Erika TeGrotenhuis - Birth & Postpartum Doula

About Erika

Hello! My name is Erika TeGrotenhuis. I am a trained birth and postpartum doula dedicated to walking alongside families in the Des Moines area during one of life’s most powerful transitions. I believe both birth and the postpartum period are more than medical experiences — they are transformative journeys that deserve compassionate, informed, and unwavering support. What drew me to doula work was hearing about my sister’s amazing experience of having a doula at my nephew's birth. I have always been fascinated by anything babies and birth-related, and to me, there is nothing more beautiful than watching life be brought into this world. I am a very passionate and goal-oriented person, and my biggest hope is to be able to help moms advocate for themselves and to be a part of helping them have the most empowering and prepared birth experience they can. My approach is grounded in respect, inclusivity, and the belief that every woman deserves to feel safe, supported, and strong. It would be an honor to support you as you welcome your baby into the world. Outside of doula work, I enjoy singing, playing piano, snuggling with my pup, hanging out with my friends, and reading.

Birth & Postpartum Doula packages and pricing

Package #1

A great option for second-time parents or those experienced with newborns.
What's Included:
Complimentary consultation
Unlimited phone/text support
1 prenatal meeting to discuss your
birth preferences and discuss your
options
Unlimited labor support
1 postpartum meeting to check in
and follow up

$1,200 USD · Flat rate

Package #2

A great option for first time parents or those that want more support and resources! What's Included: -Complimentary consultation -Unlimited phone/text support -2 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options, and postpartum planning -Unlimited labor support -2 postpartum meetings to check in and follow up

$1,400 USD · Flat rate

Package #3

Complimentary consultation
Flexible daytime and nighttime postpartum support
Newborn care education and guidance
Infant feeding support
Emotional support and encouragement
Assistance with establishing routines
Light household tasks related to baby care
Meal preparation assistance
Unlimited phone and text support during your contracted care period
Referrals to local resources when needed

$30 USD · Per hour

What to expect

1. Birth Preparation Preparing for birth is a journey, and I’m here to guide you through every step. My goal is to ensure you feel informed, qualified, and confident as you approach your birthing day. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Let’s make your birthing experience as smooth and positive as possible. What You Get: - Comprehensive Childbirth Education: Learn about the stages of labor, pain management techniques, and what to expect during delivery. - Birth Plan Assistance: Create a personalized birth plan that aligns with your wishes and preferences. -Emotional and Physical Preparation: Techniques and exercises to help you feel confident and ready for labor. 2. Labor Support Experience continuous support throughout labor, ensuring a positive and validating birthing experience. I provide dedicated physical and emotional care to help you through every contraction and decision. With my support, you can focus on your journey, knowing that you have an experienced advocate by your side. What You Get: -24/7 On-Call Availability: I'm available whenever you need me, from the onset of labor until after delivery. -Continuous Labor Support: Physical and emotional support throughout labor, using comfort measures like massage, positioning, and breathing techniques. -Advocacy: Assistance with communicating your needs and preferences to the medical team. 3. Postpartum Support Transition smoothly into parenthood with my immediate postpartum care services. I offer guidance and support to help you navigate the early days with your newborn, ensuring you feel confident and supported. From breastfeeding assistance to emotional support, I’m here to make your postpartum experience positive. What You Get: -Immediate Postpartum Care: Support right after birth to help with breastfeeding, bonding, and newborn care. -Emotional Support: Compassionate care to help you navigate the emotional changes after birth. -Practical Assistance: Guidance on newborn care, recovery, and establishing routines.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Birth Doula Training, Nurtured Doula Training (2026)
Postpartum Doula Training, Nurtured Doula Training (2026)

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern College (2025)

Languages

English

Specialties

Babywearing Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Support Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding Grief and Loss Home Birth Hospital Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Latch Issues LGBTQ+ Life Transitions Midwife Support Mood Disorders Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Overnight Newborn Care Perinatal and Infant Loss Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Perinatal Mood Disorders Postpartum Care Postpartum Depression Postpartum Doula Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Pregnancy Loss Prenatal Care Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Sibling Preparation Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Frequently asked questions

What is a doula? Do I really need one?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. You don't necessarily need a doula, but most people want one!

Can't my partner or best friend be my doula?

If your partner will be with you during labor, they are already fulfilling a very important role. They are the person in the room who knows you, and your preferences, best. They are bringing an amazing tool to your labor - their love and support. But they are not your doula. A doula is an impartial third party that can support both of you during your labor. Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labor, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness. It is very difficult for someone to fully support you when they are managing their own intense emotions in a stressful setting. A doula can help you both navigate your emotions and guide you through any unexpected changes to your birth plan, allowing your partner to be fully present with you as your partner instead of as your birth attendant. Your partner is the expert in you. A doula is the expert in birth. Together, we can create an amazing platform of support to make sure you've got an incredible support team around you as you prepare to meet your baby.

What does a doula do- and not do?

Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support, no matter what decisions the client makes or how they give birth. Importantly, the doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda. This is also known as primacy of interest. In other words, a doula’s primary responsibility is to the birthing person—not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor. A doula will focus on providing you with physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor. This may look like a labor massage or assisting with water therapy; providing you with reassurance, encouragement, and emotional support; or providing evidence-based information or guidance for decision-making during your birth. Your doula will also help you advocate for your needs and preferences, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected at all times. A doula is not a medical care provider. We do not offer medical advice or provide clinical treatments, make decisions for you, or pressure you to make a particular choice for your care. Doulas do not take over the role of your partner, nor do we perform clinical tasks like monitoring your blood pressure, checking your baby's heart rate, or catching your baby.

When is the best time to hire my doula?

The sooner, the better! If you already know that you want to include a doula on your birth support team, it's a good idea to book as soon as you've made your decision. My calendar may fill quickly, and there may not be space if you choose to wait! Not only does early booking secure your doula, but it also gives you even longer to benefit from prenatal doula support, begin learning and planning, and for us to really get to know each other well before your big day. Usually, around 25-27 weeks is a great time to hire your doula.

What if I choose to have an epidural, or am undecided?

Doulas support ALL births. Doulas do not have any agenda and offer non-judgmental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of births - at home, in the hospital, with midwives or doctors, medication free or with pain medication, vaginal or caesarean.