Meet the Doulas
Lindsey Shigemoto, CD(DONA)
Owner | Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Birth Photographer
I’m
Lindsey, founder of My Doula Grand Rapids, a
DONA trained and certified birth and postpartum doula, certified BRM® pro, and Birth Becomes You certified birth photographer.
Over the past 7 years, I’ve attended more than 200 births. That’s more than 200 unique stories, and a whole lot of reminders that birth rarely follows a script, and that people are capable of incredible things.
I’ve helped parents through birth and postpartum, working through fears, helping them understand their options, preparing for different possibilities, and finding their voices when it matters most. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, preparing for a VBAC, a planned cesarean or simply trying to figure out what to expect, I’m here to help you feel informed, supported and confident in your own decisions.
Because I believe that the little moments are often the ones we treasure most, I also offer birth photography. I want you to have more than a story about what happened. I want you to see the strength in your face, the hand that held your’s and the first moments with the people who changed your world.
Outside of birth work, I’m constantly in awe of my husband and our two kiddos. I have a bachelor degree from Arizona State and a master degree in adult education and training, which is one reason that education is such an important part of my work. At home, life includes our dog (who some say resembles the foot stool in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), a couple of backyard dinosaurs (chickens) and a gaggle of musical instruments. It’s a little chaotic, and a lot of fun.
I may get misty eyed at every birth, but just know that I will still have your snacks and water readily available with all of the encouragement you and your partner need. It is an incredible honor to be welcomed into your birth space and home during such a transformative time.
Jessi Heins, CED-L, CED-PIC(ProDoula)
Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Birth Photographer | Lactation Support
Hi I’m Jessi! I’m a ProDoula certified birth and postpartum doula and Lamaze certified childbirth educator with a background in social work from Western Michigan University. Growing up in Saugatuck and raising four kids of my own with my amazing partner in Holland, I’ve seen how much the right support can matter during the big transitions of family life. After four positive birth experiences of my own, I felt drawn to help other families feel informed and confident in their own experiences. With each pregnancy I learned more about myself and the incredible things that our bodies can do. Shortly before I got pregnant with my last baby, I decided to train as a doula. I took an in person training, (where I met Lindsey!) and started attending births in 2020 (great timing). Since then, I’ve attended more than 150 births, and supported families through a wide range of circumstances, including VBACs, pregnancy loss, and bereavement. I have even helped parents of multiples navigate postpartum.
My social work background shapes how I approach this work, by listening first, meeting families where they are, and helping them navigate their options without judgement. Whether we’re preparing for birth, working through an unexpected change in plans, or finding your footing in postpartum, I want you to feel heard, respected and supported. I bring practical knowledge, a steady presence and a genuine investment in helping families feel prepared for what’s ahead.
If you ask me whether I’m ready to jump in and support you through it all, my answer is going to be the same one I use for life: I’m here for it!
Here’s what our clients are saying about us.
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Lindsey and Emily are the best of the best and I do not say that lightly. We’ve birthed two of our babies with My Doula GR, the first being our angel baby daughter in 2023 and the second being our son in 2024. When I initially reached out to My Doula GR about supporting us with a potential pregnancy loss, they didn’t hesitate and shared that they had specialized training in loss. They assured me that they’d walk alongside us every step of the way no matter the outcome. During the birth, they were so sensitive, kind, and compassionate, which is just what we needed. Afterwards, we received postpartum doula support from Lindsey and she helped with everything from providing referrals, listening, and playing with my toddler while I got some rest. As soon as I found out I was pregnant with our rainbow baby, I texted Lindsey and Emily (before we even told my family or friends) to make sure they were available and open to supporting us for another birth. Thankfully, they enthusiastically said “yes” and Emily was able to be at our son’s birth. I literally could not have done it without her and am forever grateful. And, Lindsey provided postpartum doula support again, which is always such a treat and has made my postpartum experience 100x better.
-KB
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“I am so thankful to have had Lindsey as my doula!! She is very personable & always made me feel like I'm a priority to her. She gave me resources (like books & podcasts, showed me & my partner comfort measures) to help me prepare for my natural birth & calmed me down when I was feeling anxious. She was never pushy about what I HAD to do and was very supportive of whatever choices I made. She really listened to what my needs are & made sure it was followed through during labor & delivery & responded intuitively & gently to my needs. She made me feel empowered & nurtured & cared for, something EVERY mom should feel!”
-R.L
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Emily, So many words i could say about her, but the main ones that come to mind, selfless, kind, gentle and funny. She saved us during Case’s birth. She helped me overcome my fear from one of the most traumatic events of my life by giving me confidence to welcome our baby girl into this world. The safe and peaceful atmosphere that she brings with her all women deserve to feel during birth.
Thank you for being you and having such a big impact on our lives. We will forever be grateful for you. We will never have another baby without you by our sides!
-KH
