Meet The Team
Each of our doulas are trained and certified (or working toward certification). Each has a unique story and passion fueling their desire to work with you in your journey. Take some time getting to know each of them in order to choose your best fit.
Mandi Rodenbeck- Owner
Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA), Body Ready Method Certified, Spinning Babies Enthusiast, Certified Community Breastfeeding Educator, and Doula Mentor
I first learned of a doula when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was researching information on natural birth and learned that a doula would be beneficial. I asked a friend to be a doula for me but when my labor turned into a traumatic struggle and my birth plan went totally awry, I realized that a trained doula MIGHT have been able to help me more in ways than my friend could. I became curious about how a trained doula differs from a support person, husband, mother, nurse etc.
Later that year, I went to work at a boutique through a cloth diaper company called Cotton Babies. I learned many things in that year in terms of product, cloth diapering, baby wearing, etc. But what I walked away with after that year was a very real realization that I loved to help, support, encourage, and educate mothers and see them succeed in what they want to do. Lastly, I feel as though my identified “mission” in the world has been developed in me since I was young. Based on my skill set and interests, I have had a difficult time assuming I had to choose between being a teacher, counselor, social worker, ministry leader, or stay home mother. I feel as though becoming a doula for birth and postpartum beautifully combines features of all these vocations and my heart is at peace finally being able to settle on something that suits me so well.
Doulas are not the center of the show (mom and partner are) and doula gently comes aside them to assist in as much or as little as needed. When I am your doula, my goal is to help YOU take over your birth so you will feel empowered and victorious of a job well done.
I am a wife to my husband (Josh) and we have been married since 2014. We have made three babies together: Adeline (2016) and Calvin (2018) and Louis (2020). My first labor was a difficult medicated hospital experience, my second was a wonderful natural hospital birth, and my third was a home birth-absolutely beautiful and exactly what I planned. I like knowing I have all three experiences tucked in my pocket. I enjoy most any outdoor activities, and volunteering at my church. When I am not doing doula activities, I am home with my babies playing and enjoying the great city of Grand Rapids!
Meet Caitlyn!
Birth Doula (DONA)
Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for helping people. As I
grew older I explored specific ways that I could serve others,
especially mothers. I enjoyed babysitting, helping with my cousins
when they were newborns, and volunteering in my church’s nursery.
Seeking out ways to help mothers in my community became my ambition.
When I was 20 years old my youngest cousin was born. Her mother was
looking into having a doula present at her labor and delivery. In
hearing about her interest, I was immediately intrigued to find out
more about doulas. The duties of a doula seemed to perfectly encompass
my love for serving mothers.
As I pursued more information, I grew more and more excited in
learning about pregnancy, labor, and birth. I was honored when a
friend of mine invited me to the birth of her child. It was one of
the most humbling and incredible experiences I have ever been able to
witness. The marvel of birth blew me away, left me in awe, and
motivated me to become a trained doula, so I can better support,
encourage, and empower women in their labor and delivery. Birth is a
vulnerable, yet powerful, experience, so as your doula I want you to
feel safe and secure with your birth team. I will provide birth
support that is unique to you. I seek to motivate and educate you to
make informed decisions, provide emotional and physical support, and
be a companion to you throughout your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
I would be delighted to share in your victory as you meet your
precious baby for the first time.
My husband Ethan and I got married in May of 2022, and we have been
enjoying this new season of our lives. Together we enjoy playing all kinds of games, from pickleball to Settlers of Catan and just about everything in
between. I also enjoy cooking, camping, kayaking, fishing, reading,
and serving alongside my husband.
Caitlyn will be on maternity leave beginning in August of 2023
Meet Sara!
Birth Doula (DONA) (She Who Serves)
I have always been fascinated by pregnancy, labor, and birth, and when I finally experienced it myself, it was magical. With the support of my doula and my family, I was able to successfully have the birth experience that I desired for myself. After my personal experience with birth, I felt even more pushed towards helping mothers bring their babies into the world.
In my home I am more natural/crunchy, so I'm all about those natural births, but I have experience with (and would love to support you through) your induction or medicated birth! I want to help you feel secure with your support team, in control of the decisions being made, and excited to go into labor. I want you to enjoy this amazing and life-changing journey.
I am a wife and mother of two who loves planning and learning. I spend most of my time playing with my daughters and maintaining my home. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and hanging out with friends.
