Mary's Hands Network

08/10/2026

Wanting a doula doesn't mean something is wrong with your pregnancy.

The truth? Doula support is for every pregnancy, healthy or high-risk. Asking for support isn't a sign of weakness.

Apply today at maryshandsnetwork.org. Drop your questions below, we're busting myths every Monday!!

08/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest cohort of doulas: the Rho Cohort!

These incredible individuals just completed their training and are officially part of the Mary’s Hands Network family, ready to show up for families across Louisiana with compassion, skill, and heart.

Thank you for saying yes to this work. The world needs more people like you in the room.

Welcome to the network. We can’t wait to see the lives you’ll touch.

08/05/2026

Upcoming Classes at Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge

A new week is here! 🎉

Take a look at what's happening at Family Road this week. We have programs and resources designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

Visit https://www.familyroadgbr.org/calendar to register and see the full calendar!

08/03/2026

It's World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7). This week, we're celebrating the parents and doulas doing this work every day, and reminding you that support is always available, whatever your feeding journey looks like.

Our doulas are here for the wins, the hard days, and everything in between.

08/01/2026

Role play is one of our favorite parts of doula training!

07/31/2026

FUN FACT: POSTPARTUM MOOD CHANGES

Fun Fact Friday, and we need to talk about postpartum mood changes.
Crying for no clear reason, feeling overwhelmed, mood swings... these are extremely common in the first couple weeks after birth and are often called the "baby blues." Hormones are crashing, you're not sleeping, and your entire life just changed. It makes sense that your emotions would be all over the place.
BUT. If those feelings are intense, if they last beyond two weeks, if you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or if you just feel like something isn't right... reach out for help. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are real, they're common, and they're treatable.
You don't have to suffer through this. Support is available, and you deserve to feel okay.

Get help:
Postpartum Support International
https://www.postpartum.net
Call or text: 1-800-944-4773

If you've been through this, drop a purple heart below. Let's normalize asking for help.

07/30/2026

We want to welcome the 10 babies due this July. 10 families who let us show up, stay close, and walk alongside them through one of the most important moments of their lives. That's why we do this.

Are you expecting in Louisiana? MHN doulas are free for every family who applies, no income requirements, no referral needed.

Apply at maryshandsnetwork.org or call/text our 24/7 hotline. Link in bio.

07/29/2026

Meet Lubna, one of our incredible volunteer doulas serving Lafayette.

Lubna found her way to MHN through a friend, a local Lafayette parish midwife who encouraged her to apply for training. What started as a friend's nudge grew into a calling.

She reminds us that no two births are the same and showing up fully for each family, in every circumstance, is what this work is all about. One birth that stayed with her involved a mom whose plan changed quickly, leaving her feeling scattered and out of control. Being able to recount that birth story back to her, through a doula's eyes, helped her reclaim her experience.

That is the power of presence.

"It takes a community to support a family. Get to know your fellow doulas in your parish and learn from them to better serve your community."

When she's not supporting families through birth, you can find Lubna baking sourdough or at the pottery wheel. We are so grateful to have her in the MHN family.

07/29/2026

Mark your calendars! The Louisiana Birth and Beyond Convening is happening August 18–19 in Alexandria, LA, bringing together healthcare providers, birthworkers, policymakers, and community members to strengthen maternal and infant health across our state.

We're proud to share that our own Madeline Leblanc will be speaking on Hospital-Based Doula Programs on August 19!

Topics include rural perinatal care access, birth trauma and pregnancy/infant loss support, supporting fathers in maternal care, and maternal mental health, all critical conversations for the work we do every day.

Register: tinyurl.com/LBB2026

07/24/2026

FUN FACT: OXYTOCIN

Let's talk about oxytocin... the hormone that does a lot of heavy lifting postpartum.
When you breastfeed or chestfeed, oxytocin is released. This helps your uterus contract and shrink back down to its normal size (which is why you might feel cramping while nursing, especially in the early days). It also supports emotional bonding between you and your baby.
Oxytocin is sometimes called the "love hormone," and it's working hard in those early weeks whether you're nursing or not. It's part of how your body and brain adjust to this new little person in your life.

More info:
La Leche League International
https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/oxytocin/

What was your favorite quiet bonding moment in those early postpartum days? Comment down below!