Cathrine

6/24/2019

PART TWO

Michelle was quick to inform us if she thought we were lacking education on subjects regarding pregnancy & birth. (As most first time parents are.) But she was even quicker to support our choices, even if they were different from what she might have chosen for herself. That invaluable support, is not something new parents are blessed with often.

Though the hospital didn’t allow her into the room during my daughter’s birth, she was there before surgery & was the first face we saw after. Her camera clicking away, capturing the most important moments of my life.

Her support following Isabella’s birth did not disappoint. Her in home follow up appointment was a blessing. Seeing a familiar & friendly face in those sleep deprived, nervous new mom days was just what I & my husband needed. To hear the sweet comfort of what I was doing right & the wise education on what I could do to make things easier on myself & my daughter.

I credit my easy breastfeeding experience largely to her guidance. As a woman that had little to no exposure to breastfeeding, to becoming a champion & advocate for it, is no small feat. And not one I achieved alone. In the age of online mom groups, she was a real life, life line to logic & encouragement.

Michelle’s job is birth photographer & doula. We paid her for her time & services. But not once, did she make us feel like we were just another paycheque. Her care was professional; yes. 100%. But it was also personalized. She was there day, & night for the scariest, most amazing 41 weeks of my life. And even after. Her presence in your life & the experience of service, love & support will change your entire pregnancy & birth journey for the better.

Look no further. You have found your Doula.

Cathrine

6/24/2019

PART ONE

It has taken almost a year since my daughter was born, to find words that give Michelle the credit she deserves for the wonderful care & support that she provided my husband & I.

She was one of the first people I told we were even trying, and when we were expecting. She has become not only a trusted advisor on everything baby related (pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding- you name it.) She has also become a life long friend.

My husband, had little interest in having a doula. He had no idea what one was, but he  knew not to tell his pregnant wife “no” when she was serious about wanting something. From our first meeting with Michelle, she proved to him just how valuable an asset she would be to our birthing team. To him. And though we ended up having a c-section due to my baby being breech, Michelle never faltered.

She was an emotional rock through the final weeks of pregnancy, helping me trying to turn my baby so we could attempt the natural birth plan she knew was important to me. She answered random & important questions; was a sounding board for even the craziest of a soon to be mama’s concerns.

Continued...

Sadie L.

6/21/2019

Michelle attended the second birth of my daughter Izzy. At that time Michelle was only hired as a birth photographer as I wanted someone to capture the amazing tender moments of child birth. Michelle stepped up to the plate even more than expected. She became a rock, and a gentle coach for my birth. She was the voice who helped me when I wanted to quit. Going and above the call of duty. It was soon after this I discovered Michelle had trained as a doula. 

When I discovered I was pregnant and with twins ther was no doubt in my mind that I neded to have Michelle again, both as a doula and photographer. Michelle was a wealth of knowledge and support before, during, and after the birth. I loved that I was able to contact her whenever I needed. Words can not express just how amazing Michelle is! 

trevor svandrlik

4/18/2018

Michelle was hired to do our photography but stepped up and acted not only as our doula but she also mentored the newer doula we had with us. As the husband I wanted to be involved and provide as much support to my wife as I could; Michelle showed me the pressure points on the hands and shoulders to help Mommy through the contractions. It's been 13 days since our daughter was born and Michelle is still helping us with questions about lactating. Even though she was only hired to take pictures she has been an integral part of my wife's post partum journey, and I couldn't be more grateful!

Kenya Lluvias

4/12/2018

I had the pleasure to have Michelle as my doula and photographer for the birth of my second baby, we had planned a home birth again with an amazing midwife. Michelle was great reassurance during the labor, she came early and gave me ideas on how to relax and cope with contractions, then when labour had stalled and it seemed we had to go to the hospital, she stayed calm and kept her distance for the midwife and us to take a decision. Then when baby decided she wanted to be born at home, it was very intense 20-30 minutes but Michelle was always a great support and help!
She knows some great massages techniques that will help your partner to help you better and that help to take the focus of the contractions on the back and she is always smiling and ready to help!

Leann Robinson

2/14/2018

Michelle was a pleasure to work with from the moment we met her, to the moment i gave birth. She was always very calm and assertive. She would help answer any question i had in a timely manner (this was wonderful as i am a first time mom). While i was in labor i really enjoyed having her there. She helped keep me calm and make the whole process easier. I couldnt imagine having done it without her! I hope to have the pleasure of having her for any future pregnacies/births.

Carleen Reiniger

10/2/2017

Michelle was very knowledgeable about what to expect during labor and after. She was instrumental in helping my husband to support me and she was able to refocus me when things got really intense. Her birth photography captured the most emotional, wonderful moments of my life and allowed me to relive my VBAC experience in a new and beautiful way. Michelle was always available to answer my questions before and after baby was born, even  the middle of the night. She definitely contributed to my very positive and empowering VBAC experience.

