Natural Birth

“After our first birth ended in a somewhat traumatic, unplanned c-section, I knew that I would seek out the best birth doula I could find with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) experience for my second pregnancy. I met Justine and her team at a ‘All About Doulas’ topic night by the Minnesota Childbirth Collective. She was warm, encouraging, and was exactly what we were looking for in a doula with VBAC experience.

We met with the Midwest Doulas team several times right in our home leading up to our due date. They came over when I went into labor to help us decide if it was the right time to go to the hospital. (Our doula for our first birth kept telling us, “It will be awhile,” and seemed to continue to avoid coming to our home, only joining us when we got to the hospital, and it was a bit of a letdown.)

When we were informed by our chosen hospital that they were full and we could not deliver there that evening, Justine and her doula team work swiftly to educate us on our alternatives to give us our best chance for a successful and supported VBAC.

We had an intense, fast, and (successful!) unmedicated VBAC with Dr. Ryan Dick at St. John’s hospital, and the birth team worked together seamlessly to support both me and my husband during the birth. Our birth plan was respected, we got immediate skin-to-skin time and delayed cord clamping, which we truly felt gave us bonding time we simply did not get with our first birth.

Midwest doulas also provided us placenta encapsulation services, which was a comfort to have for postpartum.  All in all, Justine and her team’s support for birth, postpartum, breastfeeding education, and more was simply a life saver. For anyone seeking a doula for VBAC, Midwest Doulas is the best choice in the Twin Cities.”

“My first birth was very traumatic and resulted in an unplanned c-section. I was determined to have a doula to support me with a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for my second child. 

Although I was late in my pregnancy for hiring Midwest Doulas, they were a life saver. I loved that there was a team of doulas that got to know me, so that whichever one ended up at the birth, we would know one another. Plus, they were very knowledgeable and able to inform and reassure me during my pregnancy and labor. 

My doula kept me moving and worked hard to help me accomplish my goals. Although I ended up with an emergency c-section, I know I only got as far as I did because I had a birth doula present. In addition, she was the most amazing advocate for me during the surgery when my husband needed to be with our newborn daughter.

I highly recommend Midwest Doulas for their vast knowledge in pregnancy comforts, labor prep, labor, baby positioning, and cesareans and VBAC birth, in addition to their drive to continually educate themselves and other women, their extremely personable team, and their professionalism.”

“During labor, our birth doula from Midwest Doulas was the best emotional and physical support we could’ve asked for. She helped me focus my energy to get through our planned natural birth. Her voice, words, & touch were more comforting than I can express.

She also helped my husband feel comfortable with what was happening. I missed her terribly in the brief moment she stepped away to use the restroom! She knew just how to rub my back and what to say, which seemed like a miracle at the time. She helped keep the atmosphere calm, nurturing, and supportive, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone preparing for a baby.”