Your Birth Journey Co.

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Your Birth Journey Co. Hi, I'm Jen, a birth Doula/birth phographer in the central Upper Peninsula.

My passion is supporting expecting parents through pregnancy, birth and early postpartum with compassion, knowledge and encouragement.

23/09/2026

A DOULA DOESN’T MAKE DECISIONS FOR YOU.

A DOULA HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS.
One of the biggest misconceptions about doulas is that we tell clients what they should do.

We don’t.

A doula’s role is to help families feel informed, supported, and confident making their own decisions.

✨ We can help explain terminology and options.
❤️ We can encourage clients to ask questions.
❤️ We can help families find evidence based resources.
❤️ We can remind clients of preferences they previously expressed.
❤️ We can provide continuous emotional and physical support regardless of the decisions they make.

A doula shouldn’t replace a midwife or doctor, provide medical advice, or make decisions on a client’s behalf.

Good doula support isn’t about creating the birth the doula wants.

It’s about supporting the person giving birth through the birth that is theirs.

Are there doulas who give medical advice, have agendas, and step outside scope? Unfortunately, yes. Simply because in all fields, there's always a few rogue "professionals" that do not act inline with guidelines and expectations.

19/09/2026

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do in labor is rest.

Not every moment of labor needs to be spent walking, bouncing, or changing positions.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing a laboring person can do is rest. Sure, maybe you shouldn't lay down for five hours in active labor 😉 But rest is important. And in early labor? Rest can be vital.

Especially during a long labor, conserving energy can be just as important as movement.

✨ Rest between contractions when possible.
✨ Try side lying positions with pillows for comfort or a peanut ball to aid in pelvic opening
✨ Keep the environment calm and minimize unnecessary interruptions.
✨ Stay hydrate and nourished
✨ Remember that movement and rest can both have a place in labor.

As doulas, our role isn't to keep someone moving constantly or to make every contraction "more productive." It's to provide individualized support based on needs, preferences, and how labor is unfolding.

Sometimes that means suggesting a position change. Other times, it's dimming lights, helping someone get comfortable, and supporting an opportunity to rest.

👇🏽 Birth workers, what's one comfort measure you use to help clients rest during a long labor?



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1846CGSXDr/

12/09/2026

WHAT DOES A DOULA ACTUALLY DO DURING LABOR?

I think sometimes people picture a doula standing quietly in the corner saying, “You got this!”

And yes, I'll absolutely remind you that you can do this.
But that's a very small part of what I'm there for.

During labor, I may be…
Applying counterpressure through contraction after contraction.
Helping you change positions when baby needs a little more room to move down.
Setting up the birth sling, birth ball, peanut ball, shower, or whatever else we can use to help you get comfortable.
Reminding you to relax your jaw, breathe, drink, eat when appropriate, p*e, rest, and conserve your energy.
Helping your partner figure out how to help you instead of standing there wondering what to do.
Explaining what's happening when the room suddenly gets busy.
Helping you slow things down when you're presented with a decision and have time to ask questions.
Reminding you of the preferences we talked about months ago when you're too deep in labor to remember them.
Helping you think through your options when the birth plan needs to change.
Keeping the room calm.
Watching your cues.
Knowing when you need encouragement and when you need everyone to stop talking.

And sometimes?
I'm holding the puke bag.
Refilling the water.
Putting your hair up.
Holding a leg.
Wiping your face.
Getting your partner a snack.
Or squeezing your hips for the 437th time because that's the one thing that makes the contraction manageable.

A doula doesn't replace your partner.
A doula doesn't replace your nurse.
And a doula doesn't make medical decisions for you.

I fill the space between all of those people.
Continuous support from someone who knows birth, knows your wishes, and isn't leaving when the shift changes.

That's what a doula actually does during labor.
And every birth looks a little different, because every woman needs something different.

When I look back on Brianna's birth I get goosebumps, it was pretty close to everything she dreamed of after the birth o...
25/08/2026

When I look back on Brianna's birth I get goosebumps, it was pretty close to everything she dreamed of after the birth of their first child left both parents with some trauma and fear for future birth experiences.

Pregnancy anxiety is real and when you have a not so good first experience it makes the anxiety worse. As challenges popped up during Brianna's pregnancy we planned, replanned and talked, texted and chatted our way through them. It was very important to me that she felt heard, acknowledged and supported when she needed it.

I could not have summed things up better than Brianna did, here are her words about her labor and delivery experience at OSF with the support of her husband, mother-in-law and me her doula:

There are some moments in life that you know you’ll carry in your heart forever… and this was one of them. 🤍

Being induced and knowing we were about to meet our sweet baby boy was a feeling I can’t even put into words. What followed was 10 hours of the hardest, most beautiful work I’ve ever done — 9 of those hours without an epidural. There were moments I wasn’t sure I could keep going, moments when I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and completely vulnerable… but I was never alone.

I leaned on my husband, my best friend, through every contraction, every tear, every moment I needed someone to remind me that I could do it. He was my strength when I felt like I had none left. 🤍

My doula was there with the kind of support, encouragement, comfort, and reassurance that carried me through the moments that felt impossible. And having my mother-in-law beside me, loving me, encouraging me, and witnessing this incredible moment with us made it even more special. I will forever be grateful for the village that surrounded me when I needed them most.

