Trauma-informed Care

Certified Doula, Katie Crow, has been caring for mothers and babies in the Blue Water Area for several years as a birth doula, birth photographer, and support professional. Katie provides trauma-informed care by approaching every client with the question of “what has happened to you?” instead of “what is wrong with you?” when there are difficult circumstances, needs, responses, or history. Katie said, “Bringing a perspective of patience and compassion to every conversation and leaving space to process if needed is important. It can’t be rushed.”

Care Takes Time

Katie said that in-person support and longer appointment times are the cornerstone of quality care, allowing time to do the hard work of birth prep as well as establishing a relationship of trust with expectant mothers. Being informed of any trauma, Katie is able to be especially sensitive to things that could be triggering to mothers during their birth, such as beeping machines, raised voices, touch, providers of a certain gender, or specific medical practices. Katie explained that with this knowledge, the team can be sensitive to those needs and work in unity to create a safe space for the mom to give birth. 

Lack of OBs in the Area

There are too few obstetricians to go around in St. Clair County. As of publishing time, there are just a few obstetricians who deliver babies in all of St. Clair and Sanilac counties. Katie encourages pregnant women to take advantage of the resources in the county outside of the doctor’s office. The Spero Center in Port Huron provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, along with free parenting classes and a boutique full of free items for mother and baby. Katie hosts free monthly Mommy and Me Meetups at Spero.

Katie is a big fan of the St. Clair County Health Department, saying, “I also have to give a massive shout out to our local Health Department.  The new building is fantastic and so welcoming to families. You can receive free lactation support, referral services, insurance help, and so much more. I love partnering with them to help moms who otherwise may birth alone, something that should never happen, thanks to Michigan’s Medicaid Doula program.”

Personalized Support

Doulas provide personalized care, and Katie is no exception. She said that she strives to serve each of her clients in a highly personalized fashion since there is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to pregnancy and birth. During prenatal visits, she brings a full-spectrum birth education program to visits while also holding space for mom (and dad!)  to voice any concerns or updates about their pregnancy. 

Community Connections

Katie explained that she provides referrals and connects moms with local, trusted providers of all kinds. Whether they need a massage, maternity pics, mental health help, or lactation support, she knows who to call.

Moms who choose doula support with Katie are never alone. She actually meets single moms at the door of the hospital when the big day comes and stays until the baby is in her arms, no matter how long the birth takes. She said, “I will be the one provider who doesn’t go off shift and leave mom hanging. While I’m there, I provide guidance on movements, position, pain management, and facilitate conversations with medical staff about preferences and interventions. My clients see higher rates of satisfaction with their birth experience and less elective intervention.”

Stay tuned for upcoming stories with Katie to explore childbirth education and learn when and where classes are offered.

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com