I had a really wonderful experience working with Carrie and Hannah. Our intro call was very helpful to determine if we were a good fit and the process of getting signed up was easy. I decided to take the birth course offered by Ginger Blossom and was able to meet with Carrie and Hannah in my home. It was very informative and they were both approachable, warm, encouraging, supportive, felt like new friends while also being professional. They were prompt in answering any questions I had via text. During labor, Carrie was helpful talking to both me and my husband on the phone over a day and an half while I was waiting for labor to progress further until we made the decision for her to come in for in-person support. Carrie was a great support in-person as well- to both me and my husband. I was so glad to have Carrie on my team while I had my first baby. Would highly recommend exploring Ginger Blossom for your doula services.
— Jaclyn Steinbruch
Words cannot truly describe how amazing Carrie is! I knew from the get-go that I absolutely had to have her on my team and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an empowering and incredible birth experience. She really is the VBAC queen and helped me achieve this major goal of mine. She does a wonderful job at ensuring her clients make empowered and informed decisions, which makes all the difference in the world! She made me feel so confident even during the hardest, most trying moments of labor. I truly don't think I could have gotten my VBAC/had such an incredible and redemptive experience without her. We are forever grateful for her support!
— Dominque Bennett
We had a great experience with Carrie and her encapsulation service! She is punctual, communicative, and fast. We had our baby Friday and our pills were delivered Monday morning! It’s such an easy procedure as well. Definitely recommend!
— Jewell Stahr
We’ve used Ginger Blossom 2 times now for placenta encapsulation and have had a great experience both times! Carrie is very responsive and communicates well with arranging pickup and drop off. Would highly recommend!
— AnnaMarie Tarantowski
Carrie is amazing at what she does. She’s warm, empathetic, wise, nurturing, strong, gentle, attentive, honest…everything you need in a doula. She was the best doula to help me achieve my VBaC and I’m so glad we found her!
— Bethany Sluiter
Carrie went above and beyond our expectations of having a doula for the first time (but with our second child)! She helped create such a supportive, informative, and welcoming space for my VBAC and because of her assistance, I felt more equipped to advocate for myself and make informed decisions. Carrie is truly the best...she even captured some of the most memorable photos of our child's birth. We are forever grateful for her incredible expertise and will always recommend her services!
— J Lynn
We absolutely loved working with Carrie. She was extremely informative and clear with directions which made the entire process very simple for us. Just after one day of taking placenta capsules I felt a burst of energy. Excited to continue this journey!
— Kelsey Green
Ginger Blossom Doula Services was better than I could have imagined! I went into my third pregnancy having already had two cesarean sections and I knew I still wanted to give a vaginal delivery a shot! In order to do this my husband & I knew we needed a team of people around us who fully support my/our desire to have a VBAC. One of our main focuses was finding a doula(s) we connected with & trusted. Ginger Blossom was just that! I finally went into spontaneous labor at 42 weeks pregnant and am SO THANKFUL I had Carrie & Hannah to support me through those long, final weeks of pregnancy! They answered every question I had as best they could & truly were on my team as I navigated those very difficult days! Once labor & delivery time came I say Carrie was my “angel”. She was incredible as she calmed me, encouraged me, put me in positions that would promote dilation, coached me, and reminded me that this VBAC was indeed possible. My labor was long, so Hannah took over for Carrie midway through & stepped in as an incredible support & calming agent as we indeed achieved our 42 week VBA2C!🥳 My husband said it best: “I would pay double the price we did to have Carrie (or Hannah) here for this labor!” Thank you, Ginger Blossom Doula Services! We are so grateful for your services!!!
— Abigail Blauwkamp
If I planned on having more kids, Carrie would find out the millisecond I got a positive test. She was so incredibly supportive during my pregnancy and postpartum period, and was helpful in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Highly recommend including her in your village!!!
— Taylor Rieth
I don’t even know where to begin! To say we loved working with Carrie is an understatement. Having her support during pregnancy made me feel so confident for my birth, even though it was my first. When I went into labor, she was the calm during the storm. As soon as she got to our room at the hospital, I felt like everything would be okay. With Carrie’s support, I had the spontaneous unmedicated birth of my dreams. We still talk about Carrie and how grateful we are that she was our doula! Now I tell everyone that having a doula was the best decision we could have made for our family.
