Stacey Figg, PCD (DONA)
Postpartum Doula Services, Owner of The Village Doula GR LLC
The Village Doula GR Website
The Village Doula GR Website
Services
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Biography
My husband, John, and I are the quintessential, proud parents of two "Figglets"...Riley (10) and Rowan (7). I have worked full time inside and outside of the house and just about everywhere in between. I openly admit that for me, it's much easier to go to work every morning than manage a houseful of little people, especially now that I know what I want to be when I grow up. On a more serious note, my experience as a new mom was not what I expected. After enduring a traumatic birth my world started to turn upside down. I felt as tho my unplanned cesarean section was my first failure as a mother. Besides that, I found motherhood to be lonely and isolating. On top of all the "normal" changes I was going through, I was diagnosed with perinatal anxiety when Riley was just 10 weeks old. Beyond the severe anxiety, I was experiencing panic, symptoms of OCD, and sleeplessness (not because of the baby). I was devastated to say the least. Looking back, those were some of the most desperate and challenging days of my life. To be diagnosed with a Perinatal Mood/Adjustment Disorder is not what you expect to encounter when you give birth to a beautiful new baby. I felt worthless, overwhelmed, and overcome but fought to find my "old" self again. My own patient advocacy and strong support system helped me through some of my darkest days. The emotions were fierce and the struggle was real. In my mind, I had it all and never, ever thought that I would find myself where I did in 2010. Because of my experience, I have made it my mission to inspire other moms by sharing my journey. It's not just my story that I aim to spread, but also honesty about motherhood and the parenting profession in general. Motherhood is a long journey and all too often we feel as if we have to do it all alone or are forced to do it alone based on circumstances. The work I have done over the past 6 years in the postpartum community has furthered my passion to become a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula. My role as the Village Doula in our community is to provide non judgmental support to all mothers (along with partners, support persons, and families) that have recently had a new baby. Transitioning a new little person into your word can be a challenge, whether it's your first or your fourth baby. I will also continue to advocate and work diligently to destigmatize maternal mental health issues and illness for mothers who suffer during the postpartum period. Please contact me for a FREE consultation as I look forward to serving families in the West Michigan area! Be well. |