Sara will be on maternity leave beginning December 2023
Meet Paige! She/Her
Birth Doula (DONA) Postpartum Doulas (ProDoula)
As the oldest of four, serving others comes naturally to me. I’ve always known I wanted to support families. When I became a mother myself in 2020 it was one of the most joyous, overwhelming and uncertain times of my life. I was humbled to find that the necessity of outside support for me and my family was much greater than I had ever imagined. I experienced severe postpartum depression and anxiety, and community support was essential for me during those delicate months. When people say it “takes a village” they couldn’t be more spot on. This is really what ignited the motivation to want to obtain formal doula training and pursue this work.
It would be an honor to serve your family and walk alongside you as you add a new addition to your family. Along with my training, I bring my own experiences, an open ear and an empathetic heart to every interaction. I want to meet you where you are at, and aim to provide an atmosphere where you can feel safe, confident in control of your decision making surrounding your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience.
My partner and I are parents to two young children and a large, energetic dog. We love to be outside exploring, and getting our hands dirty in the garden. We wanted to be near our own families while we raised our babies, and we’ve called the West Michigan area home our entire lives.
Meet Jaclyn!
Birth Doula Postpartum Doula (DONA) (PRO DOULA) (NITE)
I first felt the nudge to become a doula in 2018, one year aftermy son was born. After experiencing a difficult postpartum season, and seeing that experience echoed in other moms, I felt a longing for something to be different. How are we to adequately raise up the next generation when so often we can feel alone, misunderstood and under-supported? How can we instead feel seen, validated, and well-supported? It was from this place of curiosity that I began my doula training. Initially, I focused exclusively on coming alongside women and their families postpartum. Over time, I have expanded my support of mamas to care for them while giving birth. It is a privilege to champion the birth you desire and hold space for you during this sacred process. I am passionate about supporting families holistically- acknowledging that mind, body, and spirit all need to be nurtured in the childbearing year. I have often found myself in roles and careers requiring strong care- giving and advocacy skills. Becoming a doula was a natural next step! Idelight in witnessing women step into motherhood (whether for the first or tenth time) with confidence, community, and feeling loved.
I’m a homeschooling mama who enjoys running, yoga, hiking and bike riding. You can often find me baking or cooking with produce from the family garden, and tending to my many indoor plants. A novice sewer, I am drawn towards anything home-making. My husband and I have been married since 2016. We live in Grand Rapids with our two beautiful children and two rambunctious, sweet dogs.
Meet Emily! (South Haven, MI)
Birth Doula (DONA and BEST)
I have been fascinated with pregnancy and birth ever since I was ten and came into contact with the incredible photography by Lennart Nilsson detailing the growth and development of the infant from conception to birth. I knew then that I would be involved with birth some day, and read every book on pregnancy, doulas, and midwifery that I could get my hands on. Now I have a wonderful husband and five kids, all of which I gave birth to at home. When I come to a birth, I don’t only bring with me my training as a Doula, but also the experience of having birthed five children myself. Not to compare, but to empathize. And to share my deeply held belief that birth works. Our bodies know how to have babies. Yes, it is through the hardest work you will probably ever do. But the reward at the end is absolutely precious. So whether you are planning to birth at hospital or at home, I can be there to support and encourage at every step.
I absolutely love living close to Lake Michigan, and spending my summers working in my garden and going to the beach with my children. In the winter, we homeschool and I knit as my creative outlet. I’m a pianist and church music director. My goal in life is to look for the beauty and joy in everything.
Meet Danielle She/her (Lansing, MI)
Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA), Certified Community Breastfeeding Educator
Doulas have a deeply rooted tradition of serving their communities throughout history and across many cultures. Since becoming a mom, I have felt this calling from deep within my soul towards birth work. I have a background in child welfare, maternal health, public health, equity and reproductive justice work and military research. This experience has a profound impact and influence on my work as a doula. I want to help facilitate an inclusive, safe, and rooted space for you and your family for this sacred ceremony and beyond. It would be an honor to partner with you during this special time in your life.
I am a multi-racial woman, married to an ultramarathon running veteran with two school age kiddos (with drastically different birth stories, both leading me to this career). I live for good food, good company, beach sunsets, a good book, snuggles with my dog, and of course talking about all things birth and wellness.
proud to offer certified doulas through:
