 As a doula with more than a decade of experience supporting families from all walks of life, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of real, human care in birth and postpartum. And lately, I’ve been reading a lot about the rise of “AI doulas.” If you’re a pregnant woman, a parent, or someone who cares about equitable maternal care, you should think critically too. Because here’s the truth: AI doulas, no matter how smart or advanced the technology, cannot replace the support, knowledge, compassion and embodied expertise of live doulas and birth workers. And that limitation matters deeply, especially for Black and Brown women and for families in rural and underserved areas who are already struggling to access quality maternal care. The Evidence Speaks for Real Doula Support Over years of training, intuitive skill and lived experience, doulas have become an evidence-based part of maternal care. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have linked doula support, particularly continuous, human, non-clinical support, to:
What Real Doulas Bring That AI Simply Can’t When people talk about AI doulas, they usually mean chatbots or machine learning tools designed to answer questions about pregnancy, contractions, labor stages or baby care. They might offer information. They might offer checklists. They might even simulate empathy through programmed responses. But here’s what AI cannot and will never do:
The truth is that AI can't give the much-needed human response to years of infertility, a third trimester pregnancy loss, a changed birth plan that ends in an emergency csection, birth trauma, the long journey of breastfeeding or pumping, preparing to leave your baby with someone while you return to work and all of the other countless physical, emotional and mental changes that come with parenthood.  Soula — AI emotional support self‑discovery coach for women Where AI May Help and Where It Falls Short
Listen, I don’t dismiss technology outright. The modern world has come along way with technological advances. AI tools can offer resources, triage information and support access to basic guidance when no human is available. There is emerging research on AI applications in maternal health in low-resource settings that aid triage and decision support for clinical staff. But that’s not the same as replacing a doula. Those applications are clinical adjuncts, not sources of continuous physical, emotional, cultural, and advocacy support. Bridging the Gap: Companies Who are Making a Difference At the same time, we are seeing companies like Maven Clinic and Cleo step into this space, offering families access to virtual doulas, care advocates, and wellness support through technology. These platforms are often employer-sponsored benefits designed to increase access to guidance, education, and support across pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Through services like video consultations, messaging, and on-demand resources, virtual doulas on platforms like Maven can help with birth planning, answer questions, and provide emotional support from a distance. Cleo similarly connects families with guides and experts who offer personalized support across different stages of caregiving . And to be clear, there is value here. These tools can help bridge gaps, especially for families who might not otherwise have access to any support at all. But even as these companies expand access, what they are offering is still adjacent to, not a replacement for, the deeply relational, hands-on, culturally attuned care that in-person doulas provide. Technology can extend our reach, but it cannot replicate our presence. AI will continue to evolve. AI doulas may become more sophisticated. But they will always be tools, not replacements, for the human heart, presence, intuition and expertise that real doulas bring to birth and postpartum care. Real doulas don’t just provide information, we bear witness. We advocate. We care. We walk into the unknown with you. And in birth, that human presence matters. Want to know the real deal about AI? Watch this eye-opening video on the future of AI from a spiritual perspective.
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 In 2026, families in North Carolina and all across America face a rapidly evolving landscape when it comes to growing their families and caring for children. With higher costs of living, inflation driven partly by tariffs, healthcare costs rising sharply and continuing maternal health challenges, planning for everyday life and family expansion means understanding more than just diapers and cribs. It means understanding economic realities and health care considerations that affect every step from conception to raising kids.
