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."

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.

Janene Simmons

Postpartum Doula & Adoption Specialist

Hi! I'm Janene Simmons and I am a postpartum doula and adoption specialist. I have my own adoption story and love that I have the opportunity to help mothers of all stories through this transition period.

More about Janene

Hanna Rabe

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Hello! I'm Hanna Rabe (she/her) and I'm a ProDoula certified birth & postpartum doula. My love for birth work started after supporting a friend during birth. I instantly wanted to learn all about this intense yet beautiful time. With this passion, I studied, trained and certified as a doula for labor and postpartum.

More about Hanna

I'm a mother of two boys, and felt an even stronger connection to this work after my own experiences with labor & postpartum recovery. I have always had a strong maternal instinct, and love for helping others. Whether its assisting with breastfeeding, labor positioning, or talking over coffee, I'm your girl. I believe that every family deserves emotional and physical support during this stage of life. My goal as a doula is to empower, educate and support you through the labor and postpartum experience you deserve.

I can't wait to help you and your family bloom during this exciting time.

Terri Lee Wilson

Birth and Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

My name is Terri Lee Wilson and I am a Pro Doula certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, as well as a wife, mom and nana! I have always been drawn to all things birth and babies! My dream as a young woman was to have "lots" of babies...after years of trying I finally got my little miracle in 2004.

More about Terri

Well...my beautiful little miracle started college this year!! Like everyone says...it goes by so fast!! My fabulous hubby blessed me with a beautiful bonus daughter, who has made me the happiest nana to our granddaughter.

As someone that tried for years to conceive, I really thought I was fully prepared for labor & delivery. I had read the books and watched the pregnancy shows on the Discovery channel!! Needless to say...it did not go anything like I thought it would! While the end result of finally holding my baby in my arms was everything I had hoped for, the experience of labor & delivery as well as emotions postpartum, were far less than ideal unfortunately. I want to be that calming support for families during labor, delivery & postpartum. I want to make sure you are fully prepared for the incredible experience of birth, as well as help you and your family care for your new little blessing.

I would truly be honored to be a part of your family's most incredible journey! There is nothing better than helping parents bring their babies into the world, and to be able to support and advocate for you to have your birth wishes honored...so you can have the birth experience that you deserve!

Dulcinea Penfold 'Dulcie'

Newborn Care Specialist and Child Development

Hello! I'm Dulcie, a proud mom of two amazing boys. I grew up as the oldest of seven, which is where my love for all things baby started. At a very young age I really enjoyed helping my parents care for my
younger siblings, and turned that love and experience into a career.

More about Dulcie

I have over 25 years of professional childcare experience, including childcare director, infant/toddler teacher, pre-k teacher and nanny. My education consists of a degree in Early Childhood Education, Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, and Lactation Educator through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association). I have also completed my Newborn Care Specialist training through Newborn Care Training Academy. I am passionate about newborn care and child development and consider it a privilege to support families as they bring their new babies home.

Chloe Heckman

Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist

My name is Chloe Heckman and I have been working with children of all ages for over 6 years. I am a certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist.

More about Chloe