Training and Professional Affiliations
Michelle Johnson is an active member of the Birth
Care Network, serving on the Board of Directors as secretary, as well as a member of Doulas of North America (DONA.)
She also participates in Operation Doula Care, providing doula services to the pregnant wives of U.S. Military members
free of charge. She has attended two DONA-approved training workshops-- one taught by Robin Elise Weiss in
June 2003, and one taught by Vicki Sanders in September 2004-- and is pursuing status as a certified birth doula from
DONA. For more information on these organizations, visit "Links."
Why I became a doula...
My husband and I moved to Louisville from Atlanta, GA while I was pregnant. We had no family nearby, and I
was pretty nervous about giving birth. So I read all the books I could get my hands on, and attended a six week
class on prepared childbirth. This was where I first heard about doulas. The moment the teacher explained what a doula was,
I knew I had to have one at my birth! (My husband was skeptical, but after much discussion he eventually agreed.) We
chose a doula that we both liked and were comfortable with, and it was such a relief for me to know she would be there with
me. (My husband now believes that hiring a doula was the best decision we ever made for our birth!)
When my labor started I called my husband and my doula and they arrived within minutes of each other. I was so focused
on my contractions that I never really thought to ask for any of those comfort measures you learn about in class, and
it was wonderful to have her there to make suggestions, and her help allowed my husband to relax. And I was so grateful for
the extra set of hands to hold me up and support me.
She finally suggested that we go to the hospital because she could tell my