Anytown Birth + Postpartum Doula Blog

Baby Blog Post 1

By Makena Delaney • October 13, 2022

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Baby Blog Post 2

By Makena Delaney • October 13, 2022

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Baby Blog Post 3

By Makena Delaney • October 13, 2022

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Joy | Peace | Confidence

let’s get social

One of my most favorite quotes about childbirth 💕 #hometownbirthservices #birthishard #womenarestrong #atlantabirthdoula

A former client told me the other day, “You have experience that feels accessible.” I asked her to elaborate, and she explained that she always felt like we were partners working together toward a common goal. And that’s exactly how I want to relate to my clients! You can trust me to walk beside you on your journey to parenthood 😊 #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #metroatlantadoulasupport #birthandpostpartumdoula

Shout out to @queenbeecoffee - one of my very favorite local businesses! This is the perfect spot for #yourhometowndoula to spread out, drink delicious coffee, and get work done! #hometownbirthservices #mcdonoughsmallbusiness #metroatlantadoulasupport

Let’s talk about safe infant sleep!#hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #safeinfantsleep #breastsleeping

Get ‘em checked, ladies!

I mean… pretty dang accurate, yes?

What is #yourhometowndoula up to this week?

Ready to hear the Eagles!

“I see nothing of concern today. Congratulations! You can come yearly now!” said the most amazing derm PA ever 😍 Music to my ears on this blue paper gown day!

Five years- miss you Momma.

It’s been a hot minute since my last hospital bathroom selfie (2017 to be precise @ashley.beachy) and several years since I racked out in a hospital bathtub (thanks @birthtoolbox) 😂😂 #restingbeforegotime #doulalife #hometownbirthservices

@tstoyka and I were inspired by @louiegiglio this morning 😂 🍩

Maybe you don’t need help with your new baby. But the thought of planning, prepping, cooking, and feeding yourself scares you witless. That’s where I come in! Tell me your preferences and I will plan, prep, and cook or freeze your meals- and maybe a sweet treat or two 😉 #postpartumdoulasdothat #30daysofdoulalife #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #metroatlantapostpartumdoula

This man is finally home after 21 days away for National Guard AT. That’s about 20.5 days too long, if you ask me. So thankful he is right back by my side 😍😍

When you reconnect with a former student and get to hang out as adults… 10/10 recommend! We did the math; this fall it will be 20 (as in TWO. ZERO.) years since Callie was a student in my freshman English class 😱😱 You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful, tender soul ❤️

When a birth and postpartum doula relationship translates into years of friendship, it *might* look like getting to go to Superhero Day at preschool!

I had a minor medical procedure today (everything is fine 👌) and this man hasn’t been more than 10 feet away from me except for his time in the waiting room. He was the first face I saw when I woke from anesthesia, and he has attended to my every need. His devotion and care for me are beyond compare. I love you, babe, and I’m grateful for you every single day 😘😘

Met ❤️ December 19, 2022 Dating ❤️ December 31, 2022 Engaged ❤️ July 24, 2023 Married ❤️ November 11, 2023 Still together ❤️ 2026 Happy couples week! Let’s see your pictures and dates 😍😍

Vignettes of a hard fought birth. Nothing but mad respect for this momma who had to acquiesce much of her birth plan for the sake and safety of her sweet baby. Birth is hard; women are strong. #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #metroatlantadoulasupport

The 2016 trend according to my iPhone pics… that was the year Mom recovered from her stem cell transplant and didn’t bother to cover her bald(ish) head unless she was cold. And that sunrise photo? That was Easter 2016 and such a breathtakingly stunning reminder of the resurrection ❤️

L I S T E N I N G and validating and reassuring new mothers is a big part of what I do as a postpartum doula. There’s so much to process and talk through after having a baby, but in our society we rarely get a chance to do that. Postpartum doulas listen without judgement. Sitting next to a brand new mom on the couch with a cup of tea or mug of coffee and a reassuring hug is vastly underrated. Did you feel heard in the first days after your baby was born? DM me (or link in bio) to learn about what postpartum doula support looks like these days. #30daysofdoulalife #postpartumlistening #postpartumdoulasdothat #yourhometowndoula #mcdonoughgalocals

Todd and I are flying home from DFW this morning, and there are 10-15 Army service members on our flight - some of them not even through basic training. Reminds me of that day a little over 8 years ago when I dropped off this guy for basic. His dropoff point was a hotel in Atlanta, and I wouldn’t see him again for 10 weeks. He now has 2 deployments under his belt and is an NCO. Love you buddy!

