West Michigan Midwifery

09/08/2025

We have one more exciting introduction to make! Meet Lindsey Shigemoto! We are thrilled to have Lindsey joining us as a midwifery assistant!

Hi I'm Lindsey, the owner of My Doula Grand Rapids, where I walk alongside families through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I believe birth is powerful and l'm passionate about helping people feel supported and informed every step of the way. I
have been working on something very special lately, as I have been training to become a midwifery assistant. This means get to deepen my skills and support families and the midwives I love in even more meaningful ways.

I am an active certified body ready method professional, a certified birth photographer, and I have furthered my education in spinning babies and still birthday.
When I am not attending births, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two kiddos and our tiny dog. Reading and talking about books is my jam, and sometimes you will catch me out on a soul stroll in the park (especially in the fall).

I am so grateful to do this work and be invited into such sacred moments.

09/08/2025

We're so excited to introduce one of our newest midwifery assistants, who we're sure many of you will recognize! If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Emily, please take a moment to welcome her to the team!

I’m Emily. Second generation doula, birth photographer, and now midwife assistant. Birth has always been woven into my life story, I was even named after the midwife who caught me. ✨Growing up in a big family of 15, and now as a mom of four, I’ve seen firsthand how every birth is unique and deeply meaningful.

I’ve had the honor of supporting more than 200 families through their births, in both homes and hospitals across West Michigan. Three of my own children were born at home, it has shaped the way I walk alongside families with compassion, understanding, and respect for the choices they make.

I’m passionate about helping people feel supported, seen, and truly heard in their birth experiences. My background includes training in Spinning Babies, Fat Birth, Stillbirthday, Body Ready Method and many more.

More than anything, I want you to know that your story matters. However your birth unfolds, I’ll be there to hold space for you, cheer you on, and help you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

09/06/2025

Penelope the hippo just had an 11 lb baby! I would've expected bigger for a baby hippo! We know of a few newborns who outweighed this little bundle! 🥰 Who's got this mama beat with a bigger baby?

08/31/2025

We are so honored to be a part of so many families amazing journeys. Thank you for trusting us with your sacred experience. ❤️

08/28/2025

For many, the hardest part of prodromal labor is the emotional and mental part. Night after night of strong contractions that often end when the sun comes up can be discouraging. Calling your birth team over to your house and then having them leave without a baby in your arms can be stressful and disorienting.

So how can you cope through the mental/emotional labor?

✨Ignore the noise- Do your best to ignore the people who start each day asking if you're still pregnant, or if you're really sure you don't want to schedule an induction. The comments of often well-meaning loved ones can add more stress. A gentle reminder that you will let them know when the baby has arrived is sometimes needed.
✨Cry - Let the tears flow and have a good cry. Pregnancy is a time of heightened hormones and emotions. Prodromal labor intensifies this more. Give yourself space to allow those feelings.
✨Schedule some things to look forward to in the next few days. Having a pedicure, massage, or a date night with your partner on the calendar can help.
✨Bring your partner into the mix - let them help with massage, stretching, and relaxation. Spend some quality time together while you wait to meet your baby.

Prodromal labor is hard and it's one of those things that most midwives wish we could wave a magic wand and resolve! It doesn’t always go away even with all the tips and tricks we can offer, and honestly it's just not fair. Repeated bouts of strong contractions that don't lead to the birth of your baby can feel discouraging. Remember that this is not fake labor, you are not being dramatic if you feel extra emotional or sensitive, and you WILL eventually meet your baby.

08/27/2025

Yesterday we wrote about prodromal labor and some of the reasons prodromal labor might happen. Today, were discussing some ways to cope through the physical discomforts as you wait to meet your baby.

Easing the physical discomforts

✨Balance rest and gentle movement - Trying to walk or hike your way from prodromal labor into active labor is a recipe for exhaustion. Go for walks and add movement into your day, but remember to listen to your body and rest rest rest.
✨Epsom salt baths can help ease tension and slow contractions allowing for rest. This is a great time to pamper yourself too. Light some candles, tell everyone to give you privacy, and listen to a meditation track, podcast, or audiobook.
✨Hydrate - Really focus on staying hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you, bonus if it has a straw for convenience! Grab some sea salt or an electrolyte mix that you enjoy and add that to your water. This is important throughout pregnancy and especially in the warmer months.
✨Eat nourishing foods to continue supporting your growing baby and your body.
✨Prenatal Massage can help ease tension and add relaxation.
✨Abdominal Massage can be helpful in addressing an imbalance in the uterus.
✨Chiropractic care with a chiropractor trained in caring for you during pregnancy can be helpful.
✨Stretching and body balancing can help ease tension, balance out stretching ligaments, and encourage baby to reposition.

Try different things and see what feels most helpful for you! Tomorrow we'll go over some ways to ease the mental and emotional strain that can often accompany prodromal labor.

08/26/2025

The prodromal labor fairy has been making the rounds all over West Michigan! 🧚‍♀️

Prodromal labor is one of those terms you probably haven't heard until after you've experienced it. Contractions which feel strong and may be consistent and timeable, but eventually slow or stop altogether can be confusing and disorienting. You may have gone to bed hoping for some rest between contractions only to wake up in the morning surprised you were able to sleep and still waiting to meet your baby.

For some, this can continue for days or weeks leading up to active labor. Prodromal labor is sometimes referred to as “false labor,” which can bring feelings of defeat for those who have had night after night of strong contractions. While the contractions of prodromal labor do slow and stop, these contractions are not “false” and they are not “doing nothing.”

So why does prodromal labor happen?

Several factors can contribute to prodromal labor. We tend to see more prodromal labor when it's not your first pregnancy. For some, this increases with each pregnancy.
✨Dehydration can cause an increase in braxton-hicks contractions and instances of prodromal labor.
✨Stress, anxiety and tension can also cause an increase in braxton-hicks contractions and instances of prodromal labor.
✨Your baby’s position in the uterus. Sometimes a client will experience bouts of prodromal labor, which stop once their baby changes position or moves lower into the pelvis. Breech positioning oftentimes comes with more prodromal labor.
✨Uterine shape - The presence of fibroids or irregularities in the shape of the uterus can increase prodromal labor.

So, now you know some of the reasons why you may be experiencing prodromal labor, but how are you supposed to get through the days until you meet your baby?

Check back tomorrow for your prodromal labor survival guide!

03/14/2025

Join us in partnering with to increase access to Midwifery care in West MI! Everyone deserves a midwife ✨

✨If you are a family who had a birth with a midwife and would like to offer the gift to another family : Join us!

✨If you are an aligned professional, join us in building community!

✨If you are a midwife, join us in appreciation and celebration of the amazing work that we do!

Visit micommunitybirth.org to learn more about sponsorship or to buy your tickets!

03/08/2025

-Amy Romero

✨international women’s day 2025 ✨

02/26/2025