It has been 12 years since my having my first child, and it unfortunately was a nightmare experience. In talking with Michelle she has set my mind at ease this time around. I wish I had known the things that Michelle has taught me now, back then. It’s so comforting to know all the options we have and that we do have control in our chaotic births, whatever may end up happening. It’s so great to know that in the heat of the moment there is someone there for us, for our needs and wants and wishes, to support us, and follow through even after delivery, with anything else that may arise. She is amazing and has such a confidence with her knowledge, let alone the experience herself. She knows what mothers, fathers, and families need! I am lucky to be able to share in her wisdom, love and light in this very special time of our lives. ~A.
I chose to go with a doula for my fifth and final baby. I picked Michelle because I felt very comfortable with her. And I could tell that she would give me the support I needed, not to mention all the training and knowledge she has. I went through weeks of false labor and even through the many times I bugged her, she was still an amazing support. She made me laugh and helped me to forget about my frustrations of not being in labor yet. She helped remind me of stretches and techniques I should be doing to encourage labor and get baby into position. One night I was so frustrated with not going into actual labor. She asked if I had been doing the Rebozo shaking methods. One method I hadn’t tried yet. So after some good butt shaking, I started having painful contractions almost immediately afterwards. When we got to the hospital, she helped make my contractions bearable. Even though I chickened out of a completely natural delivery, she still supported me through it all. It was my easiest and fastest labor yet. I honestly feel I couldn’t have done it without her. She was amazing! I’d choose her all over again if I were to have another baby.~ J.
I have to do a MAJOR shout out to Michelle. My niece delivered a beautiful girl last weekend. This was her first and her anxiety was fairly high. The doctors kept telling her that her pelvis was too small and that she’d have to get a c-section. I kept her well adjusted (as a chiropractor), but it was Michelle who saved the day. My niece kept telling me over and over how much she appreciated Michelle. She never gave up on my niece and helped her through 27 hours of labor. She worked her magic and prevented the c-section! I can’t thank her enough for her love and service. My sister who was there said that after having 7 kids of her own, that after seeing Michelle work with my niece that if she had to do it over again, she would have a doula for every birth. I love this work and community. Thank you again Michelle. ~J
After 2 hospital/epidural births and one c-section I decided to have my fourth baby at home. My midwife was concerned about my baby being in an ideal position for delivery. Being 1 day away from my due date I inquired online and found Michelle. She came to my home and taught me some things I could do and she did some facilitated stretching with me to help baby make a shift. She also pampered me with the best feet/hand massage I’ve ever had. My midwife was happy with the results and I started contractions more regularly that night. I went into active labor the next day and had a very smooth delivery. I’m convinced that this was the result of my visit with Michelle. She was extremely supportive and had I not gone into active labor and delivery so quickly, I would have loved to have Michelle present as my doula. ~E.
Michelle was a great support to me during the most intense part of labor. Before hiring a doula, I was concerned that my husband would feel awkward or feel replaced or not feel like it was a worthwhile investment. But after my long labor he said, “That was awesome. If I didn’t feel like standing up [to apply counter-pressure], she did it and you were still cared for.” And to be honest, she did it a little better than my husband. My husband was my sole labor companion for our first two births, and for the first 10 hours or so of this labor, but when we came to transition, having Michelle as our doula, when it was very intense for me and when my husband was getting tired, was fantastic. Saved our relationship from any injury and made for a great birthing experience. ~T.
As a husband and father there is typically not much we can help with during the pregnancy and birthing process, but great for those that can do more. For most of us it’s hard to know what to do because the medical staff is so focused on their procedures to ensure safety of the mother and child that the mother’s birthing plan and wishes can get overlooked and the fathers don’t receive the guidance we need to help where we can. Having a doula fills these needs, especially with regards to Michelle. Her experience, professional understanding, and personal guidance were an incredible support. It made us both feel at ease. She was so dedicated and informative during my wife’s pregnancy. She provided many things to help my wife with relief, comforting, and techniques to try. There is so much information out there and it is so overwhelming to go through. With Michelle, she made a plan with us with regards to my wife’s wishes. Her correspondence during my wife’s pregnancy was an incredible help as well. Her sense of humor was just what my wife needed during many tough times. If you have ever considered seeking the help of a doula, again, I would highly recommend Michelle. I have spent 20 years of my life in customer service, that I have a good judge of character and bearing of an individual which is why I feel confident in recommending Michelle. ~K.