The Impact of Inflation and Tariffs on Everyday Living in 2026 Unfortunately, inflation isn’t over and tariffs compound it. Though inflation has somewhat eased from its peak years, the ripple effects continue. Tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China, Mexico, and Canada, have pushed prices up on basic household goods, groceries, and baby products. Estimates suggested that recent tariffs could raise food prices by about 2.6% overall, with fresh produce increasing even more, potentially adding nearly $4,000–$5,000 annually to a typical household’s grocery bill. Industry analysts expect tariff-driven cost pressures to impact healthcare supply chains as well, meaning some equipment and supplies used in hospitals may become more expensive and guess where those additional costs are going? Yep, right to you. Even modest increases in everyday prices matter greatly when you’re budgeting for rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare, transportation, and rising health insurance premiums. The Real Cost of Childbirth in America Fact: Bringing a baby into the world is expensive. According to 2025 estimates, the average hospital cost for a vaginal birth in North Carolina was about $14,700 without insurance, with out-of-pocket costs (after insurance) of about $2,750. In contrast, a C-section typically costs 50–75% more than a vaginal birth. Severe complications increase costs substantially with complicated deliveries totalling many thousands more in combined hospital and physician fees, especially with readmissions. Even with insurance, some families pay $3,000–$5,000 or more out-of-pocket for delivery and newborn care. And if complications arise, like a NICU stay, costs can easily exceed $10,000 or more. The impact of hospital delivery costs ripples through family budgets, causing financial strain and debt. It also influences decisions about where and how to give birth, including increasing interest in home births. In North Carolina, home births have nearly doubled since the pandemic, partly because families are seeking alternatives to expensive hospital bills. High costs may also deter some families from seeking early or consistent prenatal care, which can worsen health outcomes. And of course we can't talk about childbirth without mentioning the ongoing maternal health crisis. It continues despite efforts to improve standards of care, including federal proposals aimed at improving hospital maternal care, although such programs can be costly to implement. In North Carolina specifically, maternal health funding has been boosted with federal investments (Medicaid expansion) aimed at expanding access to care, growing the health workforce and supporting perinatal mental health, which is a positive but still limited step. But with health care subsidies now expired and average premiums on the ACA marketplace nearly doubling, basic health care needs for families hang in the balance and may leave many families putting plans to expand on hold. How Families Can Plan Ahead Families expanding in 2026 should build a family budget that accounts for reality and prepare in these areas: 1. Understand the Full Cost of Raising Children
2026 brings both challenges and uncertainty for families in America, especially here in North Carolina. Economic pressures like tariffs and inflation affect everyday living costs, while maternal health risks and childbirth expenses underscore the importance of proactive planning, budgeting, and advocacy. Growing a family isn’t just about preparing a nursery, it’s about understanding the financial landscape and health realities that shape your first years together. With thoughtful planning and community support, families can navigate these challenges and build a strong foundation for the future.  The Honest Truth: parenting is hard. Not just “I’ve-been-up-all-night” hard, or “my-toddler-just-flushed-my-keys” hard. I'm talking next-level hard. And while sleep deprivation, mystery stains, and the eternal search for matching socks play their part, there's one sneaky culprit that makes this whole parenting thing truly bananas:
Everyone suddenly becomes a parenting expert. Yep. The real reason parenting is so hard? It’s not your baby. It’s your great aunt Carol, your neighbor Sharon, the random barista who just “has to say something,” and don’t forget the infinite scroll of contradictory advice from Instagram moms who look like they haven’t ever had spit-up on their sweaters. The real reason parenting is so hard is because everybody has an opinion on how YOU should parent YOUR child(ren). How Sway?! You bring your baby to the park and someone tells you they’re underdressed. Another tells you they’re overdressed. One stranger says co-sleeping is the only way, while another gasps in horror that your baby isn’t in their crib at 7:03 p.m. sharp. If babies came with instruction manuals, every page would be written in a different handwriting—with conflicting advice in the margins. Welcome to the wild ride of unsolicited parenting wisdom. But here’s the thing no one tells you enough (unless you’ve got that one cool friend