Todd @tstoyka and I were privileged to serve at Passion 2026 @passion268 for the past few days. 45,000- Forty. Five. THOUSAND. young adults from all over the world came together to exalt the name of Jesus.

“Be very kind to the mother.” Dr. Marshall Klaus, one of the founders of DONA International. The first time I heard this quote, I felt it resonate in my chest, and it touched me deeply. At the end of the day, this is my main job as a postpartum doula. I show kindness to new moms at a time when so many others are focused on the baby. Why does it seem so revolutionary for a doctor to say these words? Birthing and newly postpartum mothers often say they feel invisible, unheard, and ignored by the medical community and their own communities. Doulas work everyday to create a different experience for mothers. It starts with being kind. #30daysofdoulalife #DONAproud #metroatlantadoulaservices #hometownbirthservices yourhometowndoula mcdonoughlocal

First buckeye of the season, courtesy of Todd ❤️ It’s peanut butter chocolate perfection, babe!

This beautiful family has brought me along for all FIVE of their babies 😍 Some families just take up residence in your heart, and that’s the absolute best part of this job. #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #familydoula

Jubilant Sykes, world renowned baritone, died last week in Santa Monica from stab wounds, allegedly by the hand of his own son. I was privileged to hear him sing live several times when I lived in California. I urge you to google him and listen to literally anything he recorded- from spituals to hymns to sacred choral music- every note perfect and moving. Rest in peace, sir.

JOY. At the end of the day, that’s my whole goal as your postpartum doula. Each day, I show up and ask you what you NEED so that you can most enJOY your baby. The first days and weeks with a newborn are so intense and emotional and draining. And they should be highlighted with moments of pure JOY. Your baby is here. You are a mom. Sometimes we get so caught up in the healing and the feeding and the laundry and the questions that we forget to focus on the miracle. As your postpartum doula, I hold your baby so you can nap or shower. I ease your fears and answer your questions. I make you a sandwich and refill your water bottle. I empty the dishwasher and tackle the laundry so you can snuggle up and stare into your new baby’s eyes. #30daysofdoulalife #postpartumjoy #metroatlantadoulasupport #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #mcdonoughgalocals #postpartumdoulasupport

How many times a day can you call the pediatrician before they put a note in your file that you’re a total pain in the neck? First things first: pediatricians DON’T do this, even though you think they might. It’s ALWAYS worth a call to the doctor if you have a question. Postpartum doulas are not medical professionals. But we do have a lot of training and experience with recognizing what is normal and what is worth a call to the pediatrician. It’s so nice to have an expert in newborn care in your home who can answer all your questions and save you several calls a day to your baby’s doctor! Now booking for daytime support in January and February. DM me to chat about postpartum doula care for you and your baby. #30daysofdoulalife #postpartuminatlanta #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #mcdonoughga #metroatlantadoulasupport

Meal planning makes the postpartum time period so much easier. I encourage my postpartum doula clients to have recipes and ingredients they like on hand, and then I’m happy to chop and assemble a dinner during the day so that you have a yummy meal waiting for you in your slow cooker. Postpartum doulas make sure you’re nourished. Warm soups are easy to digest and loaded with nutrition - perfect for your maternity leave! What are your favorite slow cooker recipes? Let me know in the comments. #30daysofdoulalife #postpartummealprep #mcdonoughlocalsmallbiz #atlantababy #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #metroatlantadoulaservices #postpartuminatlanta

Friends and family who bring food to new parents are the best. Trying to figure out dinner after a long day of caring for a newborn can seem impossible. Postpartum doulas can help with light meal planning and preparation so that you have healthy options to nourish you and help you recover from birth and the intensity of caring for a new baby. While you rest, we fill your crockpot so the house smells amazing, and a warm simple meal is ready for you in the evening. We’ll even wash the containers from your generous friends and family who are supporting you as well! As a postpartum doula, I focus on YOU. I make sure you’re staying hydrated and eating healthy, nourishing food so that you feel your best. Tag a friend in the comments below who brought you something yummy after your baby was born and say thank you! #30daysofdoulalife #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #postpartummealplan #metroatlantadoulaservices

