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C&C Musings

Notes, stories, and conversations for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

A parent and baby at rest

February 14, 2025

The C&C Podcast Ep 2: Cracking the Code on Infant Sleep with Jen Kiatta

In this episode of The Cradle and Coos Podcast, we’re joined by Jen Kiatta, a San Francisco-based IBCLC, sleep consultant, and postpartum doula. Together, we dive into the myths and misconceptions surrounding infant sleep: How early can you start sleep training? What’s the connection between feeding and sleep? Are sleep associations really a bad thing?

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A care provider supporting a family

February 14, 2025

Kaiser Permanente: Expanded Doula Coverage, Barriers Remain

Starting January 1, 2025, Kaiser Permanente has expanded doula coverage access to its 9.4 million+ members in California. While this initiative is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, barriers to access still remain. In this blog, we aim to address these issues and provide clear information for families and doulas navigating this new benefit.

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A pregnant person preparing for birth

October 24, 2024

The C&C Podcast Ep 1: Mastering the Art of Coping in Birth

In the first episode of the Cradle and Coos Podcast, we have a candid conversation with Stephanie Mollinier, a highly experienced birth doula and coach. Stephanie sheds light on invaluable comfort measures, tips, and tricks for expectant parents as they embark on the birthing journey.

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A packed bag ready for the hospital

October 15, 2024

Building your hospital bag

Preparing for the birth of your baby is thrilling, and assembling a comprehensive hospital bag can greatly ease the process for first-time parents. Here is a summarized checklist that covers essentials for the birthing person, partner/support person, and the baby, along with additional useful considerations

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Illustration of choosing a doula

May 1, 2024

Finding the Perfect Fit Doula

Choosing the right doula is essential for a supportive birthing and postpartum experience, as many parents struggle to find a perfect match. Cradle & Coos emphasizes the importance of understanding your own needs and aligning them with a doula's approach and experience through a structured process of identifying needs, interviewing potential candidates, and making an informed decision based on a mix of careful evaluation and personal intuition.

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Sharmeen with her twin daughters

April 30, 2024

Reflections from my twin births

Faced with unprecedented challenges as a first-time mother to premature twins during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharmeen's story is a testament to human strength and adaptability. It emphasizes not just the physical and emotional resilience required to overcome such obstacles, but also the undeniable importance of having a robust support system—whether near or afar—to ensure a healthy and supported postpartum recovery. Her journey is one of hope, bravery, and the unspoken bond of motherhood that endures even the toughest circumstances.

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Illustration of doula support across cultures

April 29, 2024

Embracing the Doula Difference

The role of a doula, rooted in ancient practices that vary across cultures—from Latin America's "cuarentena" and China's "zuo yue zi," to Nigeria's omugwo—has evolved into that of a professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support to new mothers. They play a vital role in supporting the mother and the family post-birth, just as seen in many traditional customs, thus providing a bridge between cultural tradition and contemporary medical systems for new parents.

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Founder Muneeza Patel

April 25, 2024

My unconventional path to becoming a Doula

From healthcare consulting to the dynamic world of health-tech startups, and now to building Cradle & Coos — a platform dedicated to providing expectant parents with access to comprehensive care services for both birth preparation and postpartum support, this is my journey.

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Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life.