As a doula, I am committed to making your birth experience as positive as possible! Doulas are a great source of support for expecting women and their partners, below is just a quick glimpse of what we do!

• A doula is a non-medical companion who can support you physically and emotionally throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

• During labor we advocate, encourage and help you with changing positions, breathing, massage and more!

• After the birth, we can help you with feeding and adjusting to life at home with your new little one!

As a birth doula, I can assist you and your partner in creating a birth vision or vision board based on your preferences! Below is a little more information about what that entails.

A birth vision is a visual expression of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for your birthing journey. It allows you and your partner to share your birthing intentions in a way that feels right for you. This vision doesn’t have to be a formal document; it could be a friendly conversation, a simple page filled with your thoughts, or even a creative expression that feels authentic to you. Sharing this vision with your birth team is important, as it helps them understand your wishes and guide their decisions during delivery, while also being open to adjustments if needed. 

A vision board is different because it involves creating a collage filled with images, words, and symbols that truly reflect your birth aspirations. Vision boards focus on harnessing the power of visualization, which involves imagining what you want to achieve in your birth.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a doula as soon as possible, with the goal of hiring someone by about week 20 of your pregnancy. Dates can fill up quickly, but it’s never too late to hire a doula — even right up to your due date!

Having a doula by your side during birth can make your experience feel much more positive and even safer!

Studies have shown that women who receive continuous support during labor experience a higher likelihood of spontaneous vaginal births. They also have a lower chance of using pain medication, receiving epidurals, developing negative feelings towards childbirth, requiring vacuum or forceps assistance, and undergoing Cesareans. Additionally, labor durations are approximately 40 minutes shorter on average, and babies are less prone to low Apgar scores at birth. 

However, regardless of how you choose to give birth, we are there to support you in all your decisions throughout your labor journey and advocate for your choices!

When I initially suggested the idea of having a doula to my husband during our first pregnancy, he was a bit surprised, fearing that this person might intrude and take his place. However, after my whirlwind of labor, my husband became the biggest advocate for doulas during childbirth!

The purpose of a doula is not to replace a partner or support person but rather to enhance the experience for everyone involved. We offer valuable information and show partners various ways to comfort their loved ones before and during labor. Labor can be an emotional journey for partners, and a doula helps them focus on the overall experience rather than worrying about how to provide constant comfort during the process. Furthermore, we offer reassurance and peace of mind to partners, as witnessing a loved one in labor can be emotionally overwhelming, especially given the unpredictable nature of birth, where unexpected situations can occur. Relying on a doula can be incredibly beneficial! 

After giving birth, most partners say they can’t imagine what they would have done without a doula, as our support extends not just to the birthing person but to everyone involved in you and your baby’s journey!

Many people have questions about this, and assume doulas are only for unmedicated births, which is far from true!

We provide strong support to you, whether you choose to use pain medication or not. Having a doula by your side can be extremely beneficial as you navigate decisions about your labor journey. If you decide to use pain management methods like nitrous oxide or narcotics, we can help you manage any side effects. In the case of an epidural, we can offer various positions and comfort measures to enhance your experience, making it feel safer and more supported. 

Sometimes, pain management may not go as expected, and during these moments, having a doula's support becomes even more crucial. Regardless of your choices regarding pain management, we are committed to supporting you and providing comfort throughout your entire labor. We are here to empower you to make the best decisions for your birth!

After a long labor that led to my C-section, I felt incredibly grateful to have my doula by my side, not just for me, but for my partner too!

A birth doula plays a vital role during a C-section by providing emotional support, especially since it can feel different from a planned birth. We're here to offer reassurance and empathy, helping to ease anxiety and create a calm atmosphere in the operating room. 

We empower you by advocating for your preferences, like skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping, ensuring you feel supported even in the operating room. We also share valuable information by explaining the procedure, answering any questions, and acting as a friendly link between you and the medical team. Our presence is also a great comfort for partners, providing them with reassurance and guidance to help alleviate their stress- after all, it can be overwhelming for everyone involved! We encourage partners to take an active role in the process, helping them navigate through the emotional ups and downs of a C-section. 

While there may be occasions when we can't join you in the operating room (in Southwest Michigan, we often can! But it ultimately depends on the surgeon and anesthesiologist's preferences), we're still here to offer our support before and after the procedure. If your little one needs to head to the NICU, we can stay with you, ensuring you're not alone and keeping your partner updated on how you're doing.

In general, Doula training typically involves a combination of workshops, readings, and hands-on experience, often culminating in certification through organizations like DONA International or ICEA, though formal training isn't legally required. 

I personally have attended a DONA certified workshop as well as other trainings and readings to continue my education!

While some insurance plans may offer coverage for doula services, especially through Medicare or maternity care bundles, most standard private insurance plans do not typically cover doula costs. However, since January 1, 2023, Michigan Medicaid covers doula services for individuals covered by or eligible for Medicaid insurance. 

I am not currently enrolled as a Medicaid doula in Michigan, but I may go through that process in the future! However, I do accept payment in the form of HSA and can work with you to facilitate that if you choose to pay this way!

My family and I live in Kalamazoo, MI! To make things easier for your prenatal visits and getting to your chosen hospital, I have a 50-mile radius based on where you are located. If you're unsure whether your location falls within that range, I'd love to have a chat with you about the options available!