Latine woman in labor holds her husbands hand while bearing down to push her baby out.

What you can expect

from Brianna and Randi on your birth team

Gorgeous birth images and storytelling (our portfolio speaks for itself)

Plus Continuous birth support

  • We go on call at 38 weeks after meeting you at least twice to discuss your birth plan and to get to know you well so that on baby day we feel comfortable with each other.

  • We’re with you through nurse shift changes, or in the case of a hospital transfer we’ll stay with you too.

  • We know your birth plan by heart, and will help you stick to it as much as medically possible.

  • We know your preferred comfort measures, what scents you like, what you want to snack on… we go over it all!

  • We are committed to supporting your partner too and encourage them to get as involved as they feel comfortable.

Physical support

  • Counter pressure

  • Hip squeezes

  • Back, neck, foot, hand massages

  • Mood setting and birth space guarding

  • Providing a warm compress or cool wash cloth

  • Drawing a bath

  • Helping with water therapy

  • Providing nourishment and hydration

  • Encouraging movement

Emotional support

  • Vocalizing positive affirmations

  • Reiterating your birth plan

  • Supporting your partner and suggesting extra ways for them to support you

  • Guiding you to stay on rhythm

  • Breathing with you

  • Remaining calm and modeling a peaceful presence

  • Post birth processing

  • Writing a birth timeline

Informational support

  • As your doulas we aim to meet at least twice before your estimated due date to go over comfort measures, learning more about each other and how you envision your birth and doula care.

  • We are your walking guide to hospital lingo, with an understanding of the importance of the role of nurses, doctors, and midwives - and how to work together safely with them.

  • Creating a space for asking questions

  • Breathing techniques

  • Evidence-based research support

  • Explaining labor stages and progress

  • Aid in relaxation and movement

Having a doula means you will be empowered.

You will be supported.

You will be celebrated.


And that makes all the difference!

The Nurturing Company - Photography and Doula Services, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Randi Armstrong, doula-tog and co-founder of The Nurturing Company, pregnant with her second and takes a selfie in a mirror during a birth in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The facts are that doulas make a difference. Births with doulas are 28% less likely to have a cesarean, 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor, 9% less likely to use any pain medication, and 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively. If you’re interested in learning more about the evidence for doulas, check out Randi’s blog on doula support, this paper, or evidencebasedbirth.com.

These stats show us that with continuous emotional and physical support, you have a higher likelihood of a positive birth experience.

But as much as we love stats and facts (and we really do!), what really matters when you’re selecting a doula is connection.

As your doulas we strive to be your safe place, to hold you and your vulnerabilities as you enter into the birth space. Feeling safe and protected while in labor is key to labor progress and positive birth experiences.

We will work to build our relationship throughout your pregnancy in our initial consultation, at our prenatal meetings, and at your maternity photo session. By the time you go into labor, it’s like we’re you’re super supportive birth nerd best friends!

Brianna Trammell, doula-tog and co-founder of The Nurturing Company, takes a selfie in a mirror while wearing scrubs, ready to support a Cesarean birth in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

How It Works