Just a friendly language lesson: the word “postpartum” DOES NOT mean “depression”. 🤓 The word “postpartum” means the period after childbirth. “Postpartum depression” means depression that happens during this time period. The words “postpartum” and “postpartum depression” are NOT interchangeable. Side note: postpartum doulas help ALL moms and do not just help moms who are depressed. I have a couple openings for next month. DM me if you want to chat about postpartum doula support! #30daysofdoulalife #metroatlantadoulaservices #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #atlantapostpartummoms #mcdonoughlocalsmallbiz

Five years doesn’t seem possible. Girl if we could have a cup of coffee and talk 😂😂 In other news, I can finally listen to “Pour Some Sugar on Me” all the way through now; NKOTB got together for a reunion tour- not everyone ages well, and I’ll just leave it at that; your girls are breathtakingly beautiful; and your precious family is very well loved. God brought them through, just like you knew He would. I love you, friend ❤️

The first thing I do when I start my day with a new mother is wash my hands. The second thing I do is make sure she has a glass of water nearby. Postpartum doulas “mother the mother”; each day we make sure you’re staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks and meals to help you heal and recover. It’s easy to focus so intensely on caring for your newborn that you forget to take care of yourself. I’ll be there to help take care of YOU so you can take care of your baby. DM me to set up a prenatal consultation. #hometownbirthservices #30daysofdoulalife #metroatlantapostpartumdoula #mcdonoughlocalsmallbiz

“Is my baby eating enough?” “Is the umbilical stump supposed to look like this?” “Do other moms feel like they are losing their minds?” “Is this normal?” I love answering ALL the new mom questions. As a postpartum doula, I’m not a medical professional, but I am very familiar with what’s normal and what’s worth a call to the pediatrician. I also love talking through all the thoughts and emotions that might be running through your brain. Postpartum doulas provide non-judgmental support and resources when needed. What was your biggest question in the first days home with your baby? #30daysofdoulalife #apostpartumdoulacanhelp #hometownbirthservices #yourhometowndoula #metroatlantadoulasupport

“You just sit and hold the baby while I wash these dishes.” I say this to my clients all the time. Your postpartum doula is there to truly help YOU. So many visitors hold the baby while you grab them a beverage. Your postpartum doula is there to take care of you. #30daysofdoulalife #hometownbirthservices #postpartumdoulasupport #metroatlantapostpartumsupport #postpartumdoulasdothat

If I have to roll out of bed at 2:30am, this fresh little baby foot is a pretty fabulous reason to do so 😍 #30daysofdoulalife #metroatlantadoulasupport #hometownbirthservices #pregnantinatlanta

Family divided 😂😂 But we all rode together, so… Also, feels super weird not wearing Ohio State colors (go Bucks 😘😘)

Yesterday was hard- zero sugarcoating. It was our fourth Thanksgiving without mom and our first one without dad. But thanks to lifelong family friends who hosted, we were able to show up and get loved on.

Can I skip a holiday when I’m grieving?

I love having business work days and client meetings at @queenbeecoffee because it’s so cozy and friendly. What’s YOUR favorite coffee shop in the #mcdonough area? #30daysofdoulalife #birthworkerbusinesshustle #mcdonoughgalocals #hometownbirthservices #metroatlantabirthandpostpartumdoula

When an ordinary Monday turns into “Mimi Monday” 😍😍

Coffee hittin’ just right this morning 😍

Don’t you love coming out of the shower to find that your postpartum doula has put clean sheets on the bed before your nap? My clients sure do! Postpartum doulas take care of the little things so that you can maximize the time you spend resting and recovering after giving birth. I have a couple openings for next month. DM me if you want to chat about postpartum doula support! #30daysofdoulalife #hometownbirthservices #pregnantinatlanta #mcdonoughga #postpartumdoulasupport #mcdonoughlocal #postpartumdoulasdothat

When you’re recovering from childbirth, the last thing you need to worry about is an overflowing laundry hamper. I can turn that into a neatly folded stack of clean clothes! #metroatlantadoulasupport #postpartumdoulasdothat #hometownbirthservices #30daysofdoulalife #pregnantinatlanta #postpartuminatlanta

Let’s talk about #whatsinmybag, specifically, my postpartum doula bag. This one item is so helpful- a baby wrap. Look how snug this little nugget is! BIG rule of thumb: you should always be able to kiss the top of baby’s head without much effort. If you can’t, then baby is too low and breathing can be restricted. Shout out to @sollybaby for this beautiful wrap! #hometownbirthservices #metroatlantapostpartumdoula #postpartumdoula

