gold coast doulas | Gold Coast Doulas

Meet our new doula, Tricia!

Meet Tricia Buschert, our newest birth and postpartum doula. She is also our new multiples expert! Let’s learn a little more about her.

1) What did you do before you became a doula?

I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last four and a half years.

2) What inspired you to become a doula?

My kids were my biggest inspiration to become a doula. After I had my son, I knew I wanted work with families, but it wasn’t until after our twin daughters were born at 32 weeks, spent 6 weeks in NICU, exclusively pumped for 10 months and struggled for over a year with postpartum anxiety did I figure out exactly what I wanted to do: become a birth and postpartum doula.

3) Tell us about your family.

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Zach. He is an accountant and is currently working on his Masters Degree in accounting. We’ve been married 6 and a half years and have three kids. Our oldest, Gideon, will be four in a couple weeks. When he was 15 months old we were surprised to find out we were expecting identical twins. Kira and Rosalind just turned two, and being a twin mama has been one of my favorite roles ever. We also have two cats named Shanele and Layla.

As a family we love to be outside, go bowling, and go to the zoo. Gideon also loves to play Super Smash Bros with Daddy.

4) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

My favorite spot that my husband and I have traveled to is Myrtle Beach. The beaches were gorgeous, and we had so much fun exploring the city together. One day we would love to go to Europe and travel to Scotland, Britain, and Germany.

5) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

I grew up on country music and I still love it. It’s primarily what I listen to, but I also listen to some pop and rock. I love country because there is songs for all feelings- when I’m sad, when I need some encouragement, and when I just want to dance around. I listen to pop when I need to dance around the kitchen with kids and get my heart racing during a workout.
Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Tim Mcgraw, and The Chainsmokers are some of thel bands/artists I listen to often.

6) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

A nurse in the NICU told me to find something positive in each day and I’ve shared it ever since. Even if it is “my meal was warm today” or “the baby didn’t puke on me” or “I got to snuggle the baby”. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Just to find one good thing in the day that made you happy. In the beginning, with three children under two, finding something positive made the 25+ diapers, the 6-7 hours attached to a pump, and the 2 hours of broken sleep a little easier.

I also tell new parents to ask for help. Raising children takes a village, especially when you have multiples, and asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. You have to take care of you to take care of them.

7) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

The ability to encourage others.

8) What is your favorite food?

Currently its chicken ceaser salads. I’ve been really loving them lately!
I also love sausage and egg souflee, apples with peanut butter, and Mocha lattes with coconut milk.

9) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?

I love the Rockford Dam. There are local shops nearby, food, and our favorite ice cream place. The trail is close by for our family walks, there are often activities, and it is a fun place to bring our kids. My husband also proposed to me there and so it holds a special place in my heart.

10) What are you reading now?

Sensory Yoga for Kids: Therapeutic Movement for Children of all Abilities by Britt Collins

11) Who are your role models?

My grandmas are my biggest role models.

Meet our new doula, Tricia! Read More »

Meet our new birth doula, Angel!

Doulas / Alyssa Veneklase / birth doula, birth support, doulas, gold coast doulas, pregnancy

1) What did you do before you became a doula?
I have been a stay at home mom for the past (almost) four years. Before that I worked as a medical assistant in a few different areas, end of life care and a neurosurgeons office.

2) What inspired you to become a doula?
I was so inspired to become a doula by the amazing support I had with my two births. I was so greatly moved and spent the last four years saying I wish I could do that. And one day it hit me -Why not? Timing and opportunity aligned and I feel so fortunate to see my wildest dream coming to fruition.

3) Tell us about your family?
My husband Erik and I have been married almost five years. We moved to Rockford from Fort Myers, Florida two years ago. We have really been loving West Michigan, especially the weather! Our son Benjamin will be four in September and our daughter Hazel just turned one in February.

4) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
What’s a vacation? Ha! Kidding of course! We usually spend our vacation time in Fort Myers. We have lots of family there to visit and it’s always good to escape during the long stretch of winter!

5) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.
I am a lover of so many different kinds of music from old to new. I love Bob Dylan and Neil Young and the Backstreet Boys (please don’t judge my inner fan girl) and John Mayer! And don’t even get me started on Bob Seger.

6) What is the best advice you have given to new families?
My favorite thing to tell a new mom, which was also told to me when I had my first is you’re the mom and you know best. Listen to your instincts, trust yourself and your judgement. You know your baby better than anyone else.

7) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?
My doula superpower would be my passion. I want every woman to have the birth she desires. My wish is to support women in every angle of birth. Physically, mentally, emotionally… I want to give well-rounded support and will dedicate myself entirely in order to achieve this with my clients.

