Michelle Hottya Doula Profile

Michelle was (is) amazing!!  I used another doula for my first child, and believe me - I really know Michelle is wonderful and knows her stuff. She really put me at ease in the labor room, both physically and mentally.  She is a true comfort - and professional, yet kind.  She listened to me and really "read" me and my needs, even when I couldn't verbalize what I needed.  THAT is a true gift.  She also visited after the birth and it was wonderful to have her support. I'd recommend Michelle in a heartbeat!

I can't wait to work with Michelle again! Michelle made our birth experience the beautiful home birth that it was. Our original doula was sick, and had called Michelle last minute to see if she could go as a back-up to our birth. Michelle was just driving into Phoenix after being out-of-state for the weekend, and after not getting much sleep, she didn't miss a beat and said 'of course' she would. The two things that helped me through the pain was 1. the warm birth pool and 2. Michelle's breathing techniques she taught me as soon as she came. I felt stupid making 'ahhh" sounds and breathing and talking low, but Michelle and my spouse would do it and then let me chime in so that I felt comfortable. She noticed and met every need before I even knew what I needed. She used massage oils and massaged my legs and feet, put music on low, gave me sips of water and protein smoothie, and was focused on me and what was going on with me the entire time. I couldn't have done it without her. She is very calm and unassuming, inconspicuous, yet so helpful and ever present. I would never have a birth experience without a doula, they are a MUST! and Michelle was great. She came out to the home 2 days after the birth and helped me with breastfeeding with her lactation consulting expertise. She took a lot of time with me and my baby, and made it all a great experience! I highly recommend her whether you are having your baby in a hospital with a doctor, a birthing center, or at home. She is amazing!

My husband and I hired Michelle a few months before I had my first baby in 2010. We did this after meeting her at a doula run birth class. When I felt it was time to get to the hospital, Michelle met us there.  Also, she was available to us via phone calls and texts while I was in labor at home the day before. I was past my due date and she was on call before that date and after that date passed which really helped me feel like I had someone on my side, besides my husband. It was nice to have someone who knew A LOT about giving birth and had experienced it for herself as well. Since this was my first experience for both me and my husband, I felt more confident about the whole process because I could rely on Michelle's previous experience and suggestions. Additionally, I ended up realizing, close to the end of my pregnancy, that my OB doctor wasn't on my side for my birth plan. I felt more confident with my husband and doula supporting me all of the way. My labor ended up being a lot longer than even an average first-timer in labor. I didn't want to have a c-section but after 3 days, it felt good knowing I had tried my hardest to stick to what I wanted and was able to accept the changes to my original birth plan a lot better.  As soon as my baby was born, my husband went with him to the NICU and Michelle was able to come in and hold my hand while they finished the surgery. I don't know what I would have done without her during that time since the surgery did get complicated. I can't express enough how much her presence and support helped me through everything. If you are considering a doula, Michelle is a WONDERFUL choice.

Having Michelle at the birth of my daughter was fantastic! I began looking for a doula only 2 weeks out from my due date (7/2/10) and I was hoping to have a VBAC. During our initial phone conversations she was very helpful and sounded excited to try out some of the things I was interested in, and once I met her I knew she was the person I wanted to have with me for labor.

When the evening arrived, Michelle was right there with me, supportive and calm, the entire time. I believe she was actually at the hospital with me for 15 hours or so! She had great ideas/suggestions for coping with labor, for trying to help it progress, and was a huge help to my husband (they were a wonder 'tag-team' support system!).

I ended up with another c-section (due to a short cord on my baby), and she was with me during that as well, for which I am SO greatful! I was freaking out a bit during the c-section and she stayed right with me - calm and patient - helping me breath through the anxiety and making sure that my needs were taken care of giving my husband the opportunity to concentrate on making sure our child was OK as well.

I can recommend Michelle, without reservations,  to anyone looking for a doula. She's fabulous and I'm so happy that I got to have her be part of my labor team!

Michelle Hottya was the second person I interviewed while searching for a doula when I was pregnant with my son.  I knew immediately that Michelle was the person I wanted to support me during my labor.  She has a calm nature and a gentleness about her that I felt would be great for me while having my first experience with a homebirth.  The combination of calm/gentle and knowledgeable/informed made it easy to choose Michelle.  I wanted a doula that would comfort me yet make me feel under control and Michelle provided that and more.  If you're searching for a doula that will listen to you and anticipate your needs, then Michelle Hottya is the person you need.  Not to mention she is incredibly passionate about her work!