Birth client prenatal visits #hometownbirthservices #metroatlantabirthdoula

The cozy ambiance of home birth 🥰 Baby is 2.5 hours old; birth team has just left; dad, mom, and baby are all snugged in bed with full tummies, clean bedding, soothing music, and a gently glowing fire. This couple wanted immediate postpartum support, so I’m quietly hanging out in the living room and ready to attend this fresh new family of 4. #hometownbirthservices #postpartumdoulasupport #metroatlantadoulasupport #homebirthpostpartumsupport #postpartumdoulasdothat

Happy anniversary to my sugar ❤️ I can’t believe how two years have flown by. We have walked through some hard times, but we’ve walked side by side, hand in hand. You are God’s gift to me, and I’m so grateful for our life together. I adore you, babe.

Sunrise progression ☀️ Cloudy but beautiful, still declaring God’s handiwork!

2026 is filling up fast! Reach out for a consult and find out how I can help you have a beautiful birth and postpartum experience 🩷 #hometownbirthservices #mcdonoughga #atlantaareadoula #birthdoulasupport #postpartumdoulasupport

Ready for Paul McCartney!

4.5 hour flight delay… just wanna get home to my Todd ❤️ and my 🐶 🐕 and my 🛏️

It’s been a while, Seattle. But you’re still as vibrant as ever!

Well pop off, Georgia! Go on and show us some pretty fall color 🍁 🍂

I mean, if I have to work on a gorgeous Monday, it might as well be in a gorgeous location 🤩 #postpartumsupport #postpartumdoula #hometownbirthservices #buckheadatlanta

Until next time, Cleveland.

Happy birthday, dad. We miss you more than we can possibly fathom. The beauty and splendor of heaven is better than any birthday gift we could ever give you. Love you ❤️❤️

My time with this little nugget and his sweet family is coming to an end. It’s always bittersweet, but I love getting updates and photos even after my contract is up. And you can see that this family is still adjusting to a new family member, but it’s all part of the process ❤️❤️ #hometownbirthservices #postpartumdoula #postpartumsupport #atlanta

Had some (sweltering hot) fun at the fair today!

Pulling out alllll the stops with silly faces while we wait for the bottle to warm! #postpartumdoula #atlanta #hometownbirthservices

James Taylor 😱 😍 ✌🏻🎤

Adventure bound!

When you walk in the door for a morning postpartum shift and mom hands you a snuggly baby and says, “She really needs a contact nap!” 😍😍 Yes, please! #postpartumdoula #hometownbirthservices #postpartumdoulasdothat

Typical daytime postpartum care: sweet canine companion; fed, dry, and snug baby nap; pump parts washed, dried, assembled, and ready for mom; and bottle sterilizer working hard.

It’s a blue gown skin cancer body check day. All clear! And now I get to move from every 6 months to every 9 months 🎉 🥳 🙌🏻

Last lunch with the nephew before school starts!

Thanks, Ginger, for the meal, laughs, tears, and LOVE 💗 Not everyone understands what the big deal is about food for grieving people: it isn’t that we can’t meal plan, grocery shop, and cook- it’s that we just don’t have the mental and emotional energy to expend doing those things. So when someone offers to bring food or take us out for a meal, we say YES! Food is a whole comforting love language, and these two sisters love and appreciate Ginger 😊

Sweet summer nights with my main squeeze and a little yacht rock ⚓️ 🎵

Celebrating Kristy’s upcoming birthday with delicious brunch!

These two have been stuck like glue to my side ever since last Monday when we lost dad. Grieving is hard work, and loved ones help us stay soft. I could not have survived this past week without my amazing husband and my sweet soul sister ❤️

It’s super hot out here, but we are super cool 😎 with our own fan! It’s a beautiful night and amazing music from @donfeldermusic and @kevincroninreo and @styxtheband 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

There is no easy way to say these words, but our dad, Wayne Hightower, died suddenly this morning. We acknowledge that he is with his Savior, as well as our mom, but the shock, grief, and heartbreak are very real companions right now. We will post funeral arrangements here shortly. We know so many of you love him and have beautiful memories and we would love to hear all about them. So please feel free to share how you knew dad and maybe a happy memory.

