Intended Parents

As intended parents you know firsthand that the journey of parenthood can be long and filled with many twists and turns. You’ve had to be courageous and fight harder than most to receive the gift of a child; a battle many will never have to experience. We’re thrilled to help you enter into this journey of parenthood and are excited to offer you a handful of resources at your disposal.

Consider taking our virtual newborn care and parenthood planning class specifically designed for intended and adoptive parents, or consider a postpartum doula for sibling support for the big brother or sister...or, better yet, to support you!

Just like their children, intended parents are a gift to the world, and we are so thankful for you!

Intended Parents

Five Simple Tools to Survive Life as a (New) Parent

Jul 2023 | By Sheryl Cooksley

There is so much focus on pregnancy, birth, and even the first 8 weeks of your baby’s life. These stages in your life are fleeting. Parenthood, on the other hand, ...

Intended Parents

Breaking Down the Myths: What Intended Parents Need to Know About Postpartum Doulas

Jun 2023 | By Sheryl Cooksley

We hear it all the time: “I’m not birthing my baby so why would I need a doula?” The short answer: because you’re becoming parents and experiencing all the joys, ...

Intended Parents

A Letter From Your Doula: Dear New Parent

Jun 2022 | By Caitlyn Martin, FTDS Doula

Dear New Parent, You’re doing great. I see how exhausted you are after just getting home with your new baby. You value good sleep and now you are getting less ...

Intended Parents

Managing the Overwhelm: How to Prioritize Day to Day Life as New Parents

Apr 2021 | By Caitlyn Martin, FTDS Doula

It seems like the older you get, the harder it becomes to find time to get everything done. With household chores, work, car maintenance, personal hygiene, and so much more, ...

Intended Parents

A Letter from Your Doula: Dear Parents of Preemies

Nov 2020 | By Caitlyn Martin, FTDS Doula

Hello, I would normally ask how you're doing, but I'm certain everyone is already asking that and you probably don't know how to answer anyway. So I'll just assume that ...

Intended Parents

The Surrogate’s Uncounted Trimester

Aug 2020 | By Caitlyn Martin, FTDS Doula

Hi there, How are you doing? You’re in the fourth trimester now and I know it looks a little different than when you had your own babies. There is no ...

Intended Parents

3 Ways Postpartum Doulas Support Dads

Jun 2020 | By Sheryl Cooksley

Hey Dad, we have a little (not very secret) secret: Postpartum Doulas support you, too! So much focus is placed on birth, the arrival of your baby, the care ...

Intended Parents

Postpartum Care for Surrogates: Part 2

Feb 2020 | By Sheryl Cooksley

You’ve walked a journey for nine months (and longer) preparing for a surrogate birth. You may have done the shots, all of the testing, all of the work leading up ...

Intended Parents

Postpartum Care for Surrogates: Part 1

Feb 2020 | By Sheryl Cooksley

For the last nine months, and in preparation for months before that, you have been acting as the gestational or traditional surrogate, growing a baby for Intended Parents that you ...

Intended Parents