Meet Hanna Ruso, CD(DONA)

Certified Birth Doula | Birth Photographer | Lamaze Educator | Mother of 4 | Crunchy Hippie Mama

As a certified birth doula through DONA International and a professional Birth Becomes You birth photographer, I’ve had the incredible honor of witnessing nearly 400 births over the last twelve years.

The families I support are capable, intuitive, and eager to learn. Whether they’re planning a hospital birth, homebirth, birth center experience, or unassisted freebirth, they all share one thing: a desire to make informed, empowered choices for themselves and their babies. Walking alongside them during this life-changing journey is my greatest honor.

My Experience & Philosophy

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best care providers in Michigan, including:

Celeste Groenenberg, CPM, LM of Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery
The University of Michigan Midwives
Various homebirth, hospital, and freebirth families across the state

My training includes:

Spinning Babies® (2022)
Rebozo techniques for labor support
Certified Lamaze® Childbirth Educator
Placenta encapsulation specialist
Belly henna artist
Lifestyle, maternity, newborn & family photographer

In 2022, I became a certified Birth Becomes You birth photographer, deepening my ability to capture raw, authentic moments of strength, love, and transformation.

More About Me

When I’m not immersed in birth work, I’m a full-time mom of four energetic boys—who keep me on my toes with their travel soccer schedules. I love volunteering at their school, baking cakes for no reason, cooking nourishing meals, and taking spontaneous nature hikes (especially to the Dahlem Center here in Jackson).

I proudly identify as a crunchy hippie mama. I love eating clean, believe in holistic wellness, and... I’m working on the exercise part! I also share my home with three wild and wonderful puppies, who somehow manage to be more chaotic than toddlers.

Where I Serve

I offer birth support within approximately an hour of Jackson & Lansing, Michigan. This includes doula services, birth photography, and more.

How It Works

Free consultations/interviews are available by phone or in person.
Once you're ready to book, a signed contract and $800 deposit secures your spot on my calendar.
Remaining balance is due by 37 weeks of pregnancy.
We’ll meet for 1–2 prenatal visits, I’ll support you throughout your labor and birth, and we’ll follow up with a postpartum visit.

Payment & Insurance

HSA/Flex Spending Accounts can be used for doula services.
I accept all Medicaid plans that cover 100% of my fees.

Final Thoughts

Each birth is a unique and transformative adventure—a space where growth, learning, and love come alive. How you're supported and treated during birth matters. It impacts your transition into motherhood and the beginning of your baby's life. Let’s make sure that beginning is strong, respectful, and empowering—for both of you.

Photos of Hanna in work by Jennifer Marie photography from Jackson Michigan

HANNA ON THE NEWS-CLICK HERE Hanna Russo, Doula, Better Birth Jackson - JTV Jackson