Warm Welcome Birth Services

Michelle L'Esperance, CPM

~serving & guiding babies, mothers, & families for over a decade~

My interest in birth and women's health as a cultural phenomenon began while I was studying anthropology at Smith College, Northampton, MA. (Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude, 1997).  An inspiring guest lecture by Ina May Gaskin (Spiritual Midwifery, Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth) stripped away layers of fear that I had around pregnancy and birth, and revealed the incredible potential for love, wonder, and even bliss! I concentrated my studies in medical anthropology and women's health, with an eye towards becoming an independent midwife. In 1996 an underground midwife in Georgia agreed to tutor me and bring me on prenatal home visits, and so my practical education began. In 1997, my first son was born at home. The following year, I began my apprenticeship with Terri Nash, Kristin Bernard, and Jharna Harvey-Amai of River Valley Midwives (Amherst, MA).  Soon after, I attended a DONA doula training and began attending hospital births as a doula. In 2002, my second son was born at home, and in '03 I finished my formal classroom studies with a specialized degree in midwifery  at Manna School of Midwifery in Bonita Springs, FL. In April of the following year, I completed my clinicals working at an inner-city clinic in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The physical conditions there were incredibly difficult, but it was an amazing teaching in how "birth happens!" even despite a lack of basic necessities.  In 2004 I earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife, a nationally recognized designation offered by the North American Registry of Midwives. I have attended about 200 births since 1996. I've enjoyed teaching new parents and doulas since 2001, and strongly believe that we need many more active doulas, childbirth educators, and midwives. These professionals, in partnership with educated, empowered families can heal birth in our culture and restore to it the power and beauty that are its true nature.

Warm Welcome Birth Services offers personalized, holistic care throughout the childbearing year to women and families, as well as comprehensive training for women wishing to serve as doulas.

Michelle L'Esperance, CPM Certified Professional Midwife, North American Registry of Midwives (413)586-3648 (239) 404-1799 ~ Cell

...and some personal trivia....Along the way, I have taught art, world religions, anthropology and Spanish in a private high school, taught yoga classes to adults and children, and sold Florida real estate. In my spare time, I enjoy baking organic artisan breads, hiking & camping with my family, heirloom gardening, and dancing with  wild abandon.

"While I had a partner who was attentive and involved, I knew I wanted to have an experienced woman be with me to guide me through the whole labor process and give me encouragement when I needed it.  I chose Michelle because of her abundant subject knowledge, gentle demeanor, emotional intelligence, and her clear and total committment to me and my family throughout the process. Selecting the right doula is part of the challenge, and my choice gave me peace of mind and enabled me to enjoy my pregnancy thoroughly and manage through several hours of labor and follow though with my birth plan. Having a good birth gave me more confidence as a mother, and I know that having Michelle there was key." Elaine Reed

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