who keeps it real): You’re allowed to ignore the noise. In fact, you should. Because the truth is, nobody—not your mom, not your pediatrician (okay, maybe a little bit your pediatrician), and definitely not that Facebook mom’s group—is raising your baby. You are. And you’re going to get a lot of things right. You’re also going to mess some stuff up. That’s called parenting. It’s not a mistake, it’s how it works. Every cry, every giggle, every midnight panic-Google (please don't Google) builds your parenting muscle. You don’t learn how to parent by reading all the blogs (yes, including this one—ironic, I know). You learn it the old-fashioned way: by doing it. By trial. By error. By rerouting. And by trusting that little voice inside you that says, “Okay, I’ve got this. I think.” So, the next time someone offers you the tip that “saved their baby’s sleep/feeding/sanity,” smile politely. Say “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” And then do whatever the heck you think is right. Because you're not raising their baby. You’re raising yours. And you're doing great—even if your shirt is inside out and your toddler just ate a crayon. Hang in there, trust your gut, and remember: no one knows your baby like you do. Someday you’ll get to give your own unsolicited advice. Just think of it as a rite of passage.  Welcome to the wild, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering world of parenthood. That first year after your baby arrives? It’s a whirlwind. You will survive off of cat naps and cold coffee. You won't see or talk to your friends for months at a time. The words "clean up" will mean something completely different after a few weeks. You will think about things you have never thought of before like death from lack of sleep or cracked nipples. You will do things like dance to Prince at 2 a.m. just to get your baby to stop crying. And sometimes you will wonder what you were thinking when you wanted to have a baby. But the first year is also equal parts joy, exhaustion, and recalibration of your entire life.
You’ll hear advice from every direction, but there are some truths you don’t hear enough about. So let me tell you the real deal about what to expect, how to survive, and maybe even thrive during that unforgettable (and often unforgiving) first year. 1. Just Like Marriage, the First Year Is the Hardest Bringing a baby home is a dream come true… and also a shock to the system. You're navigating sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, feeding schedules, and a brand-new identity as “Mom” or “Dad.” It’s not uncommon for couples to experience tension during this time. You’re both stretched thin. Be patient with each other. Communicate often. Laugh when you can. And remember: this is a season — not forever. 2. You and Your Partner Will Have Different Parenting Styles One of you may be laid-back. The other may Google every symptom at 2 a.m. You might handle crying with cuddles, and your partner with rocking and pacifiers. Different isn’t wrong, it’s just different. Work together to find a middle ground. Respect and trust each other. Your baby will benefit from seeing both of you show up with love, even in your own unique ways. 3. Children Change Everything, Including Your Marriage Your life as a couple takes a backseat to bottles, burp cloths, and baby giggles. The freedom you once had to plan spontaneous date nights? Gone (for now). But with intentional effort, your marriage can not only survive, it can grow. Let your partner know you still see them. Prioritize time to connect, even if it’s just a hug in the kitchen or a whispered “I love you” over a mountain of laundry. 4. Intimacy Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury We’re not just talking about sex—although that, too, when you're ready. Intimacy in the first year is about touch, emotional closeness, and feeling like a team. Don't let exhaustion steal that bond. Find your rhythm again. Sometimes, intimacy looks like holding hands while watching baby sleep. Other times, it’s a heartfelt conversation after midnight feedings. Keep choosing each other. 5. Relationships Will Change (Be Prepared to Lose Some) It’s painful, but true. Not everyone will stick around once you enter parenthood. Some friends won’t understand why you can’t text back or why you keep canceling plans. Some family members might not support your choices. Let them go with grace. The ones who matter will show up. And you’ll find new connections — in playgroups, in your neighborhood, even online — with people who get it. 6. Go Out — Even If It’s With the Baby Yes, it’s a hassle to pack the diaper bag, time feedings, and navigate the world with a baby in tow. Do it anyway. Fresh air and a change of scenery are crucial for your mental health. Grab coffee. Take a walk. Go to the bookstore. Even a trip to the grocery store can feel like a mini vacation in those early months. 7. Time Management Will Be Redefined Forget the old to-do lists. Success now looks like everyone got dressed today or you remembered to eat lunch before 3 p.m. Time becomes elastic and weird. You’ll become a master multitasker—answering emails while rocking a baby, folding laundry during naps, and scheduling showers like military operations. Flexibility is your new superpower. 