The How YOU Birth Doula Initiative grew out of an Early Childhood Racial Equity Leaders Cohort formed in 2021 by the Great Start Collaborative of Muskegon County. Through discussions about health disparities and infant mortality rates for babies of color, and with support from various local organizations and nonprofits, a group of women leaders in Muskegon formed the How YOU Birth Doula Initiative. We connect doulas, families, and community partners to increase access, availability, and awareness of doula services.

Members of the How YOU Birth Doula Cohort are independent contractors. They are on the Michigan Doula Registry and have been trained by a Michigan approved Doula Certification Program. They are also certified by at least one medical insurance plan.

About How YOU Birth

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Our Team

We connect community doulas to one another and to birthing people in search of support across West Michigan. We aim to increase compassionate, culturally competent support for birthing people of color, regardless of financial barriers. We’re providing an easier way for families to connect to community doulas, and we are convening local doulas for peer-to-peer support.

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Catrina Rule

Board Chair

Certified Doula

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Jamie Hekker

Board Secretary

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Allison Keessen

Board Treasurer

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Hillery Ross

Board Member

Certified Doula & Community Health Worker (CHW)

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Kimberley Sims

Doula Coordinator

Certified Doula

Anetri’a Conyers

Contracted Support

Certified Doula

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Hilary Marine

Administrative Director

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Our Vision

Our vision is healthy births for all through coordinated access to community-based doula care that is culturally responsive, compassionate, respectful, and grounded in equity.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop, equip, and strengthen community-based doulas through training and connection, so they can support birthing persons of color and families facing financial barriers.

Our Values

  • Birth Equity

  • Integrity

  • Cultural Humility

  • Ethical Collaboration

  • Adaptability

Our Goals

  • We are working to build the community doula workforce with free training, ongoing education, startup materials, administrative backing, billing support, and referrals for a growing number of doulas.

  • We are leveraging Michigan’s Medicaid coverage for doula services to expand access in Muskegon County and surrounding counties, thereby reducing health disparities, particularly for women of color.

Since our Birth, We have…

  • Trained and mentored 44 Doulas through three Birth Doula Cohorts and two Postpartum Doula Cohorts

  • Recorded at least 115 births assisted by members of the How YOU Birth Doula Cohort

  • Cross-trained 2 Doulas as Community Health Workers

  • Recruited 2 grief and loss Doulas

  • Increased the number of Doulas serving pregnant people in Muskegon County by 966%

  • Built and maintained numerous vital partnerships with medical providers, community partners, and families

  • Become a growing, independent nonprofit organization

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About Doulas

Doula support is a safe and cost-effective intervention to improve birth outcomes.

A doula does not replace your doctor.

A doula is a companion who provides support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. 

A doula is formally trained in compassionate care but is not a medical professional and does not take the place of a medical provider.

A doula is an advocate for YOU.

Doula services have been shown to positively impact the social determinants of health, support birth equity, and decrease health and racial disparities. 

Some doulas are specially trained for grief and loss support.

Doulas provide

By offering you guidance on creating a birth plan.

By providing mental, physical, and emotional support to help you get ready for labor and to make sure your labor and delivery are as comfortable as possible.

By helping you prepare your body for a healthy and safe delivery. 

Pregnancy Support

By offering mental, emotional, and physical support for you during your labor & delivery

By serving as your advocate during the birthing process.

By providing evidence-based comfort techniques. 

Labor & Delivery Support

By supporting you through the transition home with your new addition.

By connecting you with lactation and postpartum resources in the area.

By supporting your wellness.

Breastfeeding & Postpartum Support

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Benefits of Doula Services for Healthcare Providers

Doula care can significantly improve the overall experience for patients during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas provide continuous support, education, and advocacy, which can help patients feel more empowered, informed, and supported throughout their journey.

Enhanced Patient Experience

Doulas can act as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, facilitating open and effective communication. They can help patients express their preferences, concerns, and questions, leading to better collaboration and shared decision-making between patients and providers.

Improved Communication

Research has shown that doula support is associated with improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations, decreased use of pain medication, and increased likelihood of breastfeeding initiation. Providers can benefit from these positive outcomes and contribute to better maternal and infant health by incorporating doula care into their practice.

Positive Birth Outcomes

Doula programs can be particularly impactful in addressing health disparities. By offering doula care to patients who may face additional challenges or barriers to accessing quality care, providers can help reduce disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Addressing Disparities

Providers and doulas can work together as a collaborative team to provide comprehensive care to patients. By integrating doula care into their practice, providers can address both the medical and emotional needs of their patients.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Create a comprehensive, supportive, holistic approach that addresses your patients' medical and emotional needs by integrating doula care into your practice.

Refer a client

Are YOU ready for a doula?

Complete our Client Intake Form to start your journey (no obligations), and a member of our team will get in touch with you!

Client Intake Form