8) What is your favorite food?
I love food with big flavors – Mexican, Indian, and Thai, but I’m going to be really honest here and tell you, I love a turkey sandwich. If you and I were at a restaurant together 9 times out of 10, I’m getting the turkey sandwich!

9) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?
How amazing is Lake Michigan? Salt free, shark free, jelly fish free! I grew up going to the beaches in South Haven, and I still have a soft spot in my heart for the pier there and sitting on the black river having a bite to eat. Since we’ve moved back to Michigan we ventured out to Kirk Park in West Olive and I was blown away. Such a beautiful park and the water was so clear! Looking forward to more visits along the coast!

10) What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth And Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block. It’s pretty eye opening. Just questioning whether we are over-using medical technology to manage births at the expense of mothers and new babies.

11) Who are your role models?
My role models are the two women who were vital in helping me achieve the births I wanted so desperately for my own kiddos. My doula Jaci Seiben (out of Fort Myers) was amazing. Her energy was so calming and reassuring. She was exactly the person I’d prayed to have at my side during the birth of my son. For the birth of my daughter, my midwife Shannon Pawson blew me away. She was the definition of care. She was so knowledgeable, and empowered me to make informed decisions. We spoke about everything pertaining to birth before I was even in labor, so all she had to do was come, be a quiet presence and support me and my plan for birth. Both of these women have touched my heart and they are truly who I wish to model myself after.

Meet our new birth doula, Angel! Read More »

Meet our new doula, Jamie!

Doulas / Alyssa Veneklase / doulas, gold coast doulas

1) What did you do before you became a doula?

I worked as a Medical Assistant for 10 years; most of that time was spent at the Pediatric Endocrinology clinic at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. My full time job for the past two years has been as a nursing student at Grand Valley State University. I will graduate with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing in December. Yay!

2) What inspired you to become a doula?

I have a passion for all things related to pregnancy, the birthing process, and postpartum care for mothers and their families. I feel that mothers are often overlooked after having a baby, especially if it’s not their first child. I wanted to become a doula so that I could help mothers in their homes with whatever they need. I want to change the culture of postpartum care, including the stigma that can surround postpartum mental health.

3) Tell us about your family.

I have 3 children:
Noah (13), Jacob (4), and Peyton (2). We live in Byron Center.

4) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

I enjoy any place that gets me out in nature and around water, which makes me feel alive and lifts my spirit up.

5) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

This is a tough one because I like almost all genres of music. Right now I mostly listen to country, and one of my favorite artists is Dierks Bentley. Several years ago I attended his concert in Vegas, and he brought me up on stage, sang with me, then as a joke left the stage and I was out there by myself. It will always be one my favorite memories!

6) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

That sometimes you need to listen to your own heart and not what everyone else tells you. There is no one-fits-all manual for parenting and sometimes you just need to go with the flow! You will find your own routine and what works best for your family. Never be afraid to ask for help- it takes a village!

7) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

Since working in healthcare I have learned that I am an extremely empathetic person that can connect easily with others in their most vulnerable times.

8) What is your favorite food?

Mexican- chips & salsa, tacos, fajitas, taco salads…yum!

9) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?

Holland State Park or the trails by Felt Mansion- I love being by Lake Michigan!

10) What are you reading now?

I am in the process of re-reading 2 books from La Leche League International- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and The Breastfeeding Answer Book. I hope to be a La Leche League Leader soon.

11) Who are your role models?

My parents, grandparents, and other family members, who have shown me what it means to live in God’s word and always have faith in Him. I admire Mother Teresa for her unwillingness to waiver in her convictions, despite so many naysayers. It can be difficult to find people willing to take a stand for their beliefs in the face of adversity, and I respect those who do.

Meet our new doula, Jamie! Read More »

Meet Your Gold Coast Doula-Lynnette

Doulas / Kristin Revere / doulas, gold coast doulas, infant care specialist, postpartum doulas

We love asking our Gold Coast Doulas questions so you can get to know them more. Meet our infant care specialist and postpartum doula, Lynnette Nichols and learn about her inspirations and background.

1) What did you do before you became a doula?
Before I became a doula, I was the manager at Lemon Creek Winery’s Tasting Room in Grand Haven. I worked there for five years.

2) What inspired you to become a doula?
I saw a segment that Gold Coast Doulas did on Fox 17. Listening to them describe the role of Postpartum Doulas really moved me to want to learn more. I have always loved children and supporting other moms; it really does take a village and I have been blessed to have some amazing people come into my life. I am excited to take on this new career and support families during such an important time in their lives.

4) Tell us about your family?

