Kalamazoo, Michigan
Claire Stibich
My name is Claire and I am starting my doula journey. I feel that I have been called to support women during pregnancy and postpartum. I'm outgoing, supportive of your choices as a mother, and a great listener. I am skilled at de-escalating situations in which you may feel panicked or afraid, and explain things in simple terms so that they aren't overwhelming. I will advocate for you in whatever situation you need, whether with a high-pressure medical provider or your nosy mother-in-law. I have worked with children 5 to 18 years old who have mental, physical, and emotional handicaps as well as a multitude of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Working with these students has brought me so much joy and understanding of a world that can be very hard to explain to those with no experience in it. Whether it is you, your children, or loved ones who identify with the previous disorders, I would be beyond honored and ecstatic to help work through the crazy mystery and miracle of birth. I am currently going through the certification process to be a doula and need to attend three births to be fully certified. I am looking to help anyone I can in this process.
Claire was my doula throughout my entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She went with me to doctors visits and spoke up for my needs when I didn’t feel like I could advocate for myself. She was constantly researching ways to solve each unique problem I would have, such as ways to help my hyperemesis graviderum, finding unique foods that would stay down, or baby products that would accommodate specific needs that I or my neurodivergent husband had. She also taught my husband how to care for me when he felt incapable of helping me. During my natural homebirth Claire helped me stay calm and in a positive headspace while making sure my birth plan was followed. I was able to breathe baby out without any interventions and I credit so much of that to Claire’s support. Postpartum she helped me to the bathroom, helped me change my diapers, and even bathed me and washed my hair when I felt incapable of taking care of myself due to a painful tear from the birth. She came when I hadn’t slept in 48 hours post birth and took care of my newborn so I could sleep. Any time I called Claire she would just let me talk, release any anxieties I was having, and then help me come up with a practical plan to solve my problem. She is a fantastic listener and she was never condescending or made me feel silly for any of my anxieties or little problems. I truly could not have gotten through any of the pregnancy stages without Claire’s support and would highly recommend her to everyone, especially if you are neurodivergent and need someone who will stand up for you in any situation. Thank you, Claire!
- Lydia C.
