Question 1

What is a birth doula?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 3

How does a doula support my partner?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do you support hospital births?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

My local hospital has a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) ban. Can you help me find a VBAC supportive provider?

Accepted Answer

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!

FAQs

What is a birth doula?

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

How does a doula support my partner?

Do you support hospital births?

My local hospital has a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) ban. Can you help me find a VBAC supportive provider?