Michelle L'Esperance-Muñoz

Birth & Postpartum Doula
Northampton, Massachusetts
30 years of experience
5.0
About me

Michelle is the owner and primary doula and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) at Warm Welcome Birth Services. Attending 750+ births and counting as a midwife and doula, she has collected and developed a multitude of insights and ideas to help families have more vibrant, healthy pregnancies and wonderful birth­days. She is a first-generation Chilean-American and delights in nurturing the next generation of birth workers, especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and allies. Michelle believes that diversity among caregivers is a crucial ingredient in reproductive justice and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. Whether teaching a roomful of expectant parents, or supporting clients through their dream water-birth in the local hospital, Michelle radiates the joy that can often be found just behind the curtain of birth’s intense work.

Education

Associates in Fine Arts- Photography, University of Maine (1994)

Bachelor of Arts-Anthropology, Smith College (1997)

Specialized Associates in Midwifery, Manna School of Midwifery (2003)

Certification and training

Certified Professional Midwife, NARM (2005)

Neonatal Resuscitation Program, AAP (2002)

Trained in Spinning Babies (2012)

"HypnoDoula" Certified in Hypnobabies techniques (2016)

Memberships and affiliations

Certified Professional Midwife, NARM

Green River Doula Network

Credentials
CPM
Specialties
Abnormal Bleeding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Abuse Acculturation and Immigration Acupressure During Labor Acupuncture Advanced Maternal Age Allergies Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Aromatherapy Attachment problems Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Baby and Toddler Sleep Coach Babywearing Belly Binding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Photographer Birth Support Birth Trauma Brain Based Hypnotherapy Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Consultation Breastfeeding Support Breech Birth Building Healthy Communication Caring for Special Needs Children Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Childbirth Education Childhood Growth and Development Doula Trainer Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding Family Photography Fresh 48 Photography Grief and Loss HAES (Health at Every Size) Approach Healthy Eating High-Risk Pregnancy Home Birth Hospital Birth Hypnobirthing Method Infant Care Infertility Insomnia Keeping Fit Labor Doula Labor Monitrice Lactation Consultation Lactation Home Visits Latch Issues LGBTQ+ Life Transitions Loss and Bereavement Doula Low Milk Supply/Over Supply Maternity and Newborn Photographer Mindfulness Multiples Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn, Baby, & Birth Photography Newborn Care Newborn Exam Newborn Photography Nipple and Breast Pain Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal and Infant Loss Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Postpartum Depression Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Postpartum Photography Preconception Pregnancy Complications Premature Infants Prenatal Care Prenatal Lactation Education Pre/Post Natal Pain and Weakness Relaxation Techniques Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Sibling Preparation Spirituality Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth
Languages

English, Spanish

Service introduction

Warm Welcome Birth Services offers Birth and Postpartum Doula Care, Experiential Childbirth Ed, and Doula Trainings. Option of hypnosis, all birth plans supported.

Packages
Complete Pregnancy and Birth Doula
I put a lot of energy into 5 prenatal meetings with my Birth Doula clients, helping you feel well prepared for birth long before your due date. Enjoy personalized experienced support during your birth, and 2 or 3 visits after the birth to check in about your adjustment.
$2,800.00
USD Flat rate
Home Postnatal Care
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have non-judgemental help as you and your family are adjusting to a new baby at home? I can help with whatever is most on your mind during each visit - breastfeeding, pumping or bottle feeding; sibling adjustment; sleep questions; baby soothing; how to bathe baby; infant development; processing your birth; light housekeeping and cooking delicious nourishing meals.
$65.00
USD Per hour
Upcoming classes
Creative Movement: Practical Prep for a Positive Birth
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Having a baby? You know you want to loosen up your hips and your mind for an easier birth, but just how will you do that? Come learn 20+ favorite movements and positions for a smoother, easier birth. Vivid explanations, 'learning lab' practice time, unforgettable stories and birth theater all help inform and inspire pregnant people and their partners. Taught by a midwife who has also supported hundreds of births as a doula, with demonstrations by newly trained doulas. $75 pair of people, $50 one person, some scholarships available.
$75.00
USD
Learn more
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
26
5.0

What’s so wonderful about Michelle is that she is so clearly both extremely passionate and knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth. Her experience is totally invaluable. I knew I could trust her to do whatever ended up being necessary during labor — whether that was helping to ensure baby was in an optimal position, being an advocate, offering guidance or simply supporting me through the experience. When concerns came up during my pregnancy, having her input helped put my mind at ease. We loved working with Michelle!

