I am Michelle Sánchez (she/her), a full spectrum doula with extensive qualifications, committed to inclusive reproductive health practices. My work is guided by principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed care, viewed through an intersectional lens. In my role as a doula, I am dedicated to positively influencing families in my community.
Before I became a doula, I spent over a decade in EMS. Reflecting on my time as a paramedic brings back fond memories, yet my passion truly lies in being a doula. As a parent, medic, and caregiver, my background equips me to be an exceptional birth worker and postpartum doula.
I'm an advocate for both medicated and unmedicated births, and support birthing in hospitals, birth centers, or at home. My diverse experience positions me ideally to prepare you for any birth scenario or postpartum situation. I consider it an honor to accompany families on this journey and am grateful for the chance to contribute to my community in such a meaningful way. Supporting families and guiding them through this significant period is what I cherish most and the bonds I form with my clients are deeply valued.
I was raised on the Northside of Chicago and continue to reside in Rogers Park with my small family, alongside two "ferocious" Pitbulls and a large, fancy goldfish aquarium. My love for animals has led me to a lifelong commitment to vegetarianism. In my free time, away from work and volunteer activities, I nurture my modest indoor garden and delve into plant medicine to strengthen my connection with my Indigenous Mexican Apache/Ndé heritage.
• Phone, text, email support from hire date
• In-person prenatal visits
• Continuous labor support
• Immediate postpartum support
• Postpartum wellbeing check-in
• Birth wishes and preferences
Starting at $1500 based on specific needs & distance traveled
If you're interested in my services but are unable to secure funding, please reach out. I offer discounts, arrange payment plans, and accept barter exchanges.
Starting at $30/hr. based on specific needs & distance traveled
If you're interested in my services but are unable to secure funding, please reach out. I offer discounts, arrange payment plans, and accept barter exchanges.
Due to the horrific experience of my first pregnancy and delivery, I decided to pursue all possible options and support in order to make my second pregnancy a much better experience. Michelle was recommended by a team member and I decided to give it a shot. I wasn't sure what to expect but I know that other friends had mentioned using doulas. Michelle will probably say I was a horrible client as I was so hard to engage and keep up with sometime! But she stood by! Michelle and I met late in my pregnancy and only got a couple of opportunities to meet and each time I walked away being that much more knowledgeable and comfortable with my upcoming labor.
Long story short! After having a c-section with my son and being very verbal during my second pregnancy that I would do all I can to not have a c-section again.......my daughter was born via successful VBAC! Michelle stayed with me throughout most of my journey, helped me get my body ready, talked me thru different scenarios, and just guided me thru this unknown process.
I would highly recommend her services!
Michelle was an absolute saving grace for us in our first days of parenthood. She took excellent care of our son and we looked forward to her arrival so we could get some rest. She went over the top with prepping meals for us to make our new life less stressful. I cannot recommend Michelle enough. She is caring and reliable and still checks in with us on how our son is doing.
My husband and I cannot thank Michelle enough for her assistance with the birth of our son. She was the calming, yet hands-on presence I needed. As soon as she arrived at our delivery, I felt instantly more at peace and safe. When I decided to change my birth plan from what we had previously discussed, I felt completely supported by her. Throughout the whole process, including our conversations in the lead-up to our due date, I felt no judgement of any kind from Michelle. My husband and I truly felt that she had our best interest at heart and came with zero ulterior motives. The resources and information she provided prior to labor and delivery were unbiased, evidence-based, and made a huge difference in helping me enter the delivery room informed. Michelle was a game changer in our birth story, and we will be forever grateful.
SERVING CHICAGO & THE NORTH SHORE
I am committed to the principles of inclusivity and respect for every family, offering unbiased support to all, including LGBTQIA and gender non-binary individuals. Any form of racism, bigotry, discrimination, or hate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, age, weight, or relationship status is intolerable and will not be ignored. Respect is extended to all faiths and the choice of no faith. People with diverse abilities, whether physical or mental, have the right and ability to parent. The idea that any human being is illegal is firmly rejected. Furthermore, everyone is entitled to bodily autonomy and the right to informed consent.
I acknowledge that the land on which I operate has traditionally been cared for by many Indigenous tribes, including the Anishinaabe, or Council of the Three Fires, which is made up of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. These territories were home to these Nations before their forced displacement and still bear the narratives of their ongoing struggles for survival and identity. Situated in Illinois, I recognize my duty to remember these pasts as I engage in discussions about community and belonging.
Consider contributing to the Changing Woman Initiative, which is dedicated to establishing a Traditional Birth and Wellness Center to preserve Indigenous birthing practices. Currently, fewer than 1% of midwives in the United States identify as Indigenous, Native American, or Pacific Islander.
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