Doula Support FAQ

What is a doula?
A doula is someone trained to support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I’m not a doctor or nurse, but I’m here to offer comfort, information, and care. My job is to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident every step of the way.

What does a doula do during labor?
During labor, I’m by your side offering:

• Hands-on comfort like massage and counterpressure

• Help with movement and positions

• Encouragement and emotional support

• Clear info so you can make choices that feel right

• Steady support for your partner too

• Gentle help with advocating for your needs and preferences

What are some other perks of hiring a doula? I’m not just there for the birth. You also get:

• Personalized childbirth education

• Breastfeeding and lactation guidance

• Prenatal check-ins to get to know you and build trust

• Trusted referrals to local resources

• Herbal and aromatherapy support

• Comfort tools and exercises for labor prep

• Postpartum check-ins to help ease the transition

• Help with advocating for your choices throughout your care

• Support with creating or understanding your birth plan

• Guidance for preparing siblings for the new baby

• Tips for navigating tricky hospital or provider situations

Do you replace my partner?
Not at all. I support both of you, and we work together as a team. I help your partner feel more confident by showing them how to use comfort techniques like massage, counterpressure, and helpful positions. I also suggest ways they can support you during labor, like offering water, holding your hand, or being your voice when you need it. Labor can be hard to watch when someone you love is in discomfort, so I talk with your partner about what to expect and what's normal. I’m there to offer them encouragement too, so they feel ready and steady while they support you.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife gives medical care. I offer emotional, physical, and educational support. We often work side by side to care for you as a whole person.

Can you still support me if I want an epidural or a planned C-section?
Of course. My job is to support your choices. I’ll help you feel informed, comforted, and cared for no matter what your birth plan looks like.

When should I hire a doula?
Many people reach out in the second trimester, but anytime is okay. I can only take 3 to 4 births each month, so contacting me early helps make sure I can save your spot. Hiring early also gives us more time to build a connection and prep together.

Do you attend both home and hospital births?
Yes! I go where you birth. I support home births, birth center births, and hospital births.

How can I pay for support?
I accept several payment options to make things easier for you. I take Medicaid for birth support, and we can chat about how to get that process started. I also accept HSA and FSA payments, cash, check, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. If you're not sure what works best for you, reach out and we’ll figure it out together.

Not sure if a doula is right for you?
Totally okay. We can chat and see how it feels. There’s no pressure. Just a chance to connect and talk through your options.

How do I book your services?
Reach out through my website or email me directly. We’ll set up a free consultation to get to know each other and talk through your goals.

Planning a VBAC?
I’ve got you. I’ve supported lots of families preparing for a VBAC and I’ll bring evidence-based info and steady encouragement the whole way through.

Do you offer postpartum support too?
Yes. I help with newborn care, breastfeeding, light household tasks, and emotional support. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Do you offer herbal support?
Yes! I offer herbal care as part of my doula services. This might look like a calming tea for the third trimester, a healing sitz bath after birth, or gentle compresses for cesarean recovery. I create custom blends based on your needs, always with safety and nourishment in mind. Herbal support is never meant to replace medical care, but it can be a lovely way to bring comfort, ease, and a little extra love to your journey.

Live outside Northern Michigan?
I offer virtual support too. If we can’t work together in person, I can still be in your corner with education, guidance, and emotional care from afar.

Birth Photography FAQ

How do you keep birth photography comfortable and empowering?
I know birth can feel raw and intense. That’s why I bring a calm, supportive vibe to every session. I’ve been there as a parent and a doula, so I get it. I’ll help you feel safe, seen, and celebrated in every frame.

What’s your style for newborn and family sessions?
Natural and relaxed. Whether we’re in your home or at the hospital, I’m there to catch the real stuff—snuggles, sweet glances, little toes, and big feelings. I’ll gently guide you with easy prompts to keep things flowing, but nothing stiff or posed.

How do you edit your photos?
My style leans a little moody and a little like vintage film. I don’t heavily retouch. You’re already amazing. Your gallery will reflect your real, beautiful self just as you are.

When should I book you?
For births, the sooner the better. I can only take 3-4 birth clients a month. If you’re thinking about it, reach out early to save your spot. For Fresh 48s and family sessions, feel free to check in last minute, if I have space, I’ll make it work!

Do you travel?
I serve Traverse City and nearby areas. I’m happy to drive 1 to 2 hours for a birth. For sessions that aren’t on-call, I can often travel farther. Just reach out and we’ll figure it out together.