Meet Michelle
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, THW
Like many of the doulas on our team, Michelle operates from a huge well of love after raising her own babies into adulthood. She loves watching her clients become parents themselves, while they learn the skills they need to feel confident. Her wise woman skills includes both birth and postpartum support for the continuity of care that families value. If you were to ask Michelle what she values most with her client families, she will tell you that it’s the bond that forms with her clients during this special time in their lives. Developing a trusting relationship and demonstrating integrity in her work are important components of the care she provides.
More About Michelle
Michelle has been offering families her support and caregiving tips and tricks for years in the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Prior to becoming a Doula, Michelle spent 13 years as a nanny, working with many families, oftentimes helping older siblings transition to life with a new baby as she had to do herself. Her training and certification as a birth and postpartum doula with Birthingway College of Midwifery has served her well and given her the skills necessary to lovingly support new families. You can be assured of receiving evidence-based information in both birth and postpartum support and, if needed, referrals to the perinatal experts in our area.
Clients love their time spent with her through both birth and the postpartum time frame, and treasure her attentive care, dedication to their needs, and wise womanly guidance. Michelle is a clear communicator, gentle guide, and can be a strong advocate when needed. She provides overnight care as well as birth support, and loves to work locally near her home in Vancouver, but will also commute into Portland.
Michelle's primary goal during her time with your family is caring for the birthing person and new baby, however, she routinely does so much more. By the time she has left for the day, you will likely find your laundry done, kitchen cleaned, diapers stocked and the family's next meal prepared. Taking as much off your plate as possible and allowing you the time to heal and bond with your new baby is of the utmost importance.
Birth work has been such a huge part of her life, and clients tell us she knew exactly how to meet their needs to make their birth a beautiful experience. We love how she integrates with the hospital staff and uses respectful care with everyone she encounters. She and our doula Jen often share families as birth doulas, and this has been a huge benefit to our clients who fall in love with them both and can’t choose which doula to hire.
When Michelle is not busy supporting new parents, she can be found cooking up a Sunday night dinner for her kids and enjoying a competitive board game. She also loves taking advantage of our beautiful Pacific NW by way of hiking, beach trips and golfing. Her current availability is for overnight support (especially in the Vancouver metro area) as well as labor and birth support.