I have been married to my very supportive husband, Kyle for 14 years. We have three beautiful daughters; Brookelyn (18), Kaitlyn (17), Jordyn (14). We are a blended family that has worked hard to make us the solid family we are. We live in Grand Haven.

5) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

My favorite vacation spot is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I am originally from Marquette and when I met my husband, I found out he also had a love for the U.P. It is absolutely beautiful up there and every time I cross the Mackinac Bridge, I am ready for our next adventure.

6) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

I really don’t follow certain bands or musicians, but when I hear a song that moves me, I fall in love with it and listen to it over and over.

These are my favorite songs:

Thinking Out Loud~Ed Sheeran

Lost Stars~Adam Levine

Like I’m Gonna Lose You~Meghan Trainor

This Woman’s Work~Kate Bush

Change in My Life~Hope College’s 12th Street Harmony A Cappella Student Group

7) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

No one knows all the answers and no one is the perfect parent.

8) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

I don’t think I can answer that yet and look forward to finding out.

9) What is your favorite food?

Tacos

10) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?
I live in Grand Haven and absolutely love it. If I didn’t live here, I’d be here all the time. If I am not spending time at the beach or on the American Legion deck, I love going to Grand Rapids and enjoying the great restaurants.

11) What are you reading now?

I am reading Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath. My daughter is considering going into kinesiology and nutrition; she recommended the book to me.

12) Who are your role models?

My role model has always been my Grandma. She is God loving and humble, firm but gentle at the same time. I soak in everything she says and hope that I am half the woman she is and that my children and grandchildren love and respect me as much as I do her.

Meet Your Gold Coast Doula-Lynnette Read More »

Meet Your Gold Coast Doula – Alyssa

Doulas / Kristin Revere / doulas, gold coast doulas, newborn care educator

We love asking our Gold Coast Doulas questions so you get to know them a bit more. Meet our co-owner, Alyssa Veneklase and learn about her inspirations and her travel adventures.

1) What did you do before you became a doula?

For the past 15 years I was in the construction/real estate business doing everything from interior design and marketing, to safety and human resources. My favorite part of what I did was working with people, both clients and employees. I also enjoyed my role as director of charitable giving. I’ve always had a heart for children and families, so serving on committees and boards was a top priority.

2) What inspired you to become a doula?

When I became pregnant I began to research everything. I became a wealth of knowledge and before I knew it, I was the one my friends and family reached out to for help, resources, and guidance. Once I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to help other mothers and other families during the prenatal and early postpartum stages.

4) Tell us about your family

I have been married to my husband, Bradley, for 5 1/2 years. We love to travel together and now have an almost 4-year old who loves to travel with us! She’s a beautiful, bright, witty, and sometimes sassy little girl who keeps us smiling.

5) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Before having our daughter, my husband and I took a 3 week trip to Thailand. It was the most beautiful place we’ve ever seen (better than Hawaii). The people were kind and generous. The food was spectacular. The water was crystal clear and the beaches were stunning. We think of it often.

6) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

I have so many I don’t know how I will choose. So I’ll list the first 5 that pop into my head:

Leonard Cohen – His voice. I mean, come on. And his lyrics are beautiful.

Stevie Wonder – I can’t help but dance in my seat when his songs are playing.

Depeche Mode – My favorite band from the 80’s. I know all the lyrics and love singing them out loud.

Vampire Weekend – Again, when I hear their songs I just have to dance. They’re fun and make me smile.

Sia – She has the most incredible voice and uses it so creatively. She also has the best music videos.

7) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

The most recent example is suggesting a client and her husband make it a priority to have a date night. They always had excuses why they couldn’t do it, so I told them I would do whatever I needed to make it happen. They went on their first date night after having their baby and came back giggly and holding hands.

8) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

My super power is making people feel comfortable and at ease. Inviting a stranger into your home, your sacred space, is a big deal. I have the ability to listen, observe, and figure out the family dynamic and how I can best be utilized. I can tell when a mother needs me to jump right in and tell her what needs to be done, and I can tell when a mother just wants to sit for a while and have someone listen to her.

9) What is your favorite food?

Probably a good steak and some brussel sprouts.10) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?

My husband and I got married in Union Pier along the coast at a little resort called the Fire Fly Inn. I am very fond of that little town now.

11) What are you reading now?

Misconceptions by Naomi Wolf.

12) Who are your role models?

I have a few close friends that I adore and are positive and uplifting role models. My husband is always my voice of reason.

Meet Your Gold Coast Doula – Alyssa Read More »

Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Ashley

Doulas / Kristin Revere / doulas, gold coast doulas, night nanny, night nurse

1) What did you do before you became a doula?

I have a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from GVSU. I have been a nanny, worked at an adult foster care home and currently work in the insurance industry..

