Michigan’s First Kangaroula: Why It Matters for Your Baby

Labor and DeliveryPostpartum/ParentingPregnancyEducational Course

Dec 22

Lacy Anderson, Michigan's first Kangaroula poses for professional photo in Marquette.

When you think of a Doula, you probably picture someone by your side — helping you feel calm, confident, and supported through birth. But what if your baby could have that same gentle support, too?

That’s exactly what a Kangaroula does — and I’m proud to be Michigan’s first Kangaroula, bringing this extra layer of care to families right here in our community.

What Is a Kangaroula?

A Kangaroula is like a “baby’s Doula.” It combines the word “kangaroo” (for skin-to-skin care) and “Doula.” While a Birth Doula focuses on your needs — comfort, choices, and emotional support — a Kangaroula is specially trained to protect your baby’s gentle start, too.

This means watching over the quiet but powerful moments after birth: ✔️ Encouraging uninterrupted skin-to-skin ✔️ Helping keep your baby warm and calm ✔️ Minimizing overstimulation from lights and noise ✔️ Supporting a gentle Cesarean birth when needed

✔️ Advocating for baby’s early needs so you can rest, recover, and bond.

Why This Extra Care Matters

Your baby’s first hours and days help shape a lifetime of health. Gentle transitions, warmth, calm, and connection help regulate your baby’s nervous system, build trust, and creating a healthy physical and emotional foundation for years to come.

As Michigan’s first Kangaroula, I bring unique training and experience to help you protect this important time. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, using pain relief, or need a Cesarean, this extra layer of baby-focused support means you and your baby both feel cared for — together.

🌿 Together, We Create a Gentle Start

Your baby’s primal health period is precious — and protecting it doesn’t require perfection. It just takes small, loving actions: warm arms, calm surroundings, trust in your baby’s needs, positive communication and support that honors your family’s choices.

As your Doula and Kangaroula I help support and advocate to bring all of this together — so you never feel alone, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to protect your baby’s gentle start from womb to world and beyond.