FAQs

A birth doula is a non-medical support person who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people before, during, and after birth.

A doula provides non-medical labor support. A midwife is a practitioner trained to provide clinical care during pregnancy and delivery. Midwives provide birth support in hospitals or non-hospital settings (a free-standing birth center or home birth). Can you have a doula and a midwife? YES!

Doulas support partners in many ways! They work together to help the birthing person feel supported, empowered, and more comfortable through the stages of labor. Some examples include:

• Help them understand the normal process of birth,

• Demonstrate non-medical comfort measures to perform during labor,

• Offer an opportunity of rest to take a nap, go to the bathroom, or eat a meal and

• Provide encouragement and emotional support.

Absolutely! I provide doula support at the following hospitals in West Michigan:

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• Holland Hospital

• Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital

• Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital

• Trinity Health Saint Mary's - Grand Rapids

• Trinity Health Muskegon (Mercy Health Muskegon)

• University of Michigan Health-West

YES! As your birth doula, I can refer you to several provider options in West Michigan. Let's work together to find the best provider for you!