The Role of a Doula

Feel Confident During Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

I’m a Detroit birth photographer now, but when I was pregnant with my first baby, I had no idea what the role of a doula was. It wasn’t until my husband and I took a Bradley Method class that we learned about them, and I instantly knew I wanted one. My birth didn’t go as planned, but thanks to our doula’s advocacy, we had a gentle cesarean. She stayed with me the entire procedure while my husband held our son immediately after birth. She even captured incredible photos—moments I never would have seen otherwise.

For my second baby, we planned a home birth and assumed our midwives would take on the doula role if we transferred to a hospital, so we didn’t hire one. When I was ruled out for home birth due to a low-lying placenta, I had to deliver in a hospital—a setting I wasn’t fond of. The only comfort was knowing my midwives would be there. As soon as I hit active labor, my midwife-turned-doula met me at the hospital, immediately had me do the Miles Circuit for 30 minutes, and then finally let me get in the tub. I had an amazing VBAC water birth, and I truly believe it’s because I had a wonderful birthing team which included my midwife-turned-doula.

The Importance of a Doula’s Support

If you’re newly pregnant for the first time, I know how overwhelming it can feel. Everything is new—the emotions, the questions, the uncertainty. Take a deep breath and know that it’s completely normal. But here’s what you also need to know: you and your spouse don’t have to navigate this alone.

A doula is like a personal guide through your pregnancy and birth journey—not to tell you what to do, but to support, reassure, and help you navigate your questions and concerns with confidence.

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short and How Doulas Can Help

Many families are choosing to hire a doula as they realize that the traditional approach to birth may not always be the best fit for them.

In hospital births, care teams—including nurses, midwives, and doctors—rotate shifts, meaning you don’t always see the same providers throughout pregnancy and labor. For many families, this lack of continuity can feel overwhelming. Not knowing who will be present during birth or if they’re familiar with your birth plan can add unnecessary stress.

A doula is the one constant on your birth team, bridging the gap between you and hospital staff. They know your wishes, advocate for you, and ensure your voice is heard throughout the process.

Beyond advocacy, doulas provide evidence-based resources and guidance, helping you prepare for birth with the most up-to-date information. And they’re not just there for the mama—they support spouses too.

One of the things I’m most grateful for was our doula’s encouragement to create not just an ideal birth plan, but also a backup plan. As much as you may not want to, it’s important to think about potential tough decisions so you can have a plan. Having a doula there to help guide you can become priceless if needed.

Finding the Right Doula in Metro Detroit

• Ask the right questions about experience, training, approach to support, and availability
• Find a doula who respects your birth choices, whether hospital, home birth, medicated, or unmedicated
• Look for a personality fit to ensure you feel comfortable and supported
• Read reviews and ask for references from past clients if possible
• Consider additional services like birth photography combined with doula care for a more comprehensive experience

Where to Find a Doula in Metro Detroit

• Lifespan Doulas – Check their directory for certified doulas in Michigan.
• DONA International (www.dona.org) – One of the most recognized doula certification organizations with a searchable database.
• CAPPA (www.cappa.net) – Another reputable organization listing certified doulas.
• DoulaMatch.net (www.doulamatch.net) – A great website to find doulas based on availability, experience, and location.
• Christian Doulas of Michigan (www.christiandoulami.com) – A faith-based resource for connecting with Christian doulas in Michigan.
• Michigan Doula Registry – Helps families find certified doulas who may also be Medicaid-covered.

Why You Should Hire Me as Your Doula

1. Passionate, Dedicated, and Professionally Trained

• Training with Lifespan Doulas, a highly respected organization.
• Client-centered, evidence-based care to ensure you feel informed and supported.

2. First-Hand Birth Experience

• Experienced both a gentle, family-centered Cesarean and a VBAC water birth.
• Understand the emotions, challenges, and decisions that come with pregnancy and labor.

3. Expertise in Optimal Fetal Positioning with Spinning Babies®

• Knowledgeable in Spinning Babies® techniques to help ease labor and optimize baby’s position.
• Can guide you in prenatal exercises and labor techniques for a smoother birth.

4. A Doula and a Birth Photographer in One

• Providing both advocacy and professional birth photography.
• Capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments without disrupting the birthing space.

5. Advocacy and Emotional Support for Both Parents

• Supporting both you and your spouse through labor and birth.
• Helping navigate hospital protocols, comfort measures, and postpartum care.

6. Evidence-Based, Non-Judgmental Support

• Offering unbiased, evidence-based information to support your birth choices.
• Whether you choose hospital, home birth, medicated, or unmedicated, I fully support your journey.

7. Postpartum Support Beyond Birth

• Checking in after birth with resources for breastfeeding, emotional well-being, and newborn care.
• Helping ease the transition into parenthood with compassionate guidance.

Special Offer for 2025 Metro Detroit Families

As I build my doula practice, I’m offering special pricing for my first clients starting in July 2025! If you’re expecting and want a dedicated doula + birth photographer, let’s connect and start planning for your birth journey.

Feeling confident, supported, and empowered in your birth experience is possible. Let’s make it happen together!