After 10 hours of labor, and about 30–40 minutes of pushing, our beautiful baby boy finally made his way into the world. And in one of the most incredible moments of our entire lives… Dad delivered his son. 🥹💙

Watching my husband bring our baby boy into this world is something I will never forget. The look on his face, the emotion, the love… it was a moment I wish I could freeze in time forever.

I would do every contraction, every tear, every ounce of exhaustion all over again for that one moment — the moment we finally heard our son cry and got to hold him in our arms.

Our son, you were worth every second. You were worth the pain, the exhaustion, the fear, and every tear. You completed a part of our family we didn’t even know was missing. 💙

And to my husband, my best friend, my doula, and my mother-in-law — thank you for holding me up when I couldn’t hold myself up. Thank you for believing in me, comforting me, encouraging me, and surrounding me with so much love.

I didn’t just give birth to our son that day… we brought him into this world together.

TRIGGER WARNING- YOU WILL SEE BIRTH IN THIS GALLERY, IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THINGS LIKE THAT PLEASE DO NOT SCROLL THROUGH.

Expecting mother's MICHIGAN sees you and knows the importance of the impact a Doula makes during pregnancy, labor and po...
17/08/2026

Expecting mother's MICHIGAN sees you and knows the importance of the impact a Doula makes during pregnancy, labor and postpartum by fully covering the cost of 10 visits and the birth.

I am registered with the state of Michigan, I have meet their requirements to practice as a Doual and I can accept Medicaid and UPHP. Click the link for more information amd message me with any questions you have or to begin Doula services. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FmqchWCCx/

Michigan's Women, Infants & Children program, providing supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information, and other resources for healthy mothers & babies.

Every birth has its own story, and no two labors are ever the same. Induction can make for an especially unique journey,...
05/08/2026

Every birth has its own story, and no two labors are ever the same.

Induction can make for an especially unique journey, with each decision, each contraction, and each moment unfolding in its own way. This beautiful mama embraced the unexpected with incredible strength and grace. She advocated for herself every step of the way, making informed decisions alongside her amazing support team—her loving husband and her doula. Together, they created a personalized pain management plan that helped her navigate her longest labor with confidence and determination.

And then came one of the craziest moments of the whole process! The doctor simply asked for a test push...but baby had other plans. Before anyone could blink, baby made a spontaneous entrance into the world! Mom would later laugh and saying baby thought, "Hold my milk...I'm coming!"

Birth isn't about following the perfect plan, it's about finding your strength through every twist, turn, and surprise along the way. Watching this family trust each other, work together, and welcome their sweet little one was such an honor.

Congratulations to this incredible family on your newest adventure 3 daughters will make an amazing ride. Thank you for allowing me to support you all and document such a powerful, beautiful, and unforgettable birth story and for sharing your images with others.

Welcome to the world Adaleigh

04/08/2026

Hello all,

I am currently out of town due to a very serious family emergency, I have been for a few days. I am sorry my response time to messages and emails has been slower right now so please be patient with me. If it's a serious need please call me, I will answer I promise. If you are having concerns as always please call your medical providers.

Thank you for understanding 💗

Every birth story is different… so your doula care should be too.One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a doula ...
13/07/2026

Every birth story is different… so your doula care should be too.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a doula is that everyone receives the exact same support. The truth? Doula care is never one-size-fits-all.

Some families want detailed education and help creating a birth plan. Others simply want someone to answer questions, ease fears, and provide reassurance. Some need continuous labor support, while others are looking for extra postpartum guidance as they adjust to life with a new baby.
Your journey, your goals, your birth, and your family are unique—so your support should be too.

Research continues to show that having a doula can make a real difference. Families who have doula support are more likely to:
* Experience a lower rate of cesarean birth.

*Have shorter labors and fewer medical interventions.

* Feel more confident and satisfied with their birth experience.

* Have increased success with breastfeeding and stronger postpartum support.

Did you know? Michigan Medicaid covers doula care!

Eligible families can receive up to 12 doula visits throughout pregnancy and up to one year postpartum, in addition to continuous labor support. Michigan expanded this benefit in 2024 to help improve maternal and infant health and make personalized birth support more accessible.

A doula doesn't replace your doctor or midwife we work alongside your healthcare team to provide emotional, physical, and informational support, helping you feel informed, confident, and cared for every step of the way.

Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, a scheduled cesarean, an induction, or you're simply unsure what to expect, your doula meets you where you are. Because the best birth support isn't about following a script it's about supporting your story.

Message me, let's chat and see how my services as a Doula could best serve YOU ❤️

02/07/2026

I am so excited to say I am adding 4 more expecting moms to my calander for 2026 and now into 2027!

I love that people are getting how important a doulas role in their birth can be and they are trusting me to be with them at this very important time in their lives ❤️

I still have some availability for 2026 and I am excited for all my future 2027 births!

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49854

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 19:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 19:00
Thursday 09:00 - 19:00

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+19062860784

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