— Beth Gantz
My experience with Carrie was nothing short of extraordinary. From personalized birth planning to continuous emotional support, she went above and beyond to ensure a positive birthing experience. Carrie provided invaluable resources, relaxation techniques, and advocacy during labor, making the process smoother and more empowering. Her holistic approach, combining physical assistance with emotional reassurance, truly set her apart. I highly recommend Carrie to any expectant mother seeking exceptional doula services. She is a true asset in the journey of childbirth.
— Caitlin Wilterink
FIVE STARS for Carrie Stephens and her team!
I wanted a natural birth experience after 2 C Sections, and Carrie was my ticket to a successful VBAC2. She REALLY knows her stuff, you have to see her in the birth room to realize the magnitude of experience and support she offers. I was able to make informed decisions ahead of time and on the fly, thanks to her. I was also impressed with her support team, Carrie was sick around my due date and her backup team was outstanding in communicating and keeping on the same page with me! Carrie was at my birth, in the end, and I couldn't have done it naturally without her! Thank you, Carrie!
— Liz Owen
My birth experience was quite unique and Carrie was outstanding throughout it all. Supportive, understanding and professional. She even put up with my ridiculous dog 😂
— Lara W
I had the privilege of working with Carrie and her colleague Hannah for the birth of my daughter and it's an 11/10 recommend for me! I truly can't imagine my birth experience without the help, both physical and mental, knowledge, and comfort they provided to myself and my husband. Carrie and Hannah are so knowledgeable and take the time to host educational sessions leading to delivery. I also did a breast feeding class with them. I found them both to be very approachable; incredibly warm and friendly personalities - I felt like I'd known them for years!
— Lauren Wolfe
Everyone deserves to have a doula like Carrie on their birth team! Through my pregnancy she provided me with educational information to help me make informed decisions in preparing for my VBAC. On top of the physical support, she was a steady voice of positivity and reassurance throughout my entire labor and delivery. She knew my birth plan and helped communicate my wishes to my provider and the nursing staff. I couldn’t have imagined a better birthing experience and I will always be grateful to Carrie for playing such a key role in making it happen.
— Gabrielle Norkus
Carrie was incredibly kind and helpful doula. Would strongly recommend to anyone pregnant.
— Rachel Harling
Carrie is so incredible!! She supported me through my entire pregnancy and encouraged me to have a VBAC. I’m so grateful to say that I got the birth of my dreams and I could not be more happy!! 100% recommend her to anyone!
— Sarah Ratliff
Carrie is amazing!! 100% recommend. I was second guessing having a doula, but I am so happy I did. She was a great additional support person and taught me techniques I never knew I needed. She will help you to feel confident in yourself and your process.
— Jamiann Garzelloni
I am so thankful that I found Ginger Blossom Doula Services and Carrie for the birth of our first baby. From the very beginning of pregnancy to the postpartum period, Carrie provided inestimable advice and support. She is extremely passionate, friendly, and communicative. I was able to attend one of her classes that was both fun and informative. Having her at my side in the hospital during a long labor process helped both ease my anxiety for giving birth as well as greatly assist in the process itself. Carrie comes with my highest recommendation and I couldn’t have done it without her! If you are remotely interested or considering utilizing doula services, I would highly encourage you to contact Ginger Blossom!
— Danielle Voetberg
It’s been almost nine months since I had my son, and not a single week goes by that I do not think of Carrie or that her name is not mentioned in our house. She supported me through pre-eclampsia, navigating a possible induction, pre-labor starting at 34 weeks and ultimately delivering at 36 weeks. It is difficult to put to words how grateful I am to have had her with me and my husband, and I know for certain my experience would not have been the same without her! Looking forward to hopefully one day working with her again.
— Natalie Keoleian
Having Carrie be there during the birth of my daughter was EVERYTHING. She was so supportive and knowledgeable. She believed in me and helped me so much and I got my VBAC that day too. She truly cares about her clients and we all sobbed when my daughter was born because of how empowering that birth was for me and for us. 10/10 recommend. She’s truly an incredible human and fantastic at what she does.
