Our Doula Team

METRO DETROIT POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST AGENCY

Our Ann Arbor Doula Team

ANN ARBOR POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST AGENCY

Each of our Ann Arbor postpartum doulas is trained and then certified with a top doula training organization. They are all insured and have CPR training.

We match potential clients with 1 or 2 doulas to interview and choose the right fit for their family. Clients typically get a primary doula and a backup doula, depending on how many hours chosen. You will have the opportunity to interview, virtually, with your postpartum doula before you select the one for you.

Jodi Graves, Founder of Ann Arbor Postpartum

Owner, Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist & Infant Feeding Specialist

I certified as a birth doula in 1998 with the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators.

For over 20 years, I have worked to empower women to take their birthing experiences and their postpartum health into their own hands.

I am also a certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula and Infant Feeding Specialist with the world-renowned organization, ProDoula. I became a doula before many knew what the word even meant!

Meet our Team of Ann Arbor Postpartum Doulas & Newborn Care Specialists

Heather Emerson

Birth & Postpartum Doula

I have loved serving in Michigan's birth community for the last 15 years. I advocate for all families and the value of everyone having their best start in life and parenthood.

More about Heather

My name is Heather Emerson, my pronouns are she/her. I was educated in birth and postpartum doula services by Patty Brennan at the Center for the Childbearing Year in Ann Arbor with the DONA program, with Barbara Robertson for my education in breastfeeding support, with Becca Morse for babywearing, safe sleep, and airway safety.

Along with my specialized training, I have extensive experience with multiples and households with Autistic members.

Caring for birthing persons, babies and children has always been my lifelong passion, starting doula work in my freshman year of college. I strive to provide a support structure to aid any healing needed, strengthen family bonding with your infant(s), and work with you to create parenting strategies that fit your vision for your new family.

Samantha Kearns

Birth & Postpartum Doula

I love being a birthworker. I have always felt a strong connection with this stage of life and after going through my own postpartum period, I knew what I was meant to do.

More about Samantha

My name is Samantha, but feel free to call me Sam. My pronouns are she/her. I completed DONA approved birth & postpartum training with Patty Brennan at the Center for the Childbearing Year in Ann Arbor.

As the mother of two wild and crazy boys, I come equipped with patience, understanding, and flexibility to help you navigate the postpartum period.

I wholeheartedly believe that the world would be a better place if every woman had quality and nurturing postpartum care. This is my mission!

I can’t wait to meet you and help guide you through this exciting transition.

Krista Rizzo

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

My name is Krista. I am a mother and a ProDoula certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist.

More about Krista

My name is Krista. I am a mother and a ProDoula certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist.

My own postpartum experience demonstrated to me that there is a crucial need for care during this important time. I was inspired to leave my career in health policy to pursue certification as a postpartum doula. I truly believe postpartum support is vital for the well-being of the birthing parent, new baby, and family. I am passionate about providing emotional and educational support throughout the postpartum journey.

I look forward to helping you and your family through this transition to feel more confident, informed, and empowered.

Khadijah Bansfield

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Midwife-In-Training

I am an AMANI certified doula and childbirth educator, a birth assistant, and a student midwife.

More about Khadijah

I lived abroad for many years where I became a doula in 2012 and attended dozens of births and raised childbirth education awareness to hundreds of women.

I am very passionate about advocating for women's rights, especially childbirth rights, and raising awareness about the importance of postpartum care.

One of my favorite sayings is " It take a village to raise a child, but a community of love and support to raise a mother."

Brooke Lafleur

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

With over 10 years of experience with customer service, Brook always had a passion for helping and serving people. Difficult experiences have taught her how to have empathy and understand others, which are vital skills as a doula.

More about Brooke

Going through her own birth experiences, she found the desire to help other families through labor and postpartum care. Brooke is a certified labor and postpartum doula with Prodoula. She feels she has had the best trainers that gave her the confidence to support families, right from the start!

Brooke resides in Canton, MI with her beautiful son Myles. She also has a niece and 2 nephews that she refers to as her “nephsons”.

Jessica Schultz

Postpartum Doula

I have trained with Childbirth International and ProDoula in postpartum. I have my Child Development Associate credentials through Smart Horizons. I was a nanny for 12 years and worked in an early childhood center for 5 years.

More about Jessica

I am a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, crafter, nature lover, and a dog mama. I love to volunteer for various projects including helping MCREST and local mission trips.

I have always had a passion for empowering women and working with children, so when I learned about postpartum doulas a new found passion started to blossom. When not working you can find me hanging out with friends for a game night, drawing, or in the woods exploring. I am so excited about this new adventure and seeing this new career flourish.

Jessie Roy

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

I am an experienced, non-judgmental doula who wants to make your postpartum journey something you will always look back on with fond memories.

More about Jessie

I am Jessie. My passion for postpartum work is the result of going through my own traumatic birth and postpartum experiences. Despite being surrounded by a wonderful partner and fantastic family, I felt overwhelmed and unhappy after the birth of both of my daughters (born just 17 months apart). I found myself having a hard time asking for help, partly because I was in such a fog I didn’t know what I needed.

As I emerged from this postpartum fog, it was crystal clear to me that my purpose in life is to help others through it. With a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, I pride myself on being able to anticipate the needs of others before needing to be asked.

Jackie Mann

Postpartum Doula

I love to help women bond with their baby and feel supported postpartum. I am ready and able to be your support during birth AND through your postpartum recovery journey.

More about Jackie

I am a happily married mother of 3 - an adventure I always knew I wanted, but due to health issues, wasn't sure I would achieve.

Because of my own health challenges during my childbearing years, I feel uniquely qualified to help during this time!

I have always been interested in women's health, focusing on the topic in grad school. Because of my experiences, BS in Biology, medical background and MS in Acupuncture, I have found a way to combine Western medicine with ancient Eastern philosophies. When I got the call to become a doula, it felt like a wonderful way to help women be supported during an extremely important time in their lives.

I am DONA trained and have experience with hospital births including many high risk medical issues. Sometimes all you need is a hand and an ear to help you work through the information given during your birthing experience so that your birth plan may be followed.