Inspiring Conversations with Elizabeth Beeker of Elizabeth Beeker’s Birth Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Beeker.

Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
My journey into the birth world began in 2003 when I was born! My mom had a doula during her labor with me and frequently remarked on how sweet and helpful she was to her! 

Flash forward, I was reintroduced to it when I was 14, on my second missions trip to Africa. There, our family friend, Rachel, was learning how to be a midwife for the Gaabra Tribe in Kenya, Africa. Fascinated, I remember asking her frequent questions and being recommended the book ”Heart & Hands.” After coming home, I immediately ordered it from the library, which sparked my passion into women’s health and my determination to become a birth worker! 

January 2023, I was offered a unique opportunity by Region Nine and the Great Start Collaborative to be sponsored through training, so I seized it! I completed my training in March through DONA International. 

I love this field because I am helping women. From fostering open conversations about postpartum depression to helping first-time moms, I am here for it! 

In my county, we have one of the lowest prenatal care rates in the entire state of Michigan. My state also has a high mother mortality rate, and I want to use my role to help educate, empower, and equip the mothers in my community! I believe that doula care plays a vital role in improving birth outcomes and lowering this statistic. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any small business owner will tell you that beginning is ROUGH. 

There is so much to learn and navigate, but I feel like it’s been worth it! A vital part in my success has been becoming a member of Better Birth Jackson, a doula collective. Here, I met other doulas who are passionate about their role, dedicated to their community, and were willing to help me become established. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Elizabeth Beeker’s Birth Services?
I am a Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator based in Hillsdale, MI. 

I walk with mothers and families through pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum. My role includes childbirth education, natural pain management, patient advocacy, and birth empowerment. 

One thing that sets me apart is my community connections. I have privately met up with OBGYNS, Midwives, Chiropractors, Cranio-Sacral therapists, etc., to form connections and brainstorm ways to help the families in our community! Additionally, I am creating my own childbirth curriculum and have been collaborating with other doulas, moms, and midwives to create it. 

I have also recently been invited to be a guest speaker at Hillsdale College for their women’s health course in late September. 

Since establishing my business, I have also founded the Moms of Hillsdale County Facebook group. 

Additionally, I have begun content creating on Instagram and Facebook to inform parents about childbirth, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. 

I’m not sure what I am most proud of, but I can say that it has been an honor to be able to empower mothers and help make my community a better place! 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Just ask! Find people you look up to and reach out to; the worse they can say is no. Also, don’t waste time on people who don’t support you or your vision; be amicable, but find individuals who truly support you. 

Pricing:

• Birth Doula Services: $750-$1,000 (Accepting payment plans and offers a sliding scale for low-income families)
• Prívate Childbirth Education Class: 3-4 hour class $250 (includes a copy of my curriculum)
• Baby Belly Henna: Starting at $50

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ebbirthservices
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090911648250&mibextid=LQQJ4d