— Morgan McIntyre
Loved working with Carrie. Our experience was well worth the cost. I felt comfortable, in control and empowered by Carrie!
— Jami Wolters
Carrie was such a valuable addition to our birth team! We found her passion, knowledge, experience and presence absolutely beneficial in our prenatal and labor and delivery experience. She equipped both me and my husband so well and I know she was a key factor in our successful VBaC!
— Cody & Marissa Knott
If you are looking for a doula that will educate you, encourage you, empower you, and get in the trenches of birth with you… Carrie is that doula! After a traumatic first birth experience, my husband and I chose to hire Carrie once we decided to try for a VBAC with our second. We felt comfortable with her from the first meeting! And once it came time to give birth, I was so happy to have Carrie at the hospital with us. She was both a calming presence and also brought an atmosphere of energy and positivity to the room. She had amazing instincts for what I needed moment to moment and was extremely hands on without being overbearing or making my husband feel pushed aside. Plus, she thoughtfully captured little moments like what song was playing when our daughter was born! All around, cannot recommend Carrie enough - especially if you are looking to do a VBAC or if you experienced birth trauma in the past. ❤️
— Kalie Bunce
If you are looking for an amazing doula in west MI, Carri is your gal! This is the second time we have hired Carrie to be on our birth team and boy are we glad we did! Her calming presence made my husband and me feel such at ease during the prenatal period but even more so when it came time to give birth. Her knowledge and passion for all things birth are evident when you talk with her. Even though I am in birth work myself, she encouraged me when I doubted myself and had the knowledge and ability to advocate for me when I couldn’t. Having Carrie as our doula has been such a blessing. I know Carrie is dedicated and cares deeply for every woman and family she works with. I truly believe having Carrie on our birth team helped me to have the births I desired! If you are hesitant at all to hire a doula, I’m here to tell you, you want Carrie on your team throughout your pregnancy and birth journey!
— Hillary Hoskins
Being first time parents we knew we wanted someone who could guide us through the twists and turns of labor and delivery. And investing in Carrie as our doula was one of the best choices we made. We felt confident each time we met with Carrie, she was gentle but straightforward and that was her same approach when baby came. We also utilized her postpartum services, which I highly recommend any expecting parents to invest in if able to. Thanks again, Carrie!
— Micaela Kiester (Elderkin)
Get Carrie on your birth team! She is the VBAC queen, and will do everything in her power to help you achieve an empowering birth. She provided educational resources, assistance finding a supportive provider, and incredible labor support.
Carrie was the first person we told after our positive pregnancy test. She supported me through weeks of prodromal labor (virtually), 20+ hours of active unmedicated labor, and 20 minutes of pushing. I credit her knowledge, professionalism, and comforting presence.
We are so grateful we found her and were able to grow our family.
— Sarah DeBrot
Carrie took me on last minute at 37.5 weeks for my placenta encapsulation and I was so thankful! Not only that, when I delivered at 41+1 days her turn around time was INCREDIBLE. She was prepared to drop everything off for me while I was still at the hospital! Her packaging shows how much care and passion she puts into her work for mamas. I will definitely be a return customer in the future!
— Karen Lesnau
I did placenta encapsulation. And so far it's been very helpful I haven't had any mood swings or postpartum issues. I've felt more energy as well. Overall it's been a really good product and experience. Thank you Carrie for helping me and being so professional as well!
— Jessica VanGemert
My husband and I had an amazing experience with Carrie from Ginger Blossom Doula Services! I suffered from perinatal anxiety and depression and was nervous about labor and delivery. It made all the difference to have a familiar face with us in the hospital when all the nurses and doctors were new to me. Carrie was extremely helpful and encouraging, gave me evidence-based information to inform my decisions, helped me get into good positions during labor, and was such a source of comfort! I am so happy with our choice to work with Carrie to deliver our baby.
— Olivia Garvelink
My experience with Ginger Blossom was amazing! This was my first birth, and having them to educate my husband and I and guide us every step of the way helped me become more confident with this life event. Having a doula is so valuable but we were lucky enough to have amazing doulas who cared about us and were invested in us and our plan!
Thank you for educating us and helping us! For anyone looking or wanting to hire a doula, hire Ginger Blossom! I promise you won’t regret it!