8. Know the Signs of Mental Health Distress Postpartum depression and anxiety are real. They don’t make you a bad parent. They make you human. If you're crying more than usual, feeling numb, irritable, or disconnected, don’t brush it off. Talk to your doctor. Reach out to a friend. Therapy and support groups can be life-changing. You deserve to feel like you again. 9. Always Have a Camera Nearby These moments—the sleepy smiles, the first laugh, the way your baby wraps their hand around your finger — they go by fast. Capture them. Even the messy, imperfect ones. You’ll be so glad you did when you're looking back, wondering how they grew up so quickly. 10. Don’t Stress Over Developmental Milestones Every baby is on their own timeline. Some crawl at six months, others not until ten. Some sleep through the night early, others don’t until toddlerhood. Comparison steals joy. Trust your instincts and your pediatrician — not Instagram. 11. Your New Normal: Work-Life Balance, Redefined Returning to work? Staying at home? Building a side hustle during naps? However your days are structured, balance isn’t about equal time, it’s about presence. When you’re with your baby, be with them. When you’re working, give yourself permission to focus. You won’t always get it right. That’s okay. You’re learning. And that, in itself, is parenting. The first year of parenting is a masterclass in growth—for you, your partner, and your baby. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And it’s okay if it doesn’t look picture-perfect. Breathe. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins. And remember: you’re not alone.  Do you have high lipase breast milk? I first learned about high lipase breast milk when I was working as a nanny. I was caring for a newborn and one day while preparing his bottle, I noticed a difference in the milk. It smelled different, like it had gone bad. But how could that be? Ths mom had just pumped the milk the night before. So I went upstairs to tell her and we both agreed to see if the baby would drink the milk. He did. But this led to an afternoon of unexpected research to figure out what was going on with her milk. What had she eaten recently? Was she sick? Was this a one time thing? Should she call her OBGYN? And most importantly, would the baby experience any adverse affects after consuming the milk? For many breastfeeding mothers, pumping and storing breast milk offers flexibility and peace of mind. But some discover an unexpected twist: after storing breast milk, it smells or tastes soapy, metallic, or even rancid. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with high lipase breast milk. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that your milk is still safe and valuable for your baby. What Is High Lipase Breast Milk? Lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk that helps break down fats, making the milk easier for your baby to digest. In some individuals, lipase activity is higher than average. This can cause stored breast milk (especially when refrigerated or frozen) to develop a distinct smell or taste after just a few hours or days. What Causes High Lipase? The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it's believed to be simply a matter of individual body chemistry. High lipase levels don’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your milk, just that the enzyme is working very efficiently. Is It Safe to Feed Baby? Yes, breast milk with high lipase is completely safe and still highly nutritious. However, some babies may reject it due to the altered taste. If your baby refuses stored milk, there are still ways to make it work.  How to Feed Your Baby With High Lipase Milk
1. Scald Your Milk Before Storing- If your baby rejects unmodified high lipase milk, scalding may help. This process deactivates the lipase enzyme before it can change the milk's flavor.
2. Test Milk Storage Time Limits- If scalding isn’t ideal, experiment with how long your milk can be stored before the taste changes. Some high-lipase milk is fine for 24 hours or more in the fridge before becoming off-tasting. Feeding it within this window might work. 3. Mix With Fresh Milk- Some babies will take stored milk more easily if it's mixed with freshly expressed milk to dilute the altered flavor. Other Uses for High Lipase Milk If you find yourself with milk that your baby won’t drink, don’t throw it out! Here are other meaningful and creative ways to use it:
High lipase breast milk might throw a curveball into your pumping plans, but it doesn't mean the end of breastfeeding success. With a few tweaks, you can still feed your baby and make the most of every drop. Remember, your milk is amazing, even with a soapy twist. Have you dealt with high lipase milk? What worked for you? Share your story in the comments below. |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
March 2026
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