Jenna Markey

6/10/2024

Working with Michelle as my doula throughout my pregnancy journey has been nothing short of incredible. From the moment I met her I felt an instant connection and comfort. Michelle's dedication to her craft goes far beyond a professional obligation; it's rooted in genuine care and a commitment to supporting mothers through every step of their pregnancy. Throughout the entire process, Michelle showed what it means to go above and beyond. She wasn't just there for the birth; she was a constant source of encouragement, knowledge, and comfort. Michelle's expertise provided me with invaluable guidance, easing any anxieties I had and empowering me to embrace the journey ahead with confidence. But what truly sets Michelle apart is her unwavering kindness and empathy. Beyond her role as a doula, she became a trusted confidante and a friend. She took the time to understand not just my physical needs, but also my emotional and spiritual well-being, while offering support and understanding throughout the highs and lows of pregnancy. With her by my side, I felt empowered and supported every step of the way, allowing me to embrace the beauty of childbirth with a sense of peace and joy. In the end, Michelle's impact extended far beyond the delivery room. She played an integral role in shaping my journey into motherhood, leaving an indelible mark on both me and my family. I am endlessly grateful for her dedication, her warmth, and her unwavering commitment to her clients. Michelle isn't just a doula; she's a guardian angel. I cannot recommend her highly enough to any mother-to-be seeking a truly transformative and deeply meaningful birthing experience. Thank you, Michelle, from the bottom of my heart, for everything.

Joanna Fazio

5/20/2024

It's hard to put into words how grateful my husband and I are to have found Michelle. At 35 weeks pregnant and with limited time, I was panicking to find a doula. I connected with Michelle through Holistic Beginnings which I found on Doula Match. Fortunately, Michelle was available for our due date and was accommodating in setting times to meet despite only having a few weeks left. She went above and beyond to make sure we felt prepared and positive heading into birth. She shared suggestions and a range of resources for us to reference that included a pain management guide, stages of labor map, a book on how to use a rebozo and she even left us notes she had written to help us time contractions. As first time parents, we felt so much more confident after meeting with her.

I ended up going into labor at 38 weeks and Michelle was our first call! Michelle encouraged me to get up and keep moving which I believe was the key to my dream birth!

At the birthing center, Michelle helped release tension in my lower back and hips with massages and hip squeezes. She brought items for pain management and that helped keep a relaxed calm environment. Michelle noticed I kept tightening and shrugging my shoulders up towards my ears, she reminded me to relax and soften my shoulders down with each contraction. This helped immensely! I was able to shift my focus to release my upper body which helped things move along more quickly.

I had her and my husband working in tandem to support me and they were the absolute dream team! I got my wish of a water birth and had a beautiful baby boy with zero complications not too long after arriving at the birthing center (only 4 hours!).

Michelle embodied our birth plan while providing her own strategies, the perfect balance that led to an incredible birth experience. We can't thank her enough for her guidance and support and hope to have her by our side as we continue to grow our family!