Certified Birth Doula in Marquette | UP Family Doula Care
How UPFDC’s Certified Birth Doula Services Work
Step One: Meet & Greet
Every journey starts with a conversation. Our Meet and Greet chat can be held in person, over zoom, or as a 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 meeting. This is when we discuss your vision for pregnancy and birth, covering any questions and concerns you may have. As every families is unique I tailor the care to meet the needs of you and yours!
You don't have to wait for one of our visits to ask questions, you can message anytime you have a question or concern.
Every client has access to prenatal fitness, childbirth education and access to evidence-based resources to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
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 will discuss your plan A, B & C (as we like to call it), talking through all of your options. 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 families will contact me as things are beginning to change, asking 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 feel ready for in person support I can join you at your home to continue laboring there until you are ready to transfer to the hospital or meet you at the hospital.
In person birth doula care helps you amplify your voice, advocating your wishes, provide guidance with movement, pain management, and offer grounding care.
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.
STep FIVE: EARLY POSTPARTUM
Immediately after the birth of your little one(s) your postpartum journey begins! I stay with you and your family for a short time after delivery to answer any questions that may arise about recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding or any other concerns.
From here we do check-ins via texting to help with your newborn and postpartum adjustments. When you're ready we can schedule up to two postpartum check-in sessions during the first few weeks after delivery.
BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE
BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE
The Birth Doula Package
Our 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 Childbirth Education (Valued at $400) - 4 Sessions
Prep4birth Prenatal Fitness Class (Valued at $100) - 1 Session
Prep4Partner (Valued at $200) 1 Session
Investment: $2,300
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.
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Absolutely! I support families through unmedicated and medicated births, cesarean and VBAC deliveries at both the hospital and your home. My approach is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping every family feel informed and empowered to make choices that fit their values and goals.
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Oh no, definitely not! A doula is an addition to your team. Often times partners can feel lost and unsure of what to do to best support you. This is where in addition I support your partner. I offer a Prep4Partner Class to help them to navigate and prepare them for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Your partner is welcome to attend all meetings, classes and message me anytime they have questions.
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In short, Yes! I support ALL types of labor and birthing choices including VBAC, planned Caesareans, and homebirth. Some times unexpected things come up and your birth plan changes. As you move through your journey we will talk about how that support can look.
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I support families across the Central and Western UP.
I attend births in Marquette County, Houghton County, Dickinson County, Delta County and everywhere in between!
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!
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Advocacy is a big part of what we do—but it might not look the way people think. A doulas role is not to argue with doctors or nurses or make decisions, or 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 are all working toward the same goal: a safe, supported birth. My advocacy is about building bridges, not barriers.
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YES and YES! We offer flexible payment plans that work for you! We also accept Michigan Medicaid, UPHP, and qualifying employer insurance. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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No, but we do work together to support you during your pregnancy, birth, and the 4th Trimester journey—just in different ways.
A midwife/ OB provider is a licensed medical professional 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 doesn’t handle medical tasks—my role is to support you emotionally, physically, and with helpful information. I’m here to guide, encourage, and comfort you so 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, offering calm, steady support every step of the way.