2) What inspired you to become a doula?

When I was pregnant I had an incredible support system. That unconditional support made me feel like Superwoman! I felt confident and empowered. I want to be that type of support for other women and their families. Every woman deserves to feel like Superwoman as they become a mother!

3) Tell us about your family?

My husband, Joe, and I have been together for 11 years. We have two adorable kids. My daughter, Elliot, is a chatterbox and loves to make people laugh. My son, Colby, is determined to keep up with his big sister and is always on the move. We have a retired racing greyhound, named Maeby, who takes her retirement very seriously and naps more than anything but she also loves to be outdoors and always prefers to be wherever the people are.

4) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Half Moon Beach in Green Island, Jamaica(just north of Negril). It is pure paradise. My husband and I were married on their private beach. The view is breathtaking. And what’s not to love about waking up to waves crashing just below the front deck of your private cabin?? Not to mention the delicious food!

5) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

This is a tough question! I love a wide variety of music and if you ask me next week my answers might be different 😉

Anything bluegrass- give me a string bass, mandolin, a fiddle and a banjo any day!! The tempo and variety of instruments gets my toes tapping

Adele- her songs have so much emotion. Belting out one of her ballads at the top of my lungs is just plain cathartic. My daughter especially loves belting it out with me.

Dave Matthews Band- I love jam bands in general but seeing DMB solidified my love for them

Lake Street Dive- I love the jazzy bass lines and the smooth vocals.

Most classic rock- reminds me of my childhood. My dad used to put on Dark Side of the Moon at night to help me sleep.

6) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

Trust your instincts. Parenting is incredibly rewarding but it is also a pretty tough gig. You can feel pressure from family and friends to do things a specific way. Weigh the options and make the decision that you feel is best for your family.

7) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

My sense of humor can ease tension and help women, and their birth partners, relax. I’m also upbeat and smiling is contagious 🙂

8) What is your favorite food?

Anything spicy, especially curries and Mexican dishes

9) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?

Grand Rapids will always hold a special place in my heart. I love all the festivals, the sports teams, the museums, endless breweries and phenomenal restaurants. It has a small town feel with some big city perks and it is a short drive from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

10) What are you reading now?

The Birth Partner.

11) Who are is your role model?

My grandmother, Eugenia Gould Huntoon. She will be 104 on April 24th and she is affectionately know as the Queen of Huntoon Harmony Hall and “The Longest Running Show Off Broadway.” She was in multiple theater and musical groups and even went on tour to local nursing homes to play piano and put on sing alongs. She leaves every room full of smiles and laughter. She has always encouraged me to do my best and follow my dreams. I like to think I get my optimism, sense of humor and love for bright colors from her but I certainly didn’t get her musical talent or singing voice.

Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Ashley Read More »

Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Kristin

Doulas / Kristin Revere / doulas, gold coast doulas

1) What inspired you to become a doula?

Giving birth myself. It is a transformative and life-changing time.

2) What are your hobbies?

I love going on walks through the city with my family and traveling. We are also big music lovers and attend festivals and house concerts as often as we can.

3) Tell us about your family.

I adore my family. I have a talented and supportive husband who happens to be a writer and a poet. My 13 year-old step-daughter is the strongest person I know and is both goofy and kind in one just like her father. My 4.5 year old daughter is a born performer and loves to dance, sing and tell stories. My 3 year old son loves Spiderman and Jack Black. He also loves baseball. My family makes me laugh so hard my stomach hurts.

4) What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

The Hostel in the Forest in Brunswick,Georgia was the best family vacation we ever took even though it was a working one for me. We slept in treehouses in the woods and swam in the most beautiful lake and natural pool with the beach just a short drive away. The staff became like family and my kids will have memories for a lifetime.

5) Name your top five bands/musicians and tell us what you love about them.

Wilco, Pearl Jam, Neko Case, Peter Mulvey, and the Beatles. I love The Beatles so much that my daughter was named after the Abbey Road album. I love a good songwriter. That is what draws me to a musician.

6) What is the best advice you have given to new families?

To give yourself grace as a parent.

7) What do you consider your doula superpower to be?

I am great at sensing what my clients need before they tell me. I attune to each client well and act on my instincts.

8) What is your favorite food?

I love Thai food although I crave comfort foods after a birth.

9) What is your favorite place in West Michigan’s Gold Coast?

Downtown Grand Rapids especially spending time on the Grand River at festivals and events.

10) What are you reading now?

Common Sense Pregnancy by Jeanne Faulkner, RN. It is really great so far.

11) Who is your role model and why?

I have many female mentors who supported me in all of my passions. I am forever grateful to them.

Click to learn more about Kristin

Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Kristin Read More »