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What is a Birth Doula?

A Birth Doula is a professional labor support coach who helps a family not only prepare for the birth of their child, but also provides a valuable range of support on the day of birth. We hope that you will feel well cared-for, supported in your choices, and that you make the transition into parenthood as smoothly and joyfully as possible. We are mindful not to replace anyone on your support team, but rather to collaborate with every member of your team to make this the most positive experience possible.

What can a Birth Doula do for you?

  • Help you gather information to make the most informed decision possible

  • Help you understand the changes occurring in your body - during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum

  • Encourage open and effective communication with your care providers

  • Suggest positions and/or techniques to help cope with pain and discomfort

  • ​Suggest positions and/or techniques to encourage the progression of labor

  • Offer reassurance and encouragement

  • Support your partner so they can best support you

  • Give your partner the opportunity to rest

  • AND more! 

Studies show that continuous birth support can lead to:

  • 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*

  • 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*

  • 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference

  • Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

  • 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

  • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; this risk was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff

Source: Evidence: on Doulas

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A Postpartum Doula is a trained professional who helps a family not only prepare for the adjustment and transition after having a baby, but also provides a valuable range of support during the whole Fourth Trimester (psst - that's the first 12 weeks postpartum). We solely focus on you and your family's needs during this time; whether that's light household organization, taking care of the baby so you can rest, or anything in between! 

What can a Postpartum Doula do for you?

  • Coping strategies for postpartum adjustment

  • Newborn sleep information & family sleep solutions

  • Infant care information: diapering, bathing, dressing, etc.

  • Breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding assistance

  • Babywearing & soothing techniques

  • Nutritious snack and meal preparation, including smoothies and green drinks formulated for postpartum

  • Preparation of postpartum sitz baths and nourishing herbal teas to promote healing and recovery

  • A safe space to process emotions and share your birth story

  • Help finding a daily rhythm

  • Assist with sibling adjustment

  • Light household organization

  • Infant care so parents can sleep and shower

  • Nursery organization & product recommendations

  • Running errands for groceries & supplies

  • Guidance on finding a childcare provider

  • Support in transitioning back to work

  • Referrals to other professionals if needed

  • Recommendations for child-proofing

  • Tips on self-care for parents

  • Phone, email, and virtual support

Studies show that Postpartum support can lead to:

  • more success in adapting to having a new baby

  • greater breastfeeding success

  • more self-confidence

  • less postpartum depression

  • lower incidence of abuse

  • more positive outcomes for whole family due to more timely referrals to competent professionals

  • partners and extended family members benefit by having concrete instruction and seeing how to best support a newly postpartum woman 

  • significant impact on partner's experience when they receive support, which in turn will impact mother's emotional adjustment

Source: DONA Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Perinatal Care

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Serving families planning hospital or homebirth in most of West Michigan - including (but not limited to): Ada, Belding, Belmont, Caledonia, Cedar Springs, Fremont, Grandville, Greater Grand Rapids, Greenville, Hastings, Holland, Ionia, Lansing, Lowell, Muskegon, Newaygo, Rockford, Wyoming, Zeeland.

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The FRD team has been trained, certified and/or attended additional education and trainings from the following organizations:

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