Steady hands, open arms, and your story at the center.
Meet Emily Croff, CD, CBD
Hey there! I’m a second-generation doula, birth photographer, and now midwife assistant. Birth has always been woven into my life story—I was even named after the midwife who caught me. Growing up in a big family of 15, and now as a mom of four, I’ve seen firsthand how every birth is unique and deeply meaningful.
I’ve had the honor of supporting more than 250 families through their births, in both homes and hospitals across West Michigan. Three of my own children were born at home, which has shaped the way I walk alongside families with compassion, understanding, and respect for the choices they make.
I’m a Certified Doula through BEST Training, Certified Bereavement Doula and Photographer, and Spinning Babies Certified, with additional training through Stillbirth Day. I provide trauma-informed care, support teen parents, and offer size-friendly, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC-inclusive care within 1.5 hours of Grand Rapids.
I’m passionate about helping people feel supported, seen, and truly heard in their birth experiences. More than anything, I want you to know that your story is important. However your birth unfolds, I’ll be there to hold space for you, cheer you on, and help you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
Our Heart
Open Arms Birth Co. was built on the belief that families deserve genuine, compassionate support during one of the most important transitions of their lives.
My approach is simple: show up with open arms, open ears, and an open mind. Every family, every pregnancy, and every birth is different. Because of that, my role is never to fit you into a specific idea of what birth “should” look like, but to support you in the experience that feels right for you.
I believe in honest communication, evidence-based information, and creating a space where parents feel respected, safe, and empowered in their decisions.
Whether I’m supporting you as your doula or documenting your story through photography, my goal is the same: to provide steady support, genuine care, and a presence that helps you feel less alone during one of the most powerful moments of your life.
