The beautiful Michelle was technically my backup doula — but there was nothing “backup” about her presence.

From the Sunday before my birth, when she came over for OMP bodywork and gave me the most grounding pregnancy massage (where she told me to visualise seeing my baby’s face and pulling him to my chest — which I did, exactly like she said, just in a different location than planned), she was already holding space for something bigger.

My birth didn’t go to plan.
My waters broke at 37+3.
I became extremely unwell.
My home birth was ruled out.
I faced induction after 48 hours with ruptured membranes.

Emotionally, that was the hardest part.
My brain went from empowered and prepared to:
“I can’t do this.”
“I’ve failed myself.”
“I’ve failed my baby.”

And through all of that, Michelle was steady.
When I needed time, she reminded me that hosp policy isn’t law.
When I needed autonomy, she backed my decisions to decline unnecessary interventions and immediate induction.
When I needed information, she explained everything in a way my overwhelmed brain could actually process.

In the hospital room, which felt nothing like the home birth I had envisioned — she helped transform the space. Fairy lights. Affirmations. A galaxy light on the ceiling. Essential oils. Calm energy. She did acupressure and optimal positioning. She held my hand during VE’s and explained things gently when my brain was tapping out.

At one point in her notes she wrote I was “labouring like a champ” — and that phrase makes me emotional now. Because I didn’t feel like a champ in those moments. I felt wrecked. But she saw strength when I couldn’t.

When contractions became relentless and I had no breaks, she gently suggested the shower. I was scared to remove the TENS machine. She was calm. Certain. Supportive. The water helped immensely. She and my partner alternated hip squeezes and back massage while I laboured on all fours under the water.

When CTG monitoring kept failing and I had to agree to a fetal scalp electrode — something I had previously written as a hard no — she reassured me. She supported me in making the decision that felt most manageable in that moment.

And then, when I suddenly said, “I’m pushing. I can feel him in my bum,” and we had only checked recently that I was 4cm, I got up on the bed to be checked, and Michelle’s note says:

“HELLO – we had a baby ready to come earthside stat!”

Within two contractions, my baby was born, full fetal ejection reflex at 5:06am Sunday 25th Jan.

Afterwards, she told me it’s rare to go through a synto induction without an epidural. I thought she was just hyping me up during labour — but when she said it again once bubby was in my arms, I believed her. That validation mattered more than she probably realises.

She helped me shower post-birth.
She brought me bone broth.
She somehow found the best hospital sandwiches of my life.
She continued holding space even when the “big” part was over.

Even as a backup doula, she showed up like she had been walking this entire journey with me from day one.
Michelle was strong but soft. Maternal but empowering. Grounded but warm. She didn’t take over – she anchored.

My birth wasn’t the one I planned.
But I kept my autonomy.
I had a powerful vaginal birth.

And I proved to myself I can do really, really hard things.
Michelle played a huge role in that.
I will forever be grateful that although she was my “backup,” she was exactly who I needed. 🤍

I contacted Michelle mid way through my pregnancy, along with a handful of other doulas. From our first conversation I knew she was the doula for me. She was a calm presence, positive and assuring and I could tell she had a lot of experience in the birth space, personally and in holding that space for others.

Michelle is the most incredible doula. She is 100% the reason I was able to have my home birth, despite so many obstacles along the way. She helped me stay true to myself and helped me trust my own intuition. She was present with me as I navigated leaving my public program and recruiting a private midwife at 37 weeks. She was my rock through it all and I don’t believe my birth would have been nearly as safe and successful if she hadn’t been by my side.

If you are looking for a doula who knows her stuff and is authentic, calm and present in every interaction you have, look no further, Michelle is the best there is!

Michelle where do I start, there’s no words for how thankful I am to you. You not only went above and beyond staying so long and giving so much of yourself but you truly saved my birth experience. I thought I’d wake up traumatised today but actually I’m feeling more peaceful than I ever imagined I would. You reminded me of my birth preferences at the right time, in the right way and I’d have so many regrets if I didn’t have you there to do that and you reminded me of the most important thing which was safe beautiful baby being here. Im so in love with her, I can’t even imagine I could be happier than I am right now. I can’t even think of how to show you how thankful I am, maybe when I’m not delirious. I hope you’re ok today with that other lady! You are a super woman and we are both so lucky to have you. Message later when we’ve both rested!

Words will never ever express the gratitude I have for you and your family! I truly meant it when i said you aren’t just our doula but our guardian angel and Murray is right… adopted nan and pop! haha We have never felt so loved, nurtured, cared for and supported and hat a positive impact you have left on Sunny.

Part of coming to WA was because we lacked that type of family support which we are trying to change for our own little family. Thank you for showing Sunny such a positive environment. Thank you for bringing such happiness and joy to us.

Michelle, I really don’t even know where to start. When I needed you most to stroke my hair, pull me in tight for a cuddle and be my eyes, ears and mouth when things got a bit vulnerable, not only were you there but you went over and beyond and your support was like a warm hug on a cold winters day. You are truly such an inspiration to me and I couldn’t be happier that it was you with us on this journey. I couldn’t of done it without you and this little one, is here healthy and happy not only because of me but BECAUSE OF YOU! #

I cannot thank Michelle at Perth Doula Services enough for all of her help and guidance through such a momentous time in our lives.

Michelle assisted us post-birth when my partner returned to work after 2 weeks off. Her calm presence definitely helped to soothe my pain and trauma from giving birth as well as navigate the crazy world of having a newborn.

We experienced many issues with latching, feeding, pumping, allergies and torticollis and without Michelle’s direction we would still be having major issues. She helped normalise many of my concerns and encouraged me to seek professional help when needed- she seemed to know more than the CHN and was completely non-judgemental.

Whilst at home, Michelle cared for my baby to allow me to have a shower without anxiety as well as helped around the house which was EXACTLY what I needed at the time. Having Michelle around at this time was such a blessing to our family and really took the load off, it was like having a mum at home to help! Thanks again for all of your help, highly recommend and trust this person with mine and my baby’s life.