Headed home sweet home 🏡

Sometimes you visit a place and the sensory buffet is so overwhelming you just put away the camera and take it all in. My Canada travel is limited to a Niagara Falls visit by way of Port Huron and this one day of Vancouver sightseeing. I can say this: one day is not enough! The three best pics: adorable charcuterie cups, ridiculously overpriced- but hopefully delicious- chocolates, and quite possibly the most amazing frozen sweet treat I have ever eaten (not me googling to see if they are available in America 😂).

Todd has done a phenomenal job of documenting our beautiful Celebrity Solstice Alaska vacation. But this is something I didn’t think I would be able to enjoy this trip ☀️ especially at 9:00 am. Coffee on our balcony in short sleeves- what a treat!

It’s a crazy family photo 📷 scavenger hunt on the cruise ship 🛳️ today 🤪 🤪 🤪

The adventure begins!

This is a training I’ve wanted to take for a while, and I finally did it last week! There are so many families, 1 in 10 to be precise, who will encounter a NICU stay with their baby, and now I’m equipped to help advocate for and serve those families. #hometownbirthservices #postpartumdoula #postpartumdoulasupport #atlantadoulasupport

I said goodbye to another family today 😭 I’ve had the privilege of working with this little nugget since he was 3 days old, and he is completely surrounded by love from his parents and furry protectors 😂

The last day with a client is bittersweet. This angel has grown so much since I started with her family just 8 weeks ago! I will miss all the feeding and naptimes snuggles, stroller walks, doggie kisses, and mom and dad too.

The rule is this: if you show up at our house, you’re family ♥️ Missing Harrison, Hannah, and the most beautiful granddaughter in the world, but they were celebrating her first Mother’s Day together. My other three kiddos showed up and cooked lunch for me from start to finish, and it was better than anything I could get at a restaurant. Shoutout to my main squeeze and MVP Todd for playing the role of event coordinator 😍 Happy Mother’s Day, y’all!

Got to see 3 of my 4 kiddos yesterday, as well as the most beautiful baby with the sweetest little hand holding onto Mimi’s shirt 😍

Table set and ready for our kiddos tomorrow 😍

Git ‘er done gals! #breasthealth #notfunbutnecessary

Brunch after church with my favorite 🤩♥️

Happy, happy birthday to my very own Aunt Chris! She has been a friend, confidant, and cheerleader, and she never fails to remind me of God’s goodness and faithfulness ♥️♥️ When I was a toddler, apparently “Chris” was too difficult to pronounce, so I dubbed her “KissyKaw” 😂 Love you, KissyKaw 😘😘

Today we celebrate Faith @dillard250 ! Happy birthday to my A-1, platinum grade, ride or die sister 😍 We aren’t close in age, but we are close in heart. She is a friend so true and has talked me off the ledge more times than I can count 😂 God has been so gracious to give us all such an amazing gift in such a small package ♥️

Here to listen to Departure- a Journey tribute band 🎶

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to my beloved daughter in law, Hannah! @hannah_jo1997 She is the perfect choice for Harrison, and she is an amazing momma to our beautiful granddaughter 😍 May your day be filled with restful naps, yummy food, and the very best baby snuggles 🥰

Happy birthday, Momma ♥️

I love this picture of mom and dad; they were sitting on my aunt Debbie’s porch swing with my dad’s other siblings and spouses ♥️ I miss her every. single. day. but especially this week. There has been excitement, joy, gratitude, fear, prayerfulness, anticipation, and relief. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve grabbed my phone to call and text her. Her birthday is Sunday, and I know she is enjoying her Savior and the wonders of heaven. And yet- the void she left here is large.

Why is my coffee so much more delicious in my gorgeous new mug from @kilnfiredbykelly ?? 😍😍

It’s happening, y’all 💃🏼♥️💃🏼♥️

We spent most of yesterday in hard chairs staring at PowerPoint presentations, and then we saw this beautiful display of color on the ride home ♥️ God’s glory is on tour in the skies; God-craft on exhibit across the horizon (Psalm 29:1).

Toddlers are too much fun… especially when they are supposed to be napping 😂😂 #weareweak

Day 1 with this yummy squish 😍😍

This postpartum doula is traveling for work this week 😍😍 #postpartumdoulaadventures

When your husband buys extra Chick-fil-A on Saturday and heats it up and makes coffee for you as a Sunday treat 😱😱 #itsthelittlethings #heisamazing

@sherristoyka

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