Frequently Asked Questions
What does a doula do?
In short, a doula holds the intimate and sacred birthing space. Whether it’s in a hospital, birthing center, or your own home, I am by your side to offer comfort, encouragement, and knowledge as you pursue your ideal birth. This includes suggesting rest and nourishment, facilitating position changes, and making sure your wishes are heard.
When should I hire a doula?
You can reach out at any point during pregnancy. Earlier gives us more time to get to know one another and prepare, but it's never too late to ask about support.
What if I want an epidural?
Absolutely. Doulas support people who choose epidurals. Your birth preferences belong to you, and my role is to support you rather than promote a particular type of birth.
Can you support a planned C-section?
Yes. We can talk about what support can look like before, during, and after a planned cesarean.
Do you support home birth?
Yes. I support families planning home births as well as hospital and birth-center births. However, most insurances do not cover home birth (though I heard a whisper about changes coming!) so you would need to pay the birth fee out-of-pocket.
Will you replace my partner or other loved one?
I would never, and I could never! Your partner or loved one remains an important part of your birth team. I'll support both of you and help them feel more confident in how they can support you.
Insurance, Medicaid, and Tricare Doula Coverage in Michigan
Does Michigan Medicaid cover doula services?
It does! Michigan Medicaid covers doula services for eligible Medicaid members.
There are no copays or deductibles for covered doula services, and prior authorization is not required.
The only thing you need to check is whether your doula is credentialed with your particular Medicaid health plan. I’m credentialed with multiple Michigan Medicaid plans, so if you tell me which plan you have, I can let you know whether I’m in-network.
How do I get a doula through Medicaid in Michigan?
To get a doula through Medicaid, first check which plan you have -- they all cover doula services but you'll want a doula who is credentialed with your specific plan (I can help with this if you’re unsure). Once confirmed, we’ll go over how to get started. I’ve worked with many clients navigating pregnancy with Michigan Medicaid, and I’m happy to make this process as smooth as possible.
What Medicaid plans are you credentialed with?
I’m currently credentialed with:
Priority Health
Molina Healthcare
Meridian
Blue Cross Complete
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Aetna Better Health
McLaren Health Plan
Don't see your plan? Ask me anyway. Health plan participation can change, and I’m happy to help you figure out your options.
What if I don’t have Medicaid? What are my other payment options?
If you don’t have Medicaid, I accept HSA and FSA cards, self-pay (cash, credit, or cashier’s check), and I’m an out-of-network provider for Tricare. My services are also reimbursable through Carrot. If finances are a concern, let’s talk -- I want this support to be accessible.
Are you in-network with Tricare?
I’m currently out-of-network with Tricare, but under new changes to the CBSD (Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration) there is NO out of pocket cost to you when you choose my 6 visit plan.
Can you check my coverage?
Yes! If you're unsure which Medicaid plan you have or want help navigating your options, I’m happy to help. Just send an email to hello@amaryllisdoula.com with your legal name, birthdate and any details you have, and we’ll talk through what’s covered and how to get started.
Partners, Providers, and Preparation
How will hiring you affect my partner(s)' role during the birth?
My role is to support everyone in the room. If you have a partner (or more than one), I support them just as much as I support you. They’ll have space to eat, rest, and take breaks knowing someone trusted is by your side. I never take over -- my goal is to make sure your whole team feels confident and included.
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
I respect and honor all medical providers. If something doesn’t match your preferences or birth plan, I’ll bring it to your attention so you can make informed choices. I work for you, not for the hospital.
Do you perform any medical procedures?
Nope. I don’t do cervical checks, take blood pressure, interpret test results or perform any clinical tasks. My support is emotional, physical, and informational -- never medical.
Can you still help if I have an epidural or C-section?
Absolutely. With an epidural, there are still comfort measures and positions that can help labor progress smoothly. For a Cesarean birth (planned or unplanned), I provide calm, steady support for you and your partner(s), and help you feel seen and grounded during the process.
Body Ready Method® FAQs
What is the Body Ready Method®?
The Body Ready Method® is a functional movement approach designed to help your body feel more aligned, mobile, and ready for the physical demands of birth and postpartum. It combines biomechanics, breathwork, and nervous system regulation so you can move through pregnancy and labor with more ease and confidence.
It’s not a fitness routine. It’s body awareness that actually makes a difference when it counts.
What’s different about working with a Body Ready Method trained doula?
When you work with me, you’re getting birth support from someone with additional training in movement, positioning, and body awareness during pregnancy and birth.
I use Body Ready Method® techniques to help you explore movement and positions that may improve comfort, encourage mobility, and help you feel more confident working with your changing body.
This may include:
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Movement to explore comfort and mobility
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Positioning suggestions during pregnancy and labor
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Techniques that can be adapted as labor changes
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Guidance that feels intuitive and practical—not performative
Whether you’re birthing at home, in a hospital, with or without medication, I use BRM tools to support your goals rather than force a one-size-fits-all approach.
What are the benefits of using BRM during pregnancy?
Working with a Body Ready Method pro like me can help:
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Ease back, hip, and pelvic discomfort
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Support smoother baby movement and rotation
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Build confidence in how your body works
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Set you up for an empowered birth and recovery
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Feel more connected and in tune with your body
It’s about preparing for birth in a way that feels grounded and sustainable -- not overwhelming.
How do you use BRM during birth?
I use Body Ready Method® techniques as one of the many tools in my doula toolkit -- not as a required part of your birth plan.
Depending on your comfort, your baby's position, and what's happening during labor, we may use movement, positioning, or hands-on techniques to encourage comfort and help your body work with labor.
Everything is adapted to you. You don't have to be athletic, flexible, or planning an unmedicated birth to benefit from Body Ready Method® support.
Is Body Ready Method just for unmedicated births?
Not at all. This work supports every kind of birth -- whether you’re planning unmedicated, an epidural, or a Cesarean. BRM helps your body work better, no matter how your birth unfolds.
Is BRM safe if I have pelvic pain or other issues?
BRM techniques can be adapted to your individual comfort and circumstances. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, pubic symphysis pain, SI joint instability, or another concern, I’ll modify or skip movements that aren’t appropriate for you.
I don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions, so if you’re experiencing persistent or significant pain, I’ll encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Can I practice BRM at home between visits?
Absolutely. During prenatal visits, I’ll walk you through movements you can practice at home -- nothing complicated, and no fancy equipment needed. Just small, intentional shifts that help your body feel better and prepare for labor.
I’m not flexible or athletic. Will this still work for me?
Yes, yes, and yes. You don’t need to be fit or bendy to benefit from this work. The Body Ready Method® is for everyone, no matter your body type or birth plan. And if you’re in Michigan looking for a BRM doula near you, I’ve got you.
