Michelle Martinez, SBd

I knew something about how I wanted to give birth ever since my big sister had her babies at a birth center. In 2010, after marrying and starting to think more seriously about my own future kids, I began to learn more about birth, specifically home birth. Over the next years, I devoured birth stories, blogs, and videos, until I decided I wanted to become a doula and began buying and reading books to further my education. In 2014 I gave birth to my firstborn at home, in 2017 I had my second home birth, and in January 2020 I completed my doula training and certification through SBD.

I can’t imagine having made it through my birth experiences without the support and calming presence of my partner, my doula, and my midwife. All three of those roles were needed! I am fascinated by birth and babies, and I’m so excited to support as many families as possible through pregnancy and childbirth.

My Birth PHilosophy

It’s your body, your birth, and you get to do it in your own way. I believe you deserve information, support, and encouragement as you make your own decisions and become empowered through your birth experience - regardless of whether your pregnancy has been easy or hard, if you’ve faced fertility struggles, high risk pregnancy, birth complications, or losses, and regardless of where or how you’ve chosen to birth.

What does a doula do?

A doula is simply a support person. What kind of support you need is going to depend on your personality, your pregnancy, your plans, and your family. I am prepared to offer unconditional, personal support for labor, live birth, pregnancy loss, still birth, and postpartum. I can provide tools that may promote a vaginal rather than Cesarean birth, for example, and I can provide tools to work right alongside a Cesarean birth. If you’re just beginning to learn about what a doula is, you might get a better idea by reading the examples below.

Prenatal

During your pregnancy, I can be there for you as much as you need in order to answer your questions and help you prepare for the birth. I provide unlimited support via phone, text, or email. I can meet with you in person, and I can even help you create your birth plan or find a childbirth preparation class. I will be able to help answer your questions regarding labor choices, comfort measures, medical interventions, and more.

LABOR & DELIVERY

During labor, I will be present for as long as you need for physical and emotional support, advocacy, and more. I may help you change positions, remind you to eat and drink, help you breathe through contractions, provide counter-pressure, speak up regarding your birth preferences, and take photos. Again, the type of support you need is determined by you.

Postpartum

After your birth, I can help with newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, and light housekeeping such as laundry, dishes, and tidying up.

Pregnancy Loss

I also am available to support you in the event of pregnancy loss or stillbirth. To learn more about that, please click here.

“My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Michelle during our 4th pregnancy. Her support, knowledge, and calm presence were exactly what we needed to get through an emotionally and physically challenging 2-day labor. We had a very positive experience because of our birth team and Michelle's role was crucial to how we were able to achieve a great birth experience. I highly recommend Michelle to any parents who are considering doula support!” - Katelyn L.

“Michelle is wonderful! She is a godsend! My husband and I prayed that the right doula would come into our lives and help us through such a special and sensitive time. We met Michelle at a desperate time. I was on the week of my due date and after plans of having a doula there fell through, Michelle stepped in like she was there from the beginning. […]” - Christian E.