IN THE BEGINNING
BIRTH SERVICES
Hi, I'm Tabitha
I grew up in northern Michigan, and being the oldest of five, I naturally gravitated towards a caretaking and nurturing role. I learned how to anticipate and sense the needs of those around me which is something I find deeply fulfilling. In 2012, I married my wonderful husband Mark, and shortly after we settled in the Kalamazoo area. Over the years, we have welcomed three beautiful children into our lives, all with the guidance of midwives at home. I have also been blessed to participate in the births of friends and family both in the hospital and at home and each time, found myself falling into that nurturing role and wanting to provide care to these new mothers both in birth and during the post partum period. Being there to advocate for them when they needed it most and making sure that they had everything they needed to relax, birth and bond with their new babies. Supporting new mothers has become my life calling and I would be so blessed to be there to provide that same support to you.
What does a postpartum doula do anyway?
When one speaks of postpartum, we commonly hear: sleep deprivation, limited personal time to shower, inability to prepare proper meals for themselves or their family, mounds of laundry and piles of dishes. The list seems endless. For some, trying to maintain the day to day while caring for oneself, their infant and family, can be quite taxing, not only physically but mentally. With my services, I offer you an alternative: a pleasant and peaceful experience for you and your family to be able to relax as you bond and enjoy time with your new baby. Additional benefits of utilizing a doula include time to care for yourself, whether that be showering, napping, or eating a prepared nutritious meal to better benefit you and baby all in the comfort of your home. While mom is caring for herself, rest assured your baby will be tended to by a qualified, experienced caregiver, right by your side. Some other daily chores of a doula include, but are not limited to: meal preparation, dishes, laundry, and taking out the trash. Have other little ones in your home? No problem! All your babes will be cared for as mom gets some much needed rest. The joys that come with having a baby, whether this be your first or 10th, are immeasurable. Words fail to describe the feelings that mother nature has instilled in us from the moment we hear that first cry. However wonderful, that cry can sometimes bring uncertainty, doubt or questions that we never thought to ask. Doubts from mom, dad, or both, though natural, can certainly be unsettling. In these times, postpartum doulas can be your best asset. Aside from their assistance around the house, they’re also resourceful tools for parents of a brand new baby, a healing mother in need of TLC, or a father with questions or concerns.
Placenta Encapsulation Benefits
In addition to iron, the placenta is full of vitamins and minerals such B6 and B12, as well as hormones like progesterone and estrogen. These reproductive hormones drop after you give birth.
Many who have tried these placenta pills have said that their moods are better, their energy is increased, they feel less fatigued, and their milk supply is boosted. They also report that placenta encapsulation helped them avoid the baby blues. In other words, placenta pills can help you have a smoother recovery postpartum.
The most important nutrients found in rich supply in the placenta include:
- Stem Cells and Growth Factors
- Iron - Essential for oxygen absorption in the cells
- Vitamin B6 - Aids in the making of antibodies
- Vitamin E - For healing damaged skin cells
- Oxytocin hormone - Essential for facilitating birth and breastfeeding
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) - Responsible for reducing stress levels
- Cytokins - Fibroblasts that trigger cell metabolism healing and replacing damaged cells and tissue.
- Oxytocin - The feel good or love hormone. Creates feelings of bonding, pain relief, happiness and elation.
- Cortisone - This hormone unlocks energy stored in the body and combats stress.
- Interferon - This hormones stimulates the immune system to fight off infections while the mother is healing from birth.
- Prostaglandins - Acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Hemoglobin - Replenishes iron and stimulates iron production in blood.
- Urokinase - Inhibiting factor and factor XIII - Lessens bleeding and promotes faster healing.
- Prolactin - Stimulates healthy mammary function and milk production.
PACKAGES AND PRICING
Birth Doula
Basic $1000
Birth Doula
2 Hours of Prenatal Bodywork
Deluxe $1220
Birth Doula
2 Hours of Prenatal Bodywork
Freeze Dried Placenta Encapsulation or
8 Hours of Postpartum Care
Premium $1740
Birth Doula
2 Hours of Prenatal Bodywork
Freeze Dried Placenta Encapsulation
16 Hours of Postpartum Care
DAYTIME
12 hour package $396
20 hour package $640
60 hour package $1,740
(Nighttime available)
Freeze Dried
Placenta encapsulation
$250
(Includes pick-up and delivery within a 35 mile radius)
Freeze drying maintains nearly all of the nutritional value and can extend the shelf life
for up to 25 years.
-Add-on Options-
PLACENTA TINCTURE $50
PLACENTA PRINT $50
(Includes hands-on work and education)
Prenatal Body
Work
$100 for 2 hours
then $35/hr
Prepare your body for labor and help baby to get into the best position possible.
Book your doula today!
Email Address
inthebeginningPPdoula@gmail.com
Phone Number
616-283-7758
Read what my clients have to say.
Mallissa
"She stepped into the role of caring for me in the ways that were most important to me. She made sure I ate that food other people had kindly dropped off. She offered companionship when I needed it and encouraged me to rest when it was obvious I needed to lie down. She even made sure my dogs were walked! All of the things that us moms have to take care of" "Tabitha made sure the really important things were taken care of so that I had ease of mind and could truly rest and snuggle my new baby instead of fretting over all of the other things I needed to care for. I am forever grateful for the care she gave me."
Brittany
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have Tabitha's support after having my son. She was very attentive and supportive of the whole family. After having a c-section, being able to relax and recover while some of the housework got done was amazing. She was great with my toddler and even made lunch for her. I was able to rest and shower knowing both of my children were cared for and safe. I really appreciate all she did for my family and would definitely recommend hiring her for your postpartum care.