ABOUT HELPING US GROW
Growing a stronger, more supported doula community in the Greater Lansing area
Helping Us Grow, also known as HUG, is a Lansing-area doula collective created to support families, uplift Black and BIPOC birthworkers, and improve access to compassionate, culturally responsive doula care.
A COLLECTIVE ROOTED IN CARE, ADVOCACY, AND COMMUNITY
HUG was created in response to a clear need in our community
Improved Black maternal and infant health outcomes
Better support for pregnant and parenting people
More practicing doulas of color serving families in the Lansing area
Our work brings together education, mentorship, referrals, advocacy, and outreach so families can better understand and access doula support, while doulas receive the connection and resources they need to grow in their work.
Because birth support is not just about one moment. It is about feeling heard, respected, prepared, and cared for before, during, and beyond birth.
OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE
Make doula care easier to understand, access, and trust.
Helping Us Grow exists to support both sides of doula care: the families who need support and the doulas who provide it.
OUR IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
Nearly 50 Black doulas trained in birth and postpartum care
Through training, mentorship, and community-centered support, this work has helped increase access to Black doulas in Ingham County and the Greater Lansing area.
The doulas connected through this collective to bring their own experiences, strengths, and approaches to birthwork. Some support pregnancy and labor. Some support postpartum care. Many support families across both seasons.
What they share is a commitment to compassionate care, informed support, and helping families feel seen, respected, and supported throughout their journey.
Meet Our Doulas
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![A woman with curly dark hair, smiling with teeth showing, wearing a sleeveless maroon top with light-colored trim, a round pendant necklace, and a black choker, standing against a plain light background.]()
Julia Powers
NURTURE & CONNECT DOULA SERVICES LLC
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![Woman with long dark hair wearing a light-colored blazer and pink collared shirt, standing against a white marble background.]()
Candice Ross
DIVINE MAMA DOULA
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![Close-up of a smiling woman with braided hair, wearing large hoop earrings and a black textured top, outdoors with a blurred green leafy background.]()
Domonique Brace
NORTH STAR BIRTHING SERVICES
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![Close-up of a smiling woman with dark hair, wearing a teal blouse, standing against a brick wall.]()
Sharde' Burton
NORTH STAR BIRTHING SERVICES
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![A young woman with straight black hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black t-shirt that says "Black Maternal Health Matters."]()
LaTrisha Jenkins
GRACEFUL HANDS DOULA CARE
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![Close-up image of a woman with curly dark hair, wearing a pink sleeveless top, smiling at the camera, with a light-colored door in the background.]()
Kalia Dilworth
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![A smiling woman with dark dreadlocks, wearing a gray cardigan, black top, silver necklace, and hoop earrings.]()
Tabitha Weekes-Boyles
ECHO EMBRACE DOULA SERVICE
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![A smiling woman with glasses and curly hair, wearing a headband and a sweatshirt that says 'Mother the', in front of a light green background.]()
Kendra Smith
MOTHER NURTURED DOULA CARE
LOOKING FOR OTHER OPTIONS?
HUG is affiliated with the Michigan Black Birthworker Directory, a resource designed to help families connect with Black birthworkers across Michigan.
Families can use the directory to explore doulas, learn about their services, and connect directly with the birthworker who feels like the right fit for their needs.
This directory includes both doulas trained by HUG and independent doulas not affiliated with our training program.
Whether you are looking for support or growing your birth work, you belong here
HUG is here to help families feel more supported and doulas feel more connected, visible, and confident. If you are ready to learn more, connect with care, or get involved, we would love to hear from you.