— Emma Starks
Carrie has so much knowledge and a great approach to sharing advice and being there for support. We were so happy with the placenta capsules, the cord that she helped us save, and all her help pre- & post-partum. Thank you Carrie!
— Keisha Fritze
Carrie was my doula for my second birth. She knew exactly what positions to put me in when in labor and worked really well with the other birth team members. I wanted someone to tell me what to do in the midst of my fast labor and she was right there helping me out. I had a successful unmedicated birth! Thanks Carrie!
— Hannah Balasa
During my months pregnant, I interviewed many doulas but Carrie stood out because of her professionalism, experience, intentionality in knowing your needs and wants and how kind she was. Being a first time mom, I spent many hours preparing for labor and delivery but even then I was leaning on Carrie in many ways come the actual event. She brought peace and empowerment during the delivery and continues to support me postpartum ❤️I can’t imagine doing all of this without Carrie’s support and plan on working with her again if we do decide to try for another.
— Courtney Wickes
Carrie was my saving grace! When I became pregnant for my first time, my husband and I were on the fence with hiring a doula. However, when we met Carrie, she immediately put us at ease with her knowledge, supportive spirit, and warmth. Carrie continued to impress us throughout my pregnancy by checking in with my progress and answering any questions or concerns I had. Labor was one of the most physically and mentally challenging experiences of my life, but I don’t know what I would have done without Carrie. She went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and safe, spending almost 20 hours straight by my side. She advocated for me and always respected my boundaries. She taught my husband how to care for me and ease my contractions. She even took the most beautiful candid photos of us and our newborn baby! I would highly recommend Carrie to anyone interested in hiring a doula. She is one of a kind. The best and easiest money spent!
— Ashley Moccia
Carrie was the absolute BEST and I can’t imagine my birth going any better. It was amazing to have such a great support system by my side (along with my husband) to guide me through all of my thoughts, emotions and birth. Would totally recommend using her. I’ll be using her again for the next baby!
— Ana Herwaldt
Carrie is an amazing doula to work with!! I needed support in my last pregnancy after loss and was planning for a VBAC. Carrie was so compassionate and knowledgeable through my pregnancy and gave me amazing resources and questions to ask my provider. And she was a great coach for my husband on how to support me in the labor process. Even with some challenges in labor, Carrie helped us over each hurdle and was a constant, stabilizing presence! And I ended up having a VBAC!! Carrie was an integral part of my labor and delivery experience and I’m so so thankful I hired her for my birth team!
— Lyndsey Koh
Carrie is not only an amazing doula, she is an amazing person. She helped me overcome fears, gave me fact based information to help my partner and I make informed decisions, and truly cares about me as a person, as well as my baby. I had a birth experience that I am so appreciative of, and I know that Carrie was an integral part of it.
— Holly Hopkin
Carrie is a great doula and supported me in a very difficult birth. If you are looking particularly for a doula who specializes in VBAC she is your person!
— CC
Hands down the best doula in Michigan ❤️ You will not regret your choice to make Carrie a part of your birth team she was there for me when I had my twins and if I ever have another baby she will for sure be there as well!
— Diana Suarez
Carrie and Hannah are simply the best! Carrie was with us for our first daughter's birth and I would not have had my birth experience any other way. I have never felt more supported and capable!
— Emily Bemben
In the frenzy of having our first baby right before Christmas, I hadn’t lined up placenta encapsulation services. I texted Carrie in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and heard back within minutes. She answered all of my questions and after filling out the contract— that was it! Carrie picked up my placenta the day after Christmas and returned a beautiful package with my placenta pills. Finding Carrie’s services was a blessing and she made everything so easy, which was deeply appreciated with how time sensitive placenta encapsulation is. I would recommend Carrie’s services to anyone interested in pursuing placenta encapsulation and plan to reach out again if we have a second baby!
— Diana Burch
Carrie is so patient & kind. She has a gentle heart & has a knack for knowing what a mama needs postpartum. She is observant and takes care of the family as a whole. She is like having a personal cheerleader.
