Meet Emily Richter of I serve Monroe County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Richter.

Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I had my first daughter in September of 2019 I decided on an elective induction. I was not provided with the information I needed to make an informed decision. It was a traumatic experience for me. So many individuals who give birth go through this kind of experience everyday. I decided I wanted to be a part of the solution. I took an online doula course through Childbirth Professionals International and gained my certification. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and having my own little one made it difficult to find any clients. I later also gained my certification as a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. I have yet to teach classes though as there are many road blocks in place. The community I serve doesn’t have the money to spend on any extras like Childbirth education classes that have an upfront cost. In 2022 Michigan proposed that medicaid cover doula services. When learning of this I began to take an additional certification course that was approved by MDHHS doula initiative program. Once again though life had other plans for me. I had my second daughter in February of 2024. In the fall of 2024 I began attending the Monroe County Great Start Collaborative meetings as a parent. It however reignited my passion to help birthing people. I have since completed my state approved doula certification course through Childbirth International. I now accept straight medicaid clients and am working towards contracting with all of the individual Michigan health plans.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. Personal life struggles have gotten in the way along with things like the pandemic, lack of funds, and the publics lack of knowledge on what a doula is and how we can be of service. Many believe a doula is the same as a midwife or that doulas are only for those who wish to have a “natural” or unmedicated birth. However, doulas are for everyone!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a doula and childbirth educator I support, educate, provide resources to, and advocate for birthing people and their families. The name of my company, Parade Birth Services LLC, is a reference to elephants. Sometimes a herd of elephants are referred to as a parade. When an elephant gives birth all the female elephants in the herd form a circle around her. This circle provides safety, love, and comfort. Anyone giving birth deserves to be surrounded by these things. I also believe that every single person giving birth deserves to have ALL of the information so they are able to fully give their informed consent or informed refusal. This is THEIR experience and birth is life long memory. Being pregnant, giving birth, and going through postpartum is the most vulnerable experience a person can have and being let into that person’s life and family during that time is a true privilege.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am still in the beginning stages but I do have one thing, become a part of a community. It is hard to put yourself out there but always worth it. The Monroe County Great Start Collaborative and the Region 9 Perinatal Quality Collaborative have been invaluable to me. I have been able to network with professionals and learn from others who have been doing this work far longer then me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Paradebirth.org
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/paradebirth