Podcast Episode #62: Newborn Traumas
What is birth trauma and do all babies experience it? How can you remedy it? Dr. Annie and Dr. Rachel of Rise Wellness Chiropractic give us several examples of common birth traumas, what they mean, and how chiropractic care can help. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Kristin: Welcome […]
Response to Article About Illinois Doula That Suppored an Unassisted Homebirth
There has been a lot of talk in the birth community lately about the recent case of the doula who pled guilty after attending an unassisted homebirth where the baby died. Our team is saddened for the family and for the doula community as a whole. Birth doulas do not take on a medical role, […]
Podcast Episode #61: Postpartum Wellness
Dr. Erica of Root Functional Medicine gives moms some tips about staying healthy through pregnancy and into the postpartum period. We also talk about her upcoming Postpartum Wellness class on March 7. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. This podcast episode is sponsored by LifeFuel, providing healthy meal delivery […]
How ZENBands Became a Part of Pregnancy
Gold Coast Doulas is pleased to announce a guest blog by Dr. Erin Stair on her headbands that are perfect for listening to HypnoBirthing scripts or childbirth playlists. I use them for listening to podcasts like “Ask the Doulas” with Gold Coast Doulas on Soundcloud and Itunes. Erin is the creator of ZENBands, ZENTones, author […]
Podcast Episode #60: A Naturopath’s Perspective on Pregnancy and Depression
Doctor Janna Hibler, ND talks to Alyssa and Kristin about how a naturopathic doctor treats pregnant and postpartum women, body and mind. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes and SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello, welcome to Ask the Doulas podcast. I am Alyssa Veneklase, co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas, and I am here […]
Doula Support for Adoptive Families
Most parents probably don’t think about hiring a doula if they aren’t pregnant. They think of a birth doula only supporting a laboring mother, but that couldn’t be farther from reality. Birth doulas can support any parent. Postpartum doulas can support adoptive families by helping them to prepare for baby’s arrival and in-home after baby […]
Podcast Episode #55: What Sets Gold Coast Doulas Apart?
What sets Gold Coast Doulas apart? Today Dr. Rachel of Rise Wellness asks us why she should refer her clients to us. She already knows she loves us, but why should everyone else? You can listen to this complete podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud. Kristin: Welcome to Ask the Doulas with Gold Coast Doulas. […]
Meet Kelsey, our newest Certified Postpartum Doula!
1) What did you do before you became a doula? I have always secretly been a doula, just in other facets. Before becoming a doula, I ran a mental wellness day center in northern California, and I also worked at an emergency youth shelter looking to reduce rates of domestic violence, child abuse, and human […]
Meet our newest birth doula, Katie!
Say hello to Katie, our newest doula. As always, we asked her some questions so you can get to know her a little better. She met her husband in 3rd grade at a spelling bee, how adorable is that?! 1) What did you do before you became a doula? I have the joy and privilege […]
Gold Coast Doulas 3rd Annual Diaper Drive!
Gold Coast Doulas is holding our 3rd annual Diaper Drive from September 1st to October 1st, 2018. Diaper need is something that goes almost completely unrecognized, but 1 in 3 babies suffer in dirty diapers and no government programs provide them. Food, shelter, and utilities are the only items covered by assistance. Diapers are expensive […]
Meet our newest doula, Jenny!
We are so excited to announce Jenny Chandler as the newest birth doula on the Gold Coast Team! 1) What did you do before you became a doula? Hotel front desk receptionist Church intern Maternity center volunteer in Haiti 2) What inspired you to become a doula? I was in Haiti at a maternity center […]
Meet our new birth doula, Mary!
1) What did you do before you became a doula? I left my career in marketing to be a full-time mom, and with my young family, I ended up traveling for a few years to support my husband’s graduate studies in South Bend, Rome, and New York City. Since then, we’ve settled back in West Michigan, […]
Meet Lindsey, our newest Birth Doula!
We are very excited to introduce you to Lindsey Lupo. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and an amazing background as well as a love for people that extends beyond words. 1) What did you do before you became a doula? I worked in trauma for 7+ years at a local hospital, […]
Meet Our New Postpartum Doula, Gina!
We have another amazing postpartum doula to introduce to you! Read on to find out more about Gina and her family. 1. What did you do before becoming a Doula? Before becoming a Doula, I nannied for two years until I had my first daughter. When she arrived I became a stay at home mom. […]
Meet our new Birth and Postpartum Doula, Julie!
We’re excited to welcome Julie Skripka to the Gold Coast team as a Birth and Postpartum Doula! Let’s get to know her a little better. 1) What did you do before you became a doula? Before starting my doula adventure, I was home raising and homeschooling my 4 children. I currently nanny and run the […]
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 […]
Meet our new birth doula, Angel!
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 […]
Meet our new doula, Jamie!
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 […]
Meet Your Gold Coast Doula-Lynnette
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 […]
Meet Your Gold Coast Doula – Alyssa
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 […]
Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Ashley
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 […]
Meet Your Gold Coast Doulas – Kristin
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 […]