— Sarah Burns-Schlicht
Carrie with Ginger Blossom Doula Services was a wonderful support to our postpartum plan! We reached out looking for placenta encapsulation services and Carrie responded quickly. She was supportive, knowledgeable, helpful and easy to communicate with through the entire process! The capsules, tincture, salve, and printing arrived very quickly and were packaged beautifully. Thank you Carrie for for supporting me with nourishment after my delivery!
— Hannah Sullivan
Carrie is awesome. I found her last minute (on my part). She was able to provide placenta encapsulation services for me. When my due date changed, she was flexible and was still able to assist me. She picked up my placenta in Kalamazoo (she’s in Grand Rapids) on a Monday. My capsules were ready on Wednesday! Such an amazing turn around. My husband met her in Grand Rapids to pick the capsules up. It was an all around easy process. She also saved the umbilical cord, and dried it in a heart shape. Such a sweet touch that I wasn’t expecting. Her prices are very fair and realistic. She’s a great communicator and kept in constant contact (in a great way). I highly recommend her and her services.
— Kazmira Herberger
We just loved Carrie! She was so knowledgeable, kind, calm and intuitive to our needs, and definitely helped me with some fears I had about trying for a VBAC (I did it!!!). Nobody would regret having her in the birth room with them and I can't imagine not having her with us again if we have more children.
— Janie L.
She made everything so easy and I am so thankful that she was recommended to me! So now I am telling you!! I highly recommend ginger blossoms!!! Affordable, quality, and ease. Also very kind and efficient.
— CreeAnn Shaffer
Hiring Carrie was the first and most important decision I made in my VBAC journey. She helped guide me from the very beginning in identifying a medical provider who as a team with Carrie ultimately set me up for success for my personal birth goals after having experienced a semi traumatic first birth. During my labor Carrie was critical to helping me through labor with progressing using different positions, birthing tools, and identifying alternative methods of progressing labor over utilizing additional medical intervention which lead me quickly to experiencing my absolute dream birth. Carrie is gentle, dedicated, and extremely educated and is passionate about VBAC. She is a source of guidance, comfort, and support to not only the birthing person but to their partner as well. She will empower your autonomy to make decisions that are what you believe are best for your body and birth and ensure you’re voice is heard throughout. There is no one I would have rather shared this experience with and am forever grateful for her knowledge and support allowing me to have such a magical and healing birth experience!
— Lyndsey Rhodes
We can't imagine having gone through our daughter's birth without the support of Carrie. It was incredibly helpful to have someone providing education, coaching and support leading up to and during our daughter's birth, as well as postpartum. Carrie has a gentle, assured and calm presence about her, which in turn allowed us to feel a greater sense of ease and confidence throughout labor and delivery. We highly recommend having a doula and highly recommend Carrie!
— Jenny Schaafsma
Carrie prepared us with plenty of resources during pregnancy and when it was time for labor/delivery she brought such a calming, peaceful presence to the room. My husband and I were so comfortable with her and trusted her throughout the whole experience. I felt so cared for and Carrie was a wonderful advocate for the birth we desired. We sincerely hope we have the opportunity to work with Carrie again in the future!
— Megan Cone
Literally the BEST DOULA you could seriously ask for! I was recommended to Carrie last minute in 2020 during the pandemic and she was a trooper to me through my VBAC. The sweetest ever, was by my side while I was in a brand new state (military wife) I felt the trust there and she guided me through everything, I felt so safe and warm with her by my side. Like a mom or a sister I could deeply trust. Fast forward to 2021 I was pregnant again but this time with a scheduled c section I wanted her by my side again but with limited people being able to visit it’s hard to choose. But I still contacted her laying in bed last minute 20 mins to be exact before my surgery and she came through again in order to get my placenta encapsulation she left the SWEETEST memorabilia on my bag! Her sweet touches are the best . I wish I could pick her up and take her to every pregnancy I have lol but can’t unfortunately. I 1,000% recommend her. You will literally never regret it❤️
— Samantha Reyes
I can’t say enough good things about Carrie and Janyel. I decided late in my pregnancy with baby #6 that I’d like a Doula to support me in my VBac Journey. Carrie made room for me even though she was booked! She answered any and all my questions no matter how silly night and day. Janyel assisted my birth and she was simply amazing. I truly believe if I didn’t have her support I would have thrown in the towel on my VBac journey. She believed in me when I no longer believed in myself. No matter your 1st baby or your 6th I 100% recommend hiring a doula!
— Caitie prelesnik
Carrie is wonderful. She anticipated everything for comfort for my birth. I loved not having to ask for or tell her anything. She just knew what was needed to help me labor as best as I could. She is a strong, calming presence and one that I would be honored to have at a birth again.
— Annika Belasco
Carrie was amazing! She’s well informed, very professional and personable. She is a big part of the reason I was able to achieve the birth that I desired. I highly recommend hiring her.
— Ainslee Neitzel
We were so hesitant to hire a doula for our last pregnancy but, decided to take chance & that’s when we came across Carrie. From the first meeting I knew she was the perfect choice! She was so welcoming, informational & personable. Our meetings all of my questions were answered & she always had the best resources to look back on for any reference you may need. I had a very good pregnancy so I didn’t really have to reach out to Carrie for any questions or concerns but, just to know she was a txt or phone call away was so comforting. Once my due date was approaching she added myself & my husband in a group chat for faster communication for the big day & then we waited! The day of my delivery she was prompt, made sure my birth plan was known to all the nurses & my needs were important & met. During my labor process Carrie made us feel so comfortable & like she was another family member in the delivery room. My birth was so perfect & I have to say I am 100% grateful I had Carrie this whole pregnancy. I would recommend her to everyone wanting a educational, comforting & amazing person to work with during your pregnancy. I cannot say enough about hiring Carrie if your on the fence it’s so worth it & I’m so glad we did it!
— Kayla Taggart
Carrie was an integral source of information, guidance, and support for me during my pregnancy and birth. When the vision and hope I had for an uncomplicated vaginal birth turned into an induction and unplanned c-section, Carrie was there to reassure me, answer questions, and provide suggestions that I would not have known were options without her. It gave me a sense of comfort that Carrie was familiar with the staff and procedures where I gave birth. Having her as a consistent presence and advocate was especially important to me as the staff of attending doctors and nurses frequently changed. I highly recommend having a doula at your birth and Carrie is the best!
— Elizabeth Egelski
Highly recommend!
— Crystal Bultje
I had never considered using a doula when delivering, but I truly believe now that it is a necessity. We reached out to Carrie just to see what her services encompassed and after hearing her passion we decided to give it a try. This was the best decision my husband and I could have made for the delivery of our first baby. Carrie is the perfect balance of professional and friendly, while bringing a calming presence to the delivery room. She made both my husband and myself feel comfortable, relaxed, and empowered! We actually delivered on a busy night and spent a fair amount of time without a nurse in the room. This may have been scary or intimidating if it was just my husband and me, but with Carrie there she was able to continue working on positioning with me to help further progress the labor. She was also able to answer all of our medical questions and give us extremely helpful advice for delivery as well as time in the hospital post delivery. It was also so special that she could take pictures/video during the delivery because it not only allowed my husband to be right by my side, but also in the pictures with me. And she was able to do this all while still coaching me through pushing! She is an absolute rockstar and I think you would be remiss not to use her!!
— Melissa Felkey
Do not hesitate to hire Carrie as your doula!!! From day one, Carrie was always there to respond to my questions and concerns. She would reach out to check on me throughout my pregnancy. I felt truly thought and cared for. Carrie helped me go into the birth of my second child feeling fully prepared, supported, and empowered.
I did not have a doula my first delivery and wish I did now. Carrie's support gave me the experience I had longed for with my first delivery. Carrie's calm and down to earth personality will keep you at ease and help you focus even at the toughest times in labor. I would hire Carrie again in a heartbeat! <3
— Sarah Duke
I always knew I wanted a doula with me during labor and as a midwife I’ve met lots of doulas, and most important is the connection you make with your doula. I loved having Carrie as a doula, she made me comfortable from the first minute I met her! She was great with communication from the start, her support and education during pregnancy was so helpful especially for my husband. She arrived right when I asked her in labor and was able to give my husband a break right away which is key when you’re in labor in the middle of the night! Definitely recommend her services :)
— Kelly L
Carrie was a part of our birth team for my second son, and she was so incredible! Her knowledge and attitude about natural birth put my husband and me at ease from the first time we met with her. We felt confident, prepared, and peaceful during pregnancy, and once contractions started she was incredibly supportive and helpful, offering guidance over the phone and by text. During the unique situation of birthing during the pandemic, Carrie was professional, supportive, and calm. In the delivery room, her presence was encouraging and empowering, and her tips were effective. I recommend her to anyone seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, professional birth doula.
