My philosophy of birth, mothering and parenting has been shaped by several key experiences with mothers and families. Living with a family of eight children, four of which had been born at home, was an eye-opening experience. The mother’s tremendous bond and love for her children greatly impacted me, and I believe her mothering instincts were strengthened by the empowerment she felt in giving birth.

The two years I spent living in West Africa and working in a local maternity center gave me an increased awareness of the strength and natural instinct in women to give birth and mother in community. Additionally, working as a postpartum doula enabled me to support women with a range of needs, from breastfeeding support to premature twins.

As a doula, I have provided labor support for mothers at home and in hospital settings. I see my role as an educator, affirmer and an advocate for your decisions during labor and birth. I am certified as a Labor Assistant through the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE) and am a member of DONA and the Metropolitan Doula Group of New York City. I have provided doula services through Real Birth in Manhattan for the last year, and am also self-employed as a labor and postpartum doula. I am currently entering my second year in a three-year Masters of Midwifery program at SUNY Downstate.

The ability to conceive, birth and mother a child is a sacred privilege and responsibility. Women since the ancient days have birthed and mothered in community with other women, and I aim to provide support that will strengthen the bond between you, your partner and your children. I am committed to supporting any decisions you choose relating to your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period and find it a tremendous honor to be present during such a monumental period in your family’s life.

For more information, please contact
Michelle Lehmer-Chiafulio
718.672.7355
mnlehmer@yahoo.com