Certified Birth Doula in Marquette | UP Family Doula Care
Birth Doula Support: What to expect
Step One: Meet & Greet
Every journey starts with a conversation. Our Meet and Greet chat can be held in person, via zoom, or phone call. During this time we get to know each other better, discuss the kind of support you are looking for, and answer any questions you might have. This is your opportunity to see if my support is the right fit for you and your family.
Step Two: Prenatal/Pregnancy Support
Services can be established whenever you are ready! The earlier you bring a doula onto your team, the more time we have to provide guidance and education. Marquette County families have begun doula support as early as 4 weeks and as late as 34 weeks.
Once services are established, we schedule your first prenatal visit. This is when we discuss your vision for pregnancy and birth, covering any questions and concerns you may have. As every family is unique I tailor support to meet your needs.
Doula support is not limited to “prenatal appointments” and this is something many clients love. You can send me a message anytime with questions, concerns and when seeking resources. I also provide a client portal (Doulado) where you have access to additional education and resources for topics from pregnancy through the first year postpartum.
My birth doula services include educational classes such as prenatal fitness, childbirth education, and connections to additional local resources. All of these help families become informed, supported and confident as they move through this journey!
STEP THREE: As Birth Day Approaches
As you approach your final weeks of pregnancy (around 32 - 36 weeks) we get together to create your birth plan. During this visit we talk through all of your options, your plan A, B & C as I like to call it. Bonus: I type up a copy of your birth plan so you don’t have to. This allows you to easily print it off for your provider or you can use it as a guide to create your own.
This meeting is a great time for your partner or other birth team members to attend, allowing everyone to ask questions, learn about what options are available and discuss expectations and hopes for the big day!
"On call" period begins two weeks before your estimated due date until your baby has arrived. Many Clients will contact me as things begin to change, ask questions, and to navigate next steps.
STEP FOUR: Labor and Delivery Support
As labor begins, I support you via phone to help you through the early parts of labor.
Once your labor progresses or you feel ready for in-person support I can join you. Depending on your birth plan, if you are doing a planned home birth or if you are doing a hospital delivery I can meet you at your home while you labor there until you are ready to transfer to the hospital or until you’re ready to call in your midwife team.
In-person birth doula care helps amplify your voice, advocate for your wishes, provide guidance with movement and pain management, while offer grounded care for you and your support team.
Bonus: As your doula I stay with you from the moment you call me in until after your baby is born. No shift changes or unfamiliar faces and no matter where your labor takes you. I stay with you throughout the journey.
STep FIVE: EARLY POSTPARTUM
Immediately after the birth of your little one(s) your postpartum journey begins! I stay by your side as you make the transition after delivery, to provide an extra set of hands, grounding support and to help answer any questions about recovery, newborn care, and breastfeeding. During this I can also take photos, do placenta art and help clean up your space as you do skin to skin bonding with your baby.
NOTE: I know that not all journeys go the way we plan, my care stays flexible and supportive as things change like a hospital transfer, a c-section, or if your baby needs the NICU. My care is here for you no matter where your journey leads.
After this point I provide check-ins via texting to help with your newborn and postpartum adjustments. And once you're ready we can schedule up to two postpartum check-in visits during the first few weeks after delivery.
BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE
BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE
The Birth Doula Package
Birth Doula Package
$2,300
Your Birth Doula Package Includes:
2 Prenatal Visits
Birth Plan Assistance
On-call Support
Continuous Labor Care (With no hourly limit)
Phone / Text / Client Portal Communication
Educational Resources via Client Portal
Kangaroula Support
2 Postpartum Visits
BirthWorks A Childbirth Education Course
(Valued at $400) - 4 Sessions
Prep4birth Prenatal Fitness Class
(Valued at $150) - 1 Session
Prep4Partner (Valued at $200) 1 Session
Payment Options Include:
Cash (Flexible Payment Plans Available)
HSA / FSA
Qualifying Employer or Private Insurance
Michigan Medicaid, Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP)
Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Doula support
Please reach out to upfamily.doulacare@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
-
Absolutely! I support families through at home and within the hospital. This includes unmedicated and medicated births, cesarean and VBACs. My approach is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping every family feel informed and empowered to make choices that fit their values and goals.
-
Oh no, definitely not! A doula is an addition to your team. Oftentimes partners can feel lost and unsure of what to do to best support you. This is where I can help guide your partner. I teach a Prep4Partner class just for education and empowering partners and your partner is welcome to attend all meetings, classes and message me anytime they have questions.
-
In short, yes! I support ALL types of labor and birthing choices including VBAC, planned Caesareans, and home birth. Sometimes unexpected things come up and your birth plan changes. As you move through your journey we will talk about how that support can look and navigate your options as they change.
-
I support families across the Central and Western UP.
I primarily attend births in Marquette County, Houghton County, Dickinson County and everywhere in between!
If you are looking to deliver outside of these counties I may be able to attend depending on your due date. If I cannot I will give you resources for doula options closer to your area.
I know that plans can change and you may have to travel to Green Bay or Lower Michigan for care. This is something we can talk about. If you have additional questions please send me a message!
-
Advocacy is a big part of my work but it might not look the way people think as a doula my role is not to argue with providers or nurses or make decisions / speak on your behalf.
Rather, I support your voice, remind you of your preferences, and create space for you to ask questions and explore your options. If needed, I can gently help clarify what’s being said or suggest a pause so you have time to make decisions.
I believe in teamwork. You, your partner, your medical team, and I work together toward the same goal: a safe, supported birth. My advocacy is about building bridges, not barriers.
-
YES and YES! I offer flexible payment plans that work for you! I also accept Michigan Medicaid such as UPHP, and qualifying employer insurance, as well as HSA / FSA. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
-
No, but we do work together to support you during your pregnancy, birth, and the 4th Trimester journey, just in different ways.
Midwives and OB providers are licensed medical professionals who provides clinical care, such as monitoring you and your baby’s health, catching the baby during birth, and managing any medical needs that arise.
A Doula is a non-medical provider. My role is to support you emotionally, provide education, guidance, encouragement, and help you feel confident and truly cared for throughout the entire experience.
Think of it like this: Providers focus on your health, while doulas focus on your experience. In many hospital settings, medical staff rotate shifts and care for several patients at once. As your doula, I'm dedicated solely to you and your family. I’ll be there continuously throughout your labor, delivery, and into the early postpartum period as a steady support every step of the way.