Michelle Dunn Birth Doula in Auburn, IN

Michelle was my doula and photographer for my 2nd and 3rd pregnancy. She walked with me on my journey of leaving the hospital setting and ultimately into a homebirth by my delivery of the twins. She is passionate, understanding and knowledgeable about her fields. She has also done ALL our family photos since my oldest son was about 16 months old and I have never been disappointed. Sometimes (ok basically always) I walk in not even knowing what I want from the pictures but she always manages to have an amazing vision and product! We just love her so much!!

— Josalyn P.

Michelle has been present at all my births, the first two she was there for birth photography (which led her to being practically part of the family with as many photography sessions that we have since booked with her). Since my second daughter was born Michelle pursued her passions and became a certified birth doula, so for our 3rd daughters birth she was both photographer and doula. This was our rainbow baby so there was a lot of extra emotions and anxiety, she was always a calming voice when I needed it most. Because of her extensive work in the birth field as both photographer and doula she knows many different practices and providers and they all seem to have a great working relationship. This was my very first homebirth and while I was very confident in our choice I still had a few anxieties and she was able to really reassure me (I also discussed these fears with my midwife but sometimes having a second voice really helps when you are struggling). As we got closer to the birth Michelle met with us to discuss my vision for the birth, my birth space, all our emotions. She had us practice some of the stretches and pain techniques and also some things to help my body prepare for labor. My daughters wanted to be part of the birth and help catch their sibling so we discussed those logistics and she included them in the practice and discussions where appropriate so they could be helpful and know what we were doing to help their own anxieties. When I started feeling contractions she kept checking in to see if we felt that this was the real deal and as soon as we were sure it was she came over and we talked and she did some body work and was just that calming presence (my husband likes to keep busy so the sitting around waiting for things to intensify is definitely not his strong point, and Michelle filled that space perfectly for us). She paid close attention to all my contractions and when she noticed I wasn’t progressing as much as I had been she gently suggested a walk outside and as we were walking she had me do a few stair walks on our porch and I immediately felt the baby drop further into my pelvis and that was exactly what I needed (and something I wouldn’t have thought of without her). Once the midwife and birth assistant arrived she made sure to keep my daughters informed but also kept them busy until it was time to push. She was photographing the entire experience but honestly I barely remember the camera being there, she has such a great balance between the roles. It was a beautiful birth, her presence was so helpful. She communicated with the rest of our birth team before they arrived so we didn’t have to, she was my support person so my husband could support in the ways he felt most able, she captured the memories so that we have them forever (and if you haven’t seen two sisters welcome their third sister into the world it’s definitely an experience we are so thankful we have captured since I wasn’t able to be observant in those moments). She checked in with me often after the birth to make sure I was adjusting well, postpartum emotions are no joke and she was there to help keep me grounded and to also discuss some of the things I needed to mentally unpack since this was our rainbow baby. I felt the need to leave it all out there because Michelle was there for me through it all. Pregnancy and birth are magical, messy, emotional, primal… all of it and Michelle helped me through and documented it beautifully! I can’t recommend her and her services enough!

— Meg M.

I purchased maternity, labor and delivery, freshies and newborn photography services from Michelle as well as had her doula services. Michelle helped me navigate the very sad shut down of DeKalb labor and delivery unit. Which closed 5 days before I had my son. Michelle reassured me through everything and even went to a few midwife appointments to help with my confidence to ask my questions. I had my son unmedicated and without Pitocin which was a huge goal for me. All of my photos were perfect and Ive loved every single one of them. My birth experience was everything I hoped for because of Michelle.

— Brianna P.