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"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."
-Virginia DiOrio
Meet Emily
M.Ed., CD(DONA), AAHCC, HBCE, CLC, LLLL
Your Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, and Lactation Counselor
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I'm Emily McMichael, an experienced birth doula, childbirth educator, student midwife, and lactation counselor.  Most of all, I'm a momma passionate about supporting other mommas, birthing people, and families in having their best experience during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

My passion for this work began when I was pregnant with my first child and realized how difficult it could be to find the type of care I wanted for myself and my baby. In some instances I didn't even know the medical options I had for my pregnancy and birth.  I felt vulnerable and alone, not knowing which childbirth class to take, which providers to choose, and if I should have a doula for my son's birth.  Luckily, I found an excellent medical team and childbirth educator (who also became my birth doula), and wound up very prepared for the birth of my son. 

But why did I have to feel so vulnerable and alone during my pregnancy before I found the supports I needed?  Why was it so hard to navigate the birth world as a new mom?

And so, I'm on a mission to make sure no momma feels anxious or vulnerable during their pregnancy as they look toward their birth. 

 

At Bundle of Joy, I work one-on-one with you to help you navigate which pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care options you may need.  Whatever service(s) you choose will be provided by me in the ways that are most suited for your unique needs.  I look forward to the relationships I form with those I serve, and I take pride in continuing care until care is no longer needed.

In a world where the expense of birth support can be a hindrance to some families, I turn no mommas down for financial reasons and I will work with you to get you the care you need regardless of your access to income.

Quick Facts
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  1. What is your professional background?

    • ​I am a former K-12 teacher and university lecturer with a belief in the power of education.  When we are able to make informed decisions, we have the best outcomes.​​  I also hold a master's degree in counseling. Currently, I am in school studying to be a midwife.  My areas of expertise help me to provide emotional, physical and intellectual support as I work with my clients.

  2. What are your certifications?

    • I am certified as a birth doula through DONA International. I am a certified childbirth educator through HypnoBirthing-The Mongan Method. I am additionally certified as a childbirth educator and doula through the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method).  I am an Evidence Based Birth Instructor. I am also a Certified Lactation Counselor and a La Leche League Leader.​

  3. What is unique about your services?

    • At Bundle of Joy, I focus on the relationship I form with my clients and see them through their pregnancies, birth, and postpartum period.  No question is too big or small, and I pride myself on offering ongoing support for my new families.​

  4. What is your favorite part about the work you do?

    • Pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood is a wonderful, challenging, and rewarding time in life.  I love helping my clients experience all the joys of their new babies and their shifting life roles.​

  5. Where are you located?​

    • I am located in Central New Jersey.  All services are currently being offered in-person and virtually.

Meet Jessi
M.Ed., CD(DONA), CLC
Your Backup Doula
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Beginning in 2017, Jessi has served Central Jersey as a birth and postpartum doula, birth photographer, lactation counselor, and childbirth educator. Jessi’s commitment to nonjudgmental support for every birthing person is supported by her knowledge, continuing education, experience, and challenges in her many birth stories. Jessi believes that with up-to-date information and the right support, every person can be empowered to make great decisions for their body and their baby, and she is here to facilitate great care with the midwife or doctor and nurses. Whether your perfect birth is at home, in a birth center, or at a hospital, unmedicated or medicated, Jessi feels honored to accompany you and your family on this journey from pregnancy, through birth, and into the postpartum period. Jessi is a wife and mom of four girls, including a set of twins. She has had both vaginal and cesarean births, and she has breastfed exclusively, pumped exclusively, supplemented breastfeeding with bottles, and exclusively formula fed. Jessi is happy to be your team, whatever your path to parenthood looks like!

Check out Jessi's website here.

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