Carleen Reiniger

10/1/2017

Michelle was very knowledgeable about what to expect during labor and after. She was instrumental in helping my husband to support me and she was able to refocus me when things got really intense. Her birth photography captured the most emotional, wonderful moments of my life and allowed me to relive my VBAC experience in a new and beautiful way. Michelle was always available to answer my questions before and after baby was born, even  the middle of the night. She definitely contributed to my very positive and empowering VBAC experience.

Nida M

2/19/2017

Working with Michelle was a wonderful experience. I was very honest since the beginning of meeting her that I had major anxiety over birth and delivery and she guided me through most of my pregnancy by answering questions, relieving concerns and being a firm stand by for anything I needed. She played the role of an informant to help my husband and I make decisions independently, empowering me at the same time to communicate with medical professionals my comfort level with different interventions. Postpartum was the toughest and I found Michelle to be a real catalyst in helping me get through some difficult moments,understanding the hormonal changes and sudden life change with a newborn and breastfeeding. Michelle was indeed a real support throughout the entire experience of having a baby and remains a great resource for me. Her personality is such that I find it difficult to believe she wouldn't get along with anyone! I recommend Michelle to anyone who is looking for support. She customize her guiding style based on what you need!

Thank you for everything Michelle,

best of luck,

Nida & Sultan

Cara Ludwig

9/15/2016

We felt comfortable with Michelle from the first time we met with her. She took the time to get to know us and what we had envisioned for labour and delivery, offering her insight and plenty of information for consideration along the way.  The resources that she provided along the way were very useful, and my husband and I referenced them multiple times leading up to labour, during, and after.  I very much appreciated her checking in with me if it had been a while since we last spoke. Michelle has a calm demeanour, and was a great asset to help my husband in supporting me throughout labour. She was observant and gently guided him as things progressed, while at the same time respecting our space. It was definitely an added bonus that she brings her camera with her - we are so grateful to be able to have images from the day that capture such precious memories.  It was definitely one of the best days of our lives!

Ashley Bosse

1/25/2016

We have been lucky enough to have Michelle as our doula twice and could not imagine going through the birth experience without her. From our very first meeting she impressed us with her knowledge, professionalism, and thoroughness. She provided us with extensive resources that helped us understand and make the best decisions for us regarding our prenatal care, the birth itself, and the postpartum period. Michelle always welcomed our questions and would check in on us if she hadn't heard from us in awhile.

During my actual labours Michelle was fantastic. She helped keep myself and my husband calm and focused. She was incredibly observant and was able to suggest different positions or massage techniques that helped me, just by watching me. She has an intuitive gift, she could tell when my labours were progressing at each step along the way. Thanks to her planning and all the work we did together we felt prepared for our birth and succeeded in having the birth experience we wanted.

I would absolutely reccomend Michelle to anyone looking for a doula.

Zammy Abdi

11/21/2014

Michelle, Michelle, Michelle! A true lifesaver! I had no idea what to expect while being pregnant with my first baby. The thought of delivery is something that terrified me and did not want to think about at all! In the weeks leading up to birth she kept me calm by offering me positive insight on what would be a huge milestone. At first I was very reluctant with the idea of having a stranger in the room during a very special moment. Over the months Michelle kept in contact with me and we met up a few times to discuss prenatal care as well as a birthing plan. I am so glad that we sat down and discussed this!! The day I went into labour I totally freaked out, I called Michelle and informed her my water broke, she came very prompt. Throughout my whole labour experience Michelle made sure I never felt alone or scared, and she helped make the best of a painful situation. She went above and beyond my expectations and made sure that my birthing plan was followed. She helped me stay calm throughout my contractions by doing breathing exercises which not only helped my labour progress but made me feel relaxed. I was in labour for 23 hours and in that time Michelle did not leave. When I felt like I could not do it anymore she encouraged me and gave me the strength I needed to continue. My birth experience could not have gone as well as it did without the help of Michelle. I highly recommend Michelle, she helped me welcome my baby into this world calmly and peacefully.

Zammy

AndreShelby Tellier

6/11/2014

Michelle was friendly and professional from our first meeting. We were very excited to have her attend our birth and have her document the process. she was very helpful in he delivery room and made the waiting periods more manageable. I especially liked that she coached my husband on ways to help me manage my pain. Michelle showed me different postions for birthing and was an overall asset to our birth process.

Sadie Lowe

6/3/2014

Michelle was beyond fantastic. She didn't yet have her doula training, but was able to help me through our birth and was extremely encouraging. She became a focal point during the pushing phase and was able to help me realize i could birth naturally the way i had always intended. She was fabulous from behind and beyond the lense. She knew when to arrive, we had spoken to her and were going to call back after getting in touch with our midwife, and she had enough instinct to not wait for our call, but to instead get in her car. I'm happy she did, as I was well on my way to delivery.
I like that she took every single photo imaginable and was able to capture every single little detail. She is very personable and I was able to become comfortable with her from the very first meeting. I honestly don't think I have anything that I didn't like, she was great, and a true rock for me.