Find a Doula in Grand Rapids, MI

Throughout my personal journey of being a mom I have felt that parents in this world just need more support. Plain and simple. I feel I am created to be one of those people. I created Birth With Bravery, LLC after taking my doula training in November of 2020. Bravery can be a key element in trusting your own body to do what it was created to do - and to brith with confidence and empowerment. I love to help families learn about birth, what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, as well as how to equip themselves properly. I equally love to provide as much support as I can - physically and emotionally. I strive to become a helpful hand, team member, and support to you and your partner - working together as the perfect team to welcome your baby earth side.

Care philosophy

When it comes to birth - there can be so many unknowns, and I hope to be able to provide a center of peace for you and your partner in this time. My goal is to equip all parents with feelings of confidence and bravery as they head into their labor and birth as well as during through education, good conversation, evidence based research, support, and advocacy.

Areas served

• Grand Rapids through Holland/Grand Haven

Long before I discovered my passion for birth work I had a desire to help others and graduated college with a degree in Psychology. I spent years working as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital where I received extensive trainings on trauma-informed care and crisis interventions. I then moved on to working in Hospice where I helped patients and families navigate end of life decisions and comfort care. So when did I decide to become a doula? Well, when my doula changed my birthing experience for the better - I knew I wanted to do the the same for others. I started studying all things labor and birth in 2016 and absolutely LOVE sharing my gifts and professional skill sets in this space. As an evidence-based professional I make sure to bring you the most up-to-date research to help guide and support your best birth! There's one more thing you should know about me; I'm also a certified Pilates Instructor! Which means, I bring functional anatomy and pelvic floor expertise to your birthing experience. Yes! You MUST move your body and your pelvis when you're laboring your baby. With over a decade of teaching experience, I will help you understand how movement, breath, and pelvic floor muscles contribute to the outcomes of your labor and birth. Together we prepare, practice, and persist!

Care philosophy

-I believe in keeping my clients informed and empowered every step of the way. -I believe practice makes preparation for labor and birth -I believe birth is an exciting and normal, physiological process. -I believe your hard work will pay off to get you the birth you want. -Birth is not a medical emergency and should not be treated as such. Consultations are FREE, let’s chat!

Areas served

• Grand Rapids and surrounding communities

Reviews

• 

  Courtney

  March 26, 2023 at 2:51 am | Client review

  Rebekah is an amazing doula and person! I knew I wanted a doula for my first born, and the stars aligned when we found her. We had no idea about the birthing process, and it was through her pre-birth classes and mentorship, we felt ready when the time came. What my husband and I did not expect, was that we’d be in labor 3 weeks early. Rebekah was there with us for it all. I wanted a natural birth, so I was in active labor for 72 hours trying everything I could to make that happen, and Rebekah was by my side coaching and supporting both my husband and I the whole time. My birthplan had many changes along the way as my body had other plans, so a lot of decisions were constantly needed to make for the next steps. Rebekah was the calm for us during these times, and her wisdom, kindness, and expertise helped guide us along the way. Our son ended up being born via C-Section, and Rebekah changed roles for a bit to be our photographer during the surgery. We now have the most beautiful birth photos we never would have had without her. As soon as our son was born and we were in the recovery room, Rebekah jumped back into her role of Doula, and helped me (a very exhausted new mama) breast feed for the first time while making those moments so powerful and beautiful. It’s a big decision to choose who you want to be with you as your child enters the world, and we guarantee you will not regret having Rebekah be that person for you!!

I love and celebrate all things birth! I'm passionate about researching and gaining education on evidence based information & practices for pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. I am a Certified Gentlebirth Educator, a BEST Certified Doula, a StillBirthday Certified Doula, as well as a Community Breastfeeding Educator. I am also trained through DONA! ​

Care philosophy

I firmly believe in the power of knowledge. The more you know about your body and birth, the less you have to fear. With this, you are empowered through education, knowledge, and preparation. I am also passionate about your body! I use my endless love and knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology to help you prepare and support your body for birth, no matter what kind of birth you are planning!

