Meet Abbigail, BD
Abbigail (she/her) is a trauma informed Holistic Doula, she is certified as a Holistic Birthkeeper.
As a mother of two and a trained professional, Abbigail’s goal when working with clients is to ensure the family stays supported through education and care during the entire pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Abbigail serves Southwest Michigan and surrounding areas and is privileged to work with people in all capacities, regardless of race, religion, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Packages & Additional Services
Service Area: Kalamazoo, Holland, Grand Rapids, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph
-
Consultation - 30 minute session to discuss intake forms, services, and answer any questions.
3 Prenatal Visits - 60 minute visit during each trimester to check-in and get updates on prenatal visits. Last session will focus on client’s birth plan.
Labor Support - On-call from 37 weeks until birth.
Immediate Postpartum Visit - 60 minute visit during the first few days, debriefing birth, checking-in, offering education and resources.
Postpartum Visit - 60 minute call during 3-4 weeks postpartum checking in and offering education and resources.
-
Consultation Session - 30 minute call to discuss intake forms, services, and answer any questions.
3 Prenatal Sessions - 60 minute call during each trimester to check-in and get updates on prenatal visits. Last session will focus on client’s birth plan.
24 Hour Virtual Labor Support - On-call from 37 weeks until birth.
Immediate Postpartum Visit - 60 minute call during the first few days, debriefing birth, checking-in, offering education and resources.
Postpartum Visit - 60 minute call during 3-4 weeks postpartum checking in and offering education and resources.
-
25/hr for daytime care | 30/hr for night care
(Minimum 4 hours for daytime postpartum care. Minimum of 8 hours for night postpartum care.)Postpartum doulas provide service for a family anywhere from a few days/nights up to a few months after bringing home a new baby. Families may choose 1-3 days/nights a week or as many as 5 a week.
Breastfeeding support
Help with the emotional and physical recovery after birth
Light housekeeping and laundry
Running errands
Training and assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding and comforting
Light meal preparation
Baby soothing techniques
Sibling care
Referrals to local resources such as parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support and support groups
-
(Based on a three hour event time)
A Mother’s Blessing is a small intimate gathering where the mother is surrounded by the most important members within her community. A time where her loved ones can support her physically, emotionally and spiritually while preparing her for the transition into motherhood.Mother’s blessings originated from the Navajo tribe. A Mother’s Blessing is one form of the Navajo Blessingway ceremony. For this reason, we do not refer to our ceremonies as Blessingways as we want to respectfully honor their culture by using the correct terms when hosting these ceremonies.
When booking a Mother’s blessing, our doula comes to your venue of choice, sets up the sacred circle space. Then she will guide an introduction and ceremony that holds space for the mother-to-be.
When booking your Mother's Blessing, you can expect:
Seating and dining materials for up to 6 guests - A sacred space decorated with natural toned linens, earth toned seating pillows, glass cups, tea plates and cloth napkins. This area will be filled with candles or other types of aromatherapy.
Power Candle Ceremony - A tall white candle will be passed around to each guest and while in their hands, the guest will choose a cord to tie around the candle with the intention of sending power and strength to the mother-to-be. At the end of the ceremony, the candle will be returned to the mother with six cords tied around the candle, each cord representing a guest who attended. When in labor the mother can light the candle and have a visual reminder of just how many people are with her during her birth.
Fruit tray + Refreshments - We will provide one fruit tray to graze upon and ground ourselves after the ceremony. Lemon and limes will also be provided for water refreshment. You are absolutely allowed to prepare more food for your guests or even have your guests bring a dish to pass. You’d be amazed at the amount of food a small community of people can offer.
DIY Birth Affirmations - Each guest will have the opportunity to make a personalized birth affirmation card that the mother will be able to hang in her laboring space as a reminder of just how strong she is.
Q&A with Abbigail
How do you introduce yourself?
”I’m Abbigail—I’m a holistic doula supporting birth and postpartum clients.”
What do you do for fun?
”I enjoy nature in all forms. Whether that’s hiking trails or lounging under trees — count me in. I’ve taken a huge interest in plants over the last few years and am studying the medicinal properties of plants native to my area. It’s been wondrous.”
What inspires you?
”Women. Midwives. Artists. Farmers. Musicians. Children. Nature.”
What’s your favorite food?
”Hummus & Pita - YUM”
What’s one other thing you want people to know about you?
”Throughout my journey as a mother, I have experienced the struggle of miscarriages, emotional birth trauma, and infant loss to SIDS. I understand the importance of resources and support from a community while pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or healing from trauma. I take pride in the relationships I build with my clients because their mental health is that important to me. I became a doula to support women who are in similar, if not the same, situations as I once was.”