— Bernadette Jones
I had a long induced labor. Carrie was with us every step of the way! She was a wealth of information in terms of all things necessary for laboring. She helped with positioning, things for my significant other to help with, and always told me to rest, rest, rest which was so very much needed as I labored for 46 hours! I could not imagine going through all of that again without Carrie. Her presence by phone and in person was calming and caring. She gave me a spark to want to be a doula some day :)
— Dombak Milissa
Carrie was awesome to work with, she is super encouraging and non-judgmental and provided my husband and I with tons of great information before, during and after the birth of our daughter. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to hire a doula in the GR area!
— Kylie Young
We are so happy to hire Carrie as our Doula! She was very personable and easy to talk to right from the start. Then she was a wealth of knowledge when it came to labor and all the parts that could come with that. When it came to my labor experience, I know that I could not have done it without Carrie; she was patient, spoke softly and gave several suggestions as to positions and breathing techniques that were a wonderful distraction from the contractions. We are very grateful for her and look forward to working with her again!
— Rachael Joy
Carrie is compassionate, caring dedicated and it shows that she truly loves the work that she does with each family.
— Ashley Schaendorf
From the moment we started exchanging emails, I felt confident that Carrie would be a great fit for our growing family. The moment we met I knew without a doubt that Carrie would be part of our birth team. During our meeting she was so easy to talk to and engage with. During our prenatal meetings, she included my husband which helped prepare him to be the best support for me during labor. The days leading up to the birth of our baby, we were in constant communication via text messages and she would text me regularly just to check in if I hadn’t updated her first. By the time we were in L & D, we had kept her updated on progress and she came immediately when we asked for her support in person. During labor she was my go to for support. Just a glance at her and her calming voice was reassuring and helped me regain or remain focused. Carrie was an ever present support. She was there where I needed and when I needed. Her calm demeanor brought a peace to the room that was appreciated. She is a wealth of knowledge and was proactive in helping us achieve the birth we wanted - where we had a happy and healthy mom and baby at the end of it. I look forward to working with Carrie again in the future!
— Catherine Farwell
I struggled with the decision to have a doula, and now looking back on my birth it was the BEST decision my husband and I made to add Carrie to our birth team. In our prenatal meetings, she took the time to listen and explain all the options and pathways a birth could take, helping us create the a birth plan that suited us. I always wanted to have a natural birth without an epidural.
While I was laboring, Carrie kept in contact via text and supported us all day until I decided to go to the hospital. There she set the mood for the most "relaxing" birth- twinkle lights, motivation signs, and constant verbal affirmations (per my approval in birth plan)! She also made sure I was drinking water and eating a little bit for energy- two things I did not want to do but thankful to her for helping me understand the importance of staying hydrated ( side note it hurts more if you are dehyrdated). In my hard contractions she was right there applying counter pressure and heat and reminding me to keep the focus on letting my body do the work and relaxing. It was amazing. My husband was able to stay connected emotionally and be my major support. He is so grateful that Carrie was there to allow him to have this oppertunity to work as a team to help me through labor.
When I felt like I couldn't take it anymore and was requesting an epidural, Carrie suggested other options that would allow me to stay in my ideal birth plan--- and it worked! I did it without an epidural! It was a beatiful incredible experience! Carrie made sure we were all set in the hosptial before leaving. She also came 10 days postpartum to the house to talk about first days with baby, how the birth went, and what to expect postpartum.
Carrie is compassionate and a wonderful support. You can tell she really is passionate not just about babies but about MOM and dad too!! My husband and I are grateful to her and highly reccomend Carrie to anyone seeking a doula for their birth! :)
— Jessica Lambert
Carrie was exactly what I needed as a doula: knowledgeable, personable, strong (physically and emotionally), and professional. My midwife spoke very highly of her after my labor. I was so happy she helped me achieve the low intervention labor I had hoped for. Carrie was willing to go above and beyond, from bringing over lactation cookies to creating birth affirmation cards (even before I even realized she was a doula). I also felt that she offered a wealth of postpartum doula experience which I knew I could use no matter how my birth experience turned out!
— Whitney Hu
Carrie is delightful and very knowledgeable. She sat with me after my c-section while my husband went to the NICU with our baby. She brought so much peace to us both that night. Highly, highly recommend her!
— Ellie Dragstra
So far Carrie has been amazing! I am due for my child in March and an fully proud to say I trust her 100% with my care. She is always quick to respond to my messages and easy to get in touch with. Such a personable person! Love you Carrie!
— Betsy R
Carrie was awesome! I felt very well educated and prepared as much as one can be for birth. She made herself available from the start of the process till the end. She also was a great support for my husband as he didn't know what he should be doing or how to help me throughout the labor process. I will highly recommend Carrie to all of my friends/family having babies. I will definitely use Carrie again in the future.
— Ashleigh VanDuinen-Leistra
Carrie was able to come to our home and help me labor there up until we left for the hospital, making it the shortest time I've had to spend in labor at the hospital (this was my third birth, previous 2 were without a doula). She answered all of our questions and was amazing at helping me into different positions to relieve pain! She helped my husband feel more at ease and walked him through how to help me during contractions. This was my best labor ever and Carrie was a key factor in that!
— Jessica Abbott
Carrie was beyond what i had expected out of a doula. She’s kind, calm and knowledgeable. She’s been a huge support before, during and after the birth of my first child. It was because of her that I was able to make the best decisions possible for my and my baby during labor. She was there when I wasn’t expecting her to be and was a major reason my birth experience was a positive one. I’m so glad she was able to help my husband and I during our journey into parenthood.
— Ashlee Watson
Carrie was an awesome postpartum Doula! I’m a first time mom and she assisted me with so many things! From caring for my newborn, reviewing basic newborn care with me and answering the many questions I had about him, making me delicious lactation bites and preparing my lunches to light cleaning, always being sure I had fresh water close by and checking in on how I was healing/feeling since giving birth; mentally, emotionally and physically. Thank you again, Carrie!! We miss you!!
— Amanda VandenBerg
Carrie was so great before, during and after the birth of our twins! Meeting with her beforehand provided us with knowledge and techniques on how to manage pain which was very important to us since I was hoping for an unmedicated birth. I went into labor very quickly and prematurely at 34 weeks and she arrived to the hospital within an hour of me calling her. During my birth she provided suggestions and techniques to manage my contractions and she helped me feel empowered and encouraged me throughout the entire birthing process. She also was such an amazing asset to my husband and helped him feel capable of assisting me. I was able to birth my twins the way I had hoped and I know that Carrie played a vital role in helping me achieve that goal!
— Amy McCullough
Carrie is simply amazing. She met with my husband and me to discuss our wishes for the delivery room. On the day of delivery, she implemented those wishes and watched and actively listened to my needs as I labored. She is calm and supportive, making me feel empowered to have the labor I needed for our family’s very specific situation. Carrie is an amazing doula and is forever a part of our little family.
— Beth Riske
Carrie has been amazing all 3 times I’ve asked for her services. She cares about mothers in such a tender way. She’s a non-judge mental breath of fresh air. No one will regret hiring Carrie!
— Natalie Roberts
Carrie is amazing! I’m so glad we crossed paths when we did because she had been nothing but a blessing in my life. She not only helped me tremendously after the birth of my first but is now my postpartum doula for my second and i couldn’t be more thrilled. I was put at so much ease when she arrived and just took charge and told me to relax lol not going to lie it was a difficult task for me to just sit and let someone else take charge but i did and holy cow was it amazing! I recommend Carrie and ginger blossom doula services times a million, trust me you won’t regret it!
— Micah O'Neil
Carrie and Randi were amazing to our little family! So grateful to have them work with us. Our birth went so smoothly and quick!
— Kenzie Pennington
Carrie was amazing! She helped make our transition to 3 kiddos smooth. I felt so supported by her. I would highly recommend her!
— emily vandermolen