Areas served

• Grand Rapids

• West Michigan

Gold Coast Doulas is the premier birth and postpartum doula agency in Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore communities. The firm was established in 2015 and is a certified B Corporation. We are fully insured and our team is certified.

Care philosophy

Judgment-free support from conception through the first year.

Areas served

• Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon,

• Rockford, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Zeeland

• Ludington, Pentwater, Saugatuck, Fremont

Reviews

• 

  Kristin

  October 11, 2023 at 7:44 pm

  Thanks, Mary. I loved working with you.

I became a Doula because I find the utmost joy in uplifting others. The experience you have with birth and that crucial time after are imprinted on you for the rest of your life. I want you to look back at your story with excitement and satisfaction knowing you were empowered to make informed decisions and say "heck yes! I did this!" From the time of preparing your birth plan to labor, delivery, and continuing on through The 4th Trimester, I am professionally trained and ready to walk by your side, not in front of you, but along with you. Guiding and helping you to the point where you feel complete confidence and emotional stability in this new adventure is my goal as your Doula. I provide support via email, text and phone, prenatal visits, attendance at your birth, postpartum visits and/or continuing care of your family unit in your home. I want to see it through until you are comfortable in the beautiful role you have as a parent and caregiver to a new bundle of joy!

Care philosophy

Everyone deserves support and care that comes from a non-judgmental place of love and true desire to uplift others in this beautiful but difficult time of life. I chose to become a Doula for just that reason! Becoming a parent is a process that is challenging and rewarding. Navigate through it with an advocate by your side. I am here to help fulfil the birth and postpartum experience you desire.

Areas served

• Kent and Ottawa Counties, Mi

Reviews

• 

  Shelbi

  June 7, 2022 at 4:45 am | Client review

  Jillian has the kindest heart and so much love to share. She has been my strength in times of need. She makes difficult things seem less scary and simple. She can bring calm to any situation.
  When I was a new mom, she traveled a great distance to help me with my new baby. I was so glad she was there because she is a natural with newborns. She made this post-partum time one of the best times of my life with so many happy memories.

Hello! Im Ashley! My goal is to serve and empower women through pregnancy and childbirth! During these very important moments in your life, I strive to create the most positive experience for you, your partner, and your baby!

Care philosophy

My mission is to support women through all stages of pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum. You will be my priority and I will support you through the birth that you desire. I will support you in your choices and decisions.

Areas served

• Lowell

• Grand Rapids

• Ada

• Ionia

• Lansing

• Rockford

• Michigan

Reviews

• 

  Tara

  October 7, 2022 at 2:16 pm | Client review

  Ashley is amazing! She was so helpful throughout pregnancy and especially during and after labor. I don’t think I would have made it through such a long labor without her. She is prepared for anything, so knowledgeable, kind, focused, and encouraging!

I want to support you and your support person or birthing partner in the decisions that you decide to make. No matter what. I maintain an unbiased person in the room while also providing your evidence based information. I also work with you to help keep labor moving or encourage you to rest when you need it.

Care philosophy

I strive to care for families as they transition into a family with new members. My goal is to support you in the birth that you desire. I provide emotional, physical and education support through pregnancy and delivery.

Areas served

• Holland

• muskegon

• Grand Rapids

A birth doula is a trained professional who is dedicated to providing emotional, physical and informational support to a birthing person and their partner before, during and after birth. I was supported by a doula during the births of my two children and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Those two births had many differences, but what they had in common is that I walked away with a sense of strength and empowerment that I had never before experienced. I knew immediately following the birth of my daughter in 2017 that I wanted to help others experience that same feeling of satisfaction with their births. Right away I started trying to learn everything I could about pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period and in May of 2019 I started training as a birth doula. No matter your personal birth preferences, I provide judgement free support and help make your birth a positive experience! I would be honored to be a part of your team.

Care philosophy

I believe birth and the postpartum period is a time of transformation. Its a time of change, learning and empowerment. I am deeply passionate about supporting families during this time and helping them achieve a positive birth experience. I believe everyone deserves to look back on the birth of their child with the knowledge that they were respected by their birth team.

