.png)
Meet me!
About Thrive
My Commitment
As a doula serving the Greater Grand Rapids Area, my mission is to create a supportive environment where every mom can THRIVE during pregnancy, birth and beyond. I believe that birth should be an empowering experience, and with my support, I hope every mom feels loved, cared for, and confident as she embarks on this incredible journey of motherhood.​
What is a doula?
And why you need one!
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant mom's and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. (Unlike medical professionals, doulas do not perform medical procedures.)
​
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Doulas offer a compassionate presence, helping to create a calm and supportive environment for the mother while also advocating for the mother's preferences and choices.
​
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
An important part of a doula's support is providing body balancing techniques. These may include gentle massage, counter-pressure, and positioning techniques to help the laboring mother find comfortable labor positions, release tension, and promote relaxation throughout the birthing experience, ultimately supporting a natural delivery with minimal medical interventions, when desired and appropriate for the birthing person and baby.
​
INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT
As the rate for women having Cesareans is growing, having a doula support you during your birth decreases the risk of a Cesarean by 39%! Doula's offer evidence-based information throughout your pregnancy and labor, empowering you to understand your options and potential interventions.