you deserve to be respected and involved in all aspects.