Dear Doulas: You are appreciated!
My doula, Annica, by my side when I transferred to the hospital for manual removal of the placenta after giving birth at home
Written by Shay Gabriel
thank you, sprout & blossom
April lands us right in the middle of World Doula Week and International Doula Month. So what better time to share how grateful I am for the doulas in my life? I'm feeling especially thankful for how doula support has impacted my own journey, and especially honored to be part of a team of incredible women here at Sprout & Blossom who care so deeply for the birth community. I just want to take a moment to gush over them and share the love with anyone who reads (including those of you considering adding doula support to your own team…I highly recommend).
Sure, it's part of my "job" to promote these women, but it's so much more than that. And if you'd like to know which came first (the doula love or the job), know that I fell into this position as content creator for Sprout & Blossom because I was so deeply and positively impacted by having Annica on my birth team! I was so profoundly transformed and surprised by the stark contrast between where I began and where I ended up, especially in terms of embracing my right to informed choice and in trusting birth as a “physiology-first” process.
My experience with my own pregnancies, births, and fourth trimesters has been so much better because of doula support. I didn't have the picture-perfect first birth story (it was a long labor with an asynclitic baby, which you can read about here), but I was empowered and supported, and it mattered. When I look back at my labor with my oldest child, I am moved by all that went well in the care of my chosen birth team when the unpredictable, uncontrollable circumstances weren't ideal. My second birth? The birth itself was, in fact, pretty perfect! But, things took a turn when my placenta wouldn't come out (pathology would later confirm that I had a placenta acreta), and once again, the support of my doula meant everything as she followed me from homebirth to the hospital. All that to say — your birth story is yours, no matter how it unfolds. There is only so much you can control, and part of that includes embracing the uncontrollable. And if you ask me, that is best accomplished with doula support! This mentality carries over into the postpartum period as well; the more direct informational, physical, and emotional support you have, the better.
All of us here at Sprout & Blossom wish an empowered, supported, beautiful experience for anyone and everyone who gives birth. Idealistic? Perhaps. We want to change the mainstream birth culture around here. And these women I'm about to name do just that.
dear doulas
Annica,
You have poured so much love, energy, and dedication into establishing Sprout & Blossom. More specifically, you have directly impacted over 100 families along their birth, postpartum, and parenthood journeys. To walk alongside someone in their most transformative journey — I lack the words to accurately express how profound it is. It's the type of thing you feel in your being forever, once you've experienced it. A doula's love...thank you for giving it to me among many others, and for growing Sprout & Blossom with more women who will continue your legacy of invaluable outreach.
Annica’s current offerings
Annica is currently offering photography sessions and 1-on-1 somatic sessions, focused on self-introspection, healing, and empowerment. Learn more about somatic sessions and connect with Annica today.
Brianna,
Oh, Bri... The care you have for your clients simply radiates from your spirit. And your heart for loving babies, it's contagious! While I haven't personally had you as my own birth doula, I know without a blinking doubt that I would have felt so cared for, so seen, so appreciated in your presence. And I'd bet all the monies that your clients and their families feel that way too. (It's not just a bet...I've seen the words they express, and they're moving.)
Brianna’s offerings
Bri offers birth doula support, birth photography, and postpartum doula support. She also works with any of our BIPOC clients who are eligible for sliding scale fees through our Birth Equity Fund. Get to know Bri by setting up a free consult!
Elisha,
While I'm still getting to know you, I already like you! In the times we've shared together so far this year, I have felt the following: You honor space for others as a genuine listener, with patience and grace, in a way that emanates a deeper wisdom/knowing. You are kind and have a nurturing energy that so suits birth work. Anyone who chooses to have you on their birth/postpartum team is in such good hands!
Elisha’s offerings
Elisha offers birth doula support and postpartum doula support. Are there options for bundling services? Yes! Learn more about our investment options, and connect with Elisha today. You’ll be so glad you did.
Randi,
When we finally met in person early this year, I (probably awkwardly) expressed to you how I'd always felt we'd one day be friends. It's because your energy is so genuine and pure that I felt it even through social media alone. I could tell that you're a wonderful human, and you give off warm fuzzies. Now that we're friends IRL? Can confirm!! These qualities make perfect sense for the birth space. Perhaps you were my doula-tog in another life.
Randi’s offerings
Randi offers birth doula support and birth photography. She is new to the Sprout & Blossom team, but she’s been around the birth block in our community for several years! We’re so lucky to have her on our team (and if you hire her, you will be too!)
sharing the doula love
Annica, Brianna, Elisha, Randi: Happy Doula Appreciation! You are so deeply appreciated by the birth community here in West Michigan. You’re making waves, and I’m here for it. To anyone who’s looking for birth or postpartum doula support, consider these wonderful women for your birth team.
