FAQs
Do you serve my area?
If you're in the greater Lansing area, Ann Arbor, or Grand Rapids, yup! We serve Lansing, Grand Ledge, Holt, Williamston, DeWitt, Charlotte, St. Johns, Haslett, Okemos, East Lansing, Mason, Bath, Laingsburg, Portland, Vermontville, Olivet, Eaton Rapids, Ann Arbor, Saline, Grand Rapids, and other surrounding areas.
Does a doula replace nursing staff?
Absolutely not! Nurses are a wonderful part of the team, handling medical aspects of the birth. Doulas do not do any medical tasks, such as cervical checks, taking blood pressure, or placing IVs. Doulas do provide physical and emotional support to the birthing parent. Doulas also don't have other tasks we must complete. Supporting you is our entire focus. As your doula, I have the opportunity to get to know you and your preferences prior to your birth. We are in communication during early labor, and I remain with you throughout your entire birth.
Do you offer postpartum support?
I love providing postpartum support! I started as a birth doula, but as I watched my families begin to navigate life with their little one, I realized that there was so much support they often still need, so I pursued a postpartum certification. As a postpartum doula, I help with things like emotional support, household tasks pertaining to your baby, helping you find resources, meal planning, and so much more!
How do you deal with complications at birth?
As a doula, the care I provide is strictly nonmedical. If complications arise at a birth, I remain dedicated to supporting my families. This looks different depending on the situation, but know that I am with you through whatever your comes your way.
I really need a doula but can't afford one. What can I do?
Let's talk! More often than not I can help you find the care you need.
What about my partner? Does a doula replace them?
Absolutely not! I come with a vast array of birth knowledge, but no one knows the birthing person as well as their partner. I love working with partners to ensure everyone is as involved as they can be throughout a birth. My goal is never to replace a partner; rather, we work together to ensure the birthing person gets the love and support they need. Partners and I can alternate providing physical support. Sometimes partners prefer I do the majority of that side while they focus on emotional support. Regardless of how we divide the support, we are in constant communication. I know birth, your partner knows you - together we're a great team!
Why do I need childbirth education?
Knowledge is power! Studies show that when people are educated about birth and their options, they are less anxious and more satisfied with their experience. I encourage my clients to actively participate in their births. There are SO MANY different options and interventions. When you're educated about them prior to birth, you don't have to try to figure things out on the fly. You'll already know your options and will have an idea of what you want. Plus, I REALLY love talking about birth.
Can I still benefit from having a doula if I have a Cesarean birth?
You absolutely can! Most hospitals only allow one support person in the operating room. If you do not have a partner or other support person, I can accompany you into the operating room and remain by your side throughout your birth. If you have a partner with you for the birth, I can join you earlier to help calm any pre-birth anxiety. If your Cesarean is unplanned, I'm there to help walk you through next steps and answer questions you may have about this change in plans. I remain at the hospital throughout your birth, and join you again in recovery to help with your initial bonding and breastfeeding. For clients who hire me knowing they will have a scheduled Cesarean birth, I offer an additional postpartum visit to help with your recovery at home.
What about if I want pain medication? Are there any benefits to having a doula for that situation?
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How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
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