Michelle McClafferty of By The Moon
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Maternity and Newborn Photographer
I have been a certified DONA birth doula and childbirth educator for over 15 years in the Triangle area and have attended a wide spectrum of births. I specialize in pregnancy health and education, normalizing birth, newborn needs, breastfeeding, and holistic care. I have attended over 550 births.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. I have found in my own practice, that having continuous labor support benefits not only the mother/baby, but the partner as well. Every woman will give birth in her own unique way, which is why supporting birth cannot solely come from a method, manual, or book. The majority of my knowledge and skill set have been built over the years by carefully taking in each woman's birth journey as I support her and her partner.
In my role as a doula I also prepare and support the partner in a way that will allow him/her the freedom to just be present for for the mother or become an active part of the birth team.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. I have found in my own practice, that having continuous labor support benefits not only the mother/baby, but the partner as well. Every woman will give birth in her own unique way, which is why supporting birth cannot solely come from a method, manual, or book. The majority of my knowledge and skill set have been built over the years by carefully taking in each woman's birth journey as I support her and her partner.
In my role as a doula I also prepare and support the partner in a way that will allow him/her the freedom to just be present for for the mother or become an active part of the birth team.
My Personal Philosophy
I believe a birthing woman should be cared for as an individual and she should take part in making informed decisions about her health and about her care. Our fear based culture has taught women to give up their power to others during one of the most important, yet vulnerable times in their life. As a doula, I try to keep the “power” where it belongs, within the mother.
I believe a birthing woman should be cared for as an individual and she should take part in making informed decisions about her health and about her care. Our fear based culture has taught women to give up their power to others during one of the most important, yet vulnerable times in their life. As a doula, I try to keep the “power” where it belongs, within the mother.