- Sarah Pugh

5.0

I took a very wonderful and thorough doula training many years ago and I worked as a doula for several years. However, I stepped away from doula work while I was raising my children and I have been working doing some school teaching and yoga teaching. Birthwork has always felt like something that I want to return to, so I took a refresher course with Michelle. Michelle teaches about doula work in a way that reminds me of its importance. I was so impressed by her knowledge, her kindness and her intentionality of reviewing so many aspects of the doula profession from policies in local hospitals to what she brings in her birth bag to how to help a woman who’s experiencing back labor to marketing your own services. She taught in a way that made me feel like no question was too small. And she made me think about the importance of returning to doula work as a Spanish speaker in order to service Latina families. I’m considering taking her full doula training as a super refresher. Michelle holds within her lots of compassion for pregnant families and birthworkers along with a wealth of knowledge to share with doulas.

- Laura Ginsberg-Peltz

5.0

Attending Michelle’s Birth Doula Workshop was and INCREDIBLE experience! I couldn’t be happier with my decision to chose this in-person workshop over an online course. With materials that you get to keep after taking the course to help guide you through your journey, in becoming a professional Doula, I felt confident in the training I received to pursue my passion. Her dedication and commitment to her profession was more than just inspiring. As a mother myself, I found this experience incredibly healing! I would recommend this workshop to any and all individuals interested in either exploring the Doula profession, or just looking to gain priceless, hands on experience and knowledge about birth from a highly dedicated and experienced Midwife.

- Chelsea Derks

5.0

Michelle is an amazing teacher- I recently had the opportunity to participate in a 4 day workshop/training and I left feeling so inspired and prepared to attend births. Michelle is an absolute gift to the birthworker community!

- Carly Matzke

5.0

Michelle is an incredible teacher. I just finished taking a complex, informative, and interactive 4 day workshop with her to become a birth doula, and I have been truly changed. There is no one I would recommend more when considering how to get started in birth work. Not only is her expertise undeniable, she is a truly special person as well. I found myself being genuinely sad when the workshop was completed. I cannot wait to get officially certified through her, and I know that she will always be cheering me on. As Michelle says, “Gentle Beginnings matter,” so do yourself a favor and allow her to teach you how to cultivate positive birth.

- Gabrielle Sprague

5.0

Michelle is the best decision we made in my pregnancy. True to her business name, she is warm and grounded every step of the way. This was our second baby and the work that she did with us, in preparation for expanding our family, was beautiful and something we remain so grateful for. She was an invaluable and powerful presence during labor, guiding me in what I can only describe as a transformative, dream birth. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience, always authentic, and gifted at what she does.

- Olivia Clement

5.0

I had spoken to Michelle prior to my daughter's birth because I didn't know much about what a doula did. We had a wonderful talk and after I had given birth, Michelle came to my home and taught me so many things, especially with me being a first time mom. She taught me how to breastfeed while I had to lay completely flat on my back. She taught me how to pump, breastfeed, give my daughter a bath, and so much more. I am so thankful and grateful to have met and worked with such a kind, caring, knowledgeable individual.

- Grace Gorman

5.0

Michelle has been living her calling as a doula midwife and trainer for 30 years now. She brings a stable warm presence, an open loving heart, wealth of knowledge and experience, and the embodiment of a wise woman walking her talk. I’m so grateful for the ways in which she has helped my wife and I have a birth experience that is in line with our integrity and authenticity. Michelle is skilled across many areas; interpersonal, family dynamics, biology, hospital birth, home birth, breast feeding, hypno birthing, and a fine singer. She’s a healer and a warrior y’all. If you want a master, call her.

- Luke Concannon

5.0

I took my second birth doula training with Michelle. She is an amazing person and teacher. Compared to my other doula training, Michelle made it very personalized, and I learned so much that I didn't from my first training! I feel confident about taking on being a birth doula as my career. Thank you so much!!

- Alexisandria Tichy-Reese

5.0

Twice Michelle has been there for us through the whole pregnancy and birth process, providing us with indispensable advice, assistance, and compassion. She lent my partner confidence and strength in critical moments. Thank you, Michelle!

- Ben G

Frequently asked questions
What kind of families does Warm Welcome serve?
Social media