Meadow’s Birth Story | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer and Doula

My husband and I take a natural approach to most things in our life so before we became pregnant with Meadow, I started researching home birth. I watched videos and read books from women who did it and enjoyed it! I was determined to have a more empowered, autonomous birth and I knew this was more likely to be achieved in the home setting. My husband was hesitant at first only because it was something foreign to him, like it is to the majority of people. After meeting with the midwives and having all of his questions answered and praying on it, we both decided this was the best decision for our family.

Hello, Labor Hormones! How Can I Help You?

Did you know that you have the power to influence your hormones and to help them better serve you and baby in childbirth? Yes, we can impact the flow of hormones throughout labor, and in such a way that helps us labor more gently and with manageable pain. So let’s talk about which hormones we want to boost, which we want to minimize, and how!

Birth Doula 101: What Do Birth Doulas Do(ula)?

Doulas offer physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing persons and their partners. This invaluable doula support makes a difference, no doubt. Read along with us as we offer insight into what birth doulas do and why it matters!

Brianna's Birth Story: The Birth of a Mother and Doula

To say that I felt empowered from Harmony’s birth is an understatement. I was able to trust my body to do something that it had never done before. It was beautiful to see that my body already knew what my mind did not. It was my journey, and the journeys of so many others, that made me want to become a doula. To help give families an incredible story of how their family grew.

Doulas Make A Difference: Real Labor Scenarios | Grand Rapids Doula

Here are some labor scenarios based on actual experiences, alongside insight into how doula support makes a difference. May these stories from Annica's experience encourage you to trust in the process and empower you to embrace the wild and spontaneous nature of birth!

Midwife or Birth Doula?

While there is some overlap among their goals in serving the birthing person, midwives and doulas each have their own set of qualifications and duties to fulfill. We clear up some of the differences here, in the form of a fun quiz!

Birth is Love: A Heartful Conversation

Emily's Homebirth Story

“It was so calming to be in my own home, and be surrounded by people with positive birth energy who believed in my ability to birth my baby myself.” - Emily

Postpartum Doula Recommendations | Grand Rapids Birth

Postpartum, Preparing for BirthAnnica QuakenbushJanuary 13, 2021Sprout and Blossom, LLCDONA, doula, doula care, doula support, postpartum, supportComment

Your Postpartum Visit with Sprout and Blossom | Grand Rapids Doula

The Value of Birth Photography | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer + Doula

I’m coming up on 3 years since photographing a birth for the first time and have been reflecting recently about the value of birth photography. It has been such a privilege to offer such a unique and important service to women in the Grand Rapids area, and I wanted to share a few reasons why I think birth photography is so valuable.

Your Birth Team Matters | Grand Rapids Doula + Birth Photographer

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that the process of making a birth plan is valuable. But your birth team matters more.

Find a doula who you trust…and then trust her knowledge of local providers.

With a doula and a clinical provider that you are really confident will support you, you will be set up the best you can be for the unknowns of your individual birth experience. Your birth team matters more than your birth plan.