Kristin Revere: Transforming Birth Experiences: The Impact of Doulas on Maternal Care

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Weyrauch welcomes Kristin Revere, founder and CEO of Gold Coast Doulas. Kristin shares her journey in starting Gold Coast Doulas in 2015, initially as a solo birth doula and expanding to a team of 27 contractors, including lactation consultants, sleep consultants, and newborn care specialists. The discussion highlights the role of doulas as non-medical support persons, emphasizing their importance in providing comprehensive care for families during the birthing process and beyond. Kristin also co-authored the book "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby," which explores the various types of doulas and their significance in an interdisciplinary team. This episode is a valuable resource for expecting parents and those interested in understanding the multifaceted support doulas offer. Time Stamps:  [00:02:03] The role of doulas explained. [00:06:48] The evolving role of doulas. [00:10:17] Support during unpredictable birth. [00:18:08] Doula support for partners. [00:20:33] Importance of doulas in healthcare. [00:25:07] Importance of hydration postpartum. [00:30:08] Emotional support during postpartum. [00:31:40] Postpartum emotional support challenges. [00:36:18] Starting a doula service. [00:44:13] Collaboration in business mindset. [00:45:46] Connecting with Gold Coast Doulas. More About Kristin Revere: Kristin Revere is a woman who has always had a passion for supporting other women, both personally and professionally. In college, Kristin served on the Executive Committee of her sorority and organized events on campus related to breast cancer and other women's issues. She later facilitated nonpartisan political trainings for female candidates and volunteered for many nonprofits focused on women's issues. Kristin firmly believes in the power that lies within a woman and has spent her life drawing it out of the women she surrounds herself with. After the birth of her daughter in 2011, a new passion awoke within her. Kristin began reading and studying birth from all perspectives, philosophies, and medical approaches. She joined organizations like the Healthy Kent Breastfeeding Coalition and used her event coordinating skills to build and promote the organization and create community awareness. Kristin's research led her to learn about doulas, and in 2012 she hired doulas herself for the support of her second birth. The level of compassionate care and comfort that she received from her doulas ignited a spark within Kristin that led her to the path of becoming a doula herself. She earned her certification and began teaching Sacred Pregnancy classes in 2013, but as you'll see Kristin is a firm believer in achieving the highest level of education available when providing a service. Shortly after, she earned the following credentials. Certified Sacred Doula in 2014 Certified Elite Labor Doula through ProDoula in 2015 Certified Elite Postpartum and Infant Care Doula through ProDoula in 2016 Trained in Spinning Babies in 2020 Newborn Care Specialist through Newborn Care Solutions Mothership Certified Health Service Provider Certified VBAC Academy Pro Certified Transformational Birth Coach through Birth Coach Method Certified Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate (PAIL) 2022 Certified Gift Registry Expert through Be Her Village 2023 Kristin's main passion as a birth and postpartum doula is to offer women and families resources, unbiased support, and understanding. Kristin is a listener, a friend, a confidant, an expert, and women intuitively feel stronger in her presence. She has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Management in Marketing from Aquinas College. Kristin is the host of Ask the Doulas Podcast. Her writing has been featured in Rapid Growth Media and First Time Parent Magazine. Kristin was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2016 and in 2022. Kristin and the rest of the Revere Clan, which includes her husband, her step-daughter, and her two children, live in Grand Rapids and can be found taking in the sights at local art galleries, parks, music concerts, and community events. Resources from this Episode: Gold Coast Doulas Website Gold Coast Doulas on Instagram Gold Coast Doulas on YouTube Kristin on LinkedIn Ask The Doulas Podcast Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio