MICHELLE CHIRBY
Birthworker
Nutritionist & IBCLC
Movement Instructor
ABOUT MICHELLE
As a certified birthworker, professional nutritionist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I offer personalized prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum support.
I assist families in the perinatal period to achieve positive birth and postpartum experiences that contribute to a holistic, healthy start for all.
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To learn more about me and my services please get in touch.
BIRTHWORK
As a full spectrum doula, I offer personalized support during pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, abortion and loss.
I tend to the physical and emotional needs of those navigating the complexities of perinatal care and culture. Through knowledge sharing, empathy and body work, I support individuals and families of all backgrounds in achieving a positive experience, rooted in the principles of reproductive justice. With 6+ years of experience, I am certified with DONA and the RI Certification Board.
PRENATAL SUPPORT
In our prenatal meetings, we will explore your priorities for your birth. I will present evidence-based information regarding the risks and benefits of common interventions and procedures during childbirth. We will discuss how we can best work together to achieve your ideal birth experience. Until the time of your birth, I will remain in touch, available to you by phone and/or e-mail.
LABOR SUPPORT
During labor, I provide emotional and physical support. I can facilitate communication with medical staff to ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions. I can provide perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for your comfort.
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
After your birth, I will remain with you and your family until you are settled. I can provide breastfeeding support within my scope. We will meet at least once in the weeks after your birth to discuss your birth experience and assess any emotional or physical health needs. I will provide a nutritious meal and remain available to you for any future questions or referrals.
I believe all families deserve access to doula care.
I am in network with several insurance providers in RI. If doula support is not covered by your insurance, I offer my services on a sliding scale, based on family income. I welcome discussion of payment plans, trades and barters.
MOVEMENT
PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM MOVEMENT
These one hour movement classes include dancing, strengthening and stretching movement in a safe and effective design for pregnant and postpartum bodies.
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Participants in prenatal movement learn techniques to facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy, prepare the body for labor, promote a positive birth experience, and heal and strengthen after birth.
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Postpartum movement participants baby wear or carry as we dance, then learn mat-based exercises that incorporate playtime with their baby.
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In addition to fun and safe forms of physical activity, these classes provide an opportunity to share the journey of pregnancy with other parents.
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Available in-person and virtually.
NUTRITION
I am an IBCLC with my Master’s degree in Maternal and Child Nutrition, and over 10 years of experience working on perinatal and child nutrition programs.
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Here are some of my areas of expertise:
meal planning during pregnancy, from increasing desired nutrients to addressing diet-controlled gestational diabetes
foods to support lactation and postpartum healing
lactation and infant feeding support
elimination diets for nursing parents
starting solids
grocery shopping and family meal planning on a budget
accessing nutrition security programs (WIC, SNAP, CACFP)
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For a personalized consult relating to perinatal nutrition or feeding your baby, please get in touch.
TESTIMONIALS
"Michelle was amazing. She was such a calm spirit and really helped coach my husband on how to best help me. We were all in perfect sync."
"I knew Michelle was a perfect fit from the start... She had a gentle and kind personality and was very easy to talk openly with about everything. She had lots of tips for my husband so that he felt like a true partner during the birth. Also, she always seemed to know what I needed during labor before I would have to ask."
"Michelle is the perfect mix of professionalism and personability"
We are so glad we decided to work with Michelle. Her advice leading up to the birth was extremely helpful and her communication was reassuring. Michelle was absolutely invaluable during labor as she was encouraging and motivating and provided the support we needed. We cannot imagine the birth process without her being part of it.
CONTACT
Please share with me your estimated due date and where you plan to birth.
I look forward to connecting with you!
(510) 519-4809
