Carrie Stephens

Verified

Carrie Stephens

Verified

Birth & Postpartum Doula

7 years of experience

5.0

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Carrie Stephens

Verified

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Grand Rapids, Michigan

7 years of experience

5.0

About
Services
Reviews (1)
FAQs
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About me

As your doula it’s my goal to make sure you have the skills, education and support to make informed decisions on how to birth YOUR way. Certified as a DONA birth/postpartum doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, as well as a certified advanced trained doula & educator in VBaC births, my role is to educate, support and empower every individual and their support partner through their pregnancy, labor and postpartum. I incorporate SpinningBabies methods into my work and provide encouraging, judgment-free and continuous birth support that is unique to each client’s hopes and wants towards a healthy & satisfying birth experience. Some of my professional highlights including being voted a Top Provider in GRKids Best Of GR and serving as director for The Maternal Wellness Program. On the personal side, I am a mom to three amazing children – Malone, Beau & Jocelyn (twins!), and wife to a sweet “Kentucky Boy”. My introduction to motherhood was challenging. I struggled with infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety and a difficult first birth. All these moments in my life set me on my path and passion for birth & postpartum support, and maternal mental health.

Education

Bachelors of Science - University of Iowa (2003)

Masters of Science - Indiana University (2013)

Certification and training

Birth Doula Certification, DONA (2017)

Postpartum Doula Certification, DONA (2017)

Placenta Encapsulation Specialist - IPPA (2019)

VBACLink - Certified VBaC Specialist (2019)

VBAC Academy - Certified VBAC Specialist & Educator (2020)

Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (2023)

Memberships and affiliations

ICAN - International Cesarean Awareness Network

DONA - Doulas of North America

Plus Size Birth - size friendly provider

Lamaze

Credentials

CD (DONA) LCCE PCD (DONA)

Specialties

Birth Doula Birth Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Home Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Multiples Natural Birth Newborn Care Newborn Prep Parenting Support Placenta Encapsulation Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Sibling Preparation Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Languages

English

Service introduction

Ginger Blossom Doula Services provides client centered, judgment-free and evidence based birth and postpartum support for individuals and their families throughout pregnancy, labor and beyond. Additional services include placenta encapsulation and other organic postpartum recovery products. Sliding Scale and payments plans available

Packages

Essential Birth Package

-One FREE consultation -1-2 prenatal visits to discuss a birth plan & how to best support you. -Unlimited Phone/Text/Email support -Evidence-based informational guidance throughout pregnancy, labor/delivery, and immediate postpartum. -On-call starting at 38 weeks -One postpartum visit to review birth, assist with any newborn care or infant feeding questions, and help with adjustments. -Referrals for local resources to help meet your needs towards a successful & supported postpartum period.

$1,400.00

USD Flat rate

Premium Birth Package

-Essential Birth Package + 6hours postpartum support. -One FREE consultation 2 prenatal visits to discuss a birth plan & how to best support you. -Unlimited Phone/Text/Email support -Evidence-based informational guidance throughout pregnancy, labor/delivery, and immediate postpartum -On-call starting at 38 weeks -Referrals for local resources to help meet your needs -2 postpartum visits to assist with physical & emotional adjustments, light housecleaning, infant feedings, sleep/soothing techniques, basic newborn care, sibling adjustment, and so much more!

$1,610.00

USD Flat rate

Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta Encapsulation is the basic service of preparing the placenta to be ingested in capsule form. The placenta is gently rinsed and drained, then steamed to food safe temperatures. After steaming, the placenta is thinly sliced then fully dehydrated. It is ground and put into capsules. Women who encapsulate and consume their placentas often report boosts in energy, feelings of wellness and balanced moods, quick and smooth postpartum recoveries, and sometimes a boost milk supply. Raw preparation is available as well! Delivery fee may apply to some area*

$275.00

USD Flat rate

Show all packages

Ratings and reviews

Average

5.0

# of Reviews

5.0

January 2, 2022

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Doula?

Modern day Doula’s are trusted & trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible (DONA, 2019). There are several types of Doula’s; Birth, Postpartum and Antepartum (bedrest/high-risk pregnancy).

What are the benefits of a Doula?

Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. Birth Doulas studies have shown that their support can result in reduced use of pain medications, fewer cesarean birth rates, a decrease in the length of labor, higher breastfeeding rates, higher satisfaction with the birth experience and reduced rates of a perinatal mood & anxiety disorder. Families who have used postpartum doula services often experience an easier transition into their new roles, report high breastfeeding rates, and are at less risk of a perinatal mood & anxiety disorder or receive treatment more quickly.

Who need a postpartum doula?

The short answer – everyone! However, the amount of support needed after having a child is unique to each woman and what they perceive as their highest area of needs. Some individuals are completely new the parenthood and want the support of a trained & trusted professional to help guide them those first few days, weeks & months. Others are seasoned parents, who identify that regardless of how many children you have, there is always a need for support when adjusting to new roles and a new “normal”. Many doulas offer free consultations to discuss their services, and how they can directly impact your postpartum.

Doula a Doula Replace My Spouse or Partner?

Absolutely not! Think of a doula as a birth coach. A doula doesn’t replace anyone, but she is another member of the birth team and supports everyone in their own role. A doula’s presence helps fathers or partners participate at a level they are comfortable with, demonstrates for them how and when to use various comfort measures, and can help provide information. Partners are often grateful to have a doula at the birth as they are someone with more experience allowing the partner to enjoy the birth experience more.

Is a Doula Covered by Insurance?

This isn’t a simple yes or no answer. More insurance companies are starting to cover birth doula services; some full coverage, others partial coverage. It is the responsibility of the policy holder to contact their insurance agency to inquire whether a birth doula is covered under their plan (don’t forget a doula may be covered by your HSA or FSA, too!). If they do (yay!), the insurance company should be able to provide you with claim paperwork necessary to file a claim after your birth. I always encourage clients to file a claim regardless of the outcome; it demonstrates a need to the company and hopefully push them to make beneficial changes to policies to cover such services in the future.

What is the difference between a doula and midwife?

Though the two roles are commonly confused for one another, they are different. A doula is a non-medical professional. It is not within the scope of a birth doula to monitor a pregnancy, labor or birth. Doulas are responsible for providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the laboring woman and her partner. Midwives (a.k.a rockstars!) are trained medical care professionals with expertise and skills in supporting women to maintain healthy pregnancies and have optimal births and recoveries during the postpartum period.