Areas served

• Grand Rapids, MI

• Grand Rapids, MI

I believe that a birth experience should be as special and unique as each one of my clients. Certified as a DONA birth/postpartum doula and advanced trained doula & educator in VBaC births it's my goal that my clients are thoroughly educated and supported to birth THEIR way without fear or prejudice. It's truly an honor to be selected to walk with you on your journey to parenthood, to watch you grown in confidence and to be a part of such a special time in your life. My intro to motherhood was both challenging and beautiful. All those moments set me on a path and passion for improved birth & postpartum support and maternal mental health. I’m an extroverted introvert, with a love for nature, days at the lake, music, good conversation and iced coffee. When I'm not at a birth, my hands and heart are full with my three kiddos, dog and husband. I'm proud and excited to say that I've been voted a Top Provider in GRKids Best Of GR 2019 - 2022 and serve as Director for the nonprofit group The Maternal Wellness Program!

Care philosophy

I believe that pregnant individuals and their partners deserve to be supported, nurtured, and educated throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. My role as your doula is to compliment your birth team, to make sure you're knowledgeable about your birth options, rights and that you are confidently prepared (physically & mentally) to meet the challenges of labor and postpartum.

Areas served

• Holland, MI

• Grand Haven, MI

• Muskegon, MI

• Kent, Montcalm, Ionia, Ottawa, Allegan Counties

• Grand Rapids, MI

• Hastings, MI

• Mount Pleasant, MI

• Ada, MI

• Zeeland, MI

• Hudsonville, MI

• Wyoming, MI

• Rockford, MI

• Grandville, MI

• Caledonia, MI

• Wayland, MI

• Middleville, MI

Reviews

• 

  Tracey

  July 25, 2022 at 11:02 am | Client review

  I truly cannot imagine giving birth without Carrie by my side, as my doula. Carrie met with me during my pregnancy, asking thoughtful questions to help me decide on my birth plan preferences and preparing me for what to expect. During labor, Carrie provided reassurance as well as emotional and physical support. I appreciated her help in making informed decisions. Her care for me and my newborn son was invaluable, and I am so grateful.

I have supported women --- birthing in the hospital as well as at home --- with and without medications --- with plenty of family and partner support, as well as with very little --- vaginal births, including after previous cesareans --- cesarean births I have been supporting families through pregnancy, birth and postpartum for 5 years, but birth (and all things related) has been a passion of mine for much longer, as my sister is a midwife. During my two distinct labors I have experienced both challenges (back labor, anyone?!) and joys (a powerful water birth). I have a background in education and love to share knowledge and resources that can inform your choices. I am also bilingual in Spanish and English. I specialize in comfort measures, informational support, and using affirmations and other verbal measures to release fear and build confidence. In my spare time I love to perform in community theatre, travel to see family, and exercise the “spiritual gift of thrifting” that I inherited from my mother. Global impact is important to me, therefore: --- I donate a percentage of my proceeds to local organizations that fight human trafficking and protect vulnerable women and children. --- I purchase my materials (both educational and practical) from other small businesses and earth-friendly sources as much as possible.

Care philosophy

As a doula, I offer you emotional, educational, and physical support during the birthing year. I love to meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals so that you can feel satisfied with and empowered by your birth experience. I can provide references upon request!

Areas served

• Within 30 miles of Grand Rapids, MI

Ali Egy, The Belmont Doula, helps people identify their needs and find their own strength in pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. She provides professional, inclusive, and compassionate support for people who are ready to take charge of their birthing experience to improve outcomes, increase overall satisfaction, and build a strong foundation for parenthood. While she has always been passionate about birth, she started pursuing a career as a birth doula after her own transformative birth experience with a professional doula. Ali now serves all types of people in the Greater Grand Rapids MI area and is passionate about helping them find their own voice in the labor room, birth center, or in their own home to have a deeply satisfying birth experience.

Care philosophy

Ali believes that everyone should have the opportunity to birth with respect, confidence, and support. It should not matter their labor preferences, parenting styles, race, sexual orientation, or gender expression. As an inclusive birth doula, she tailors her care to meet her clients where they are, with the type of support they need to achieve their own goals, whatever they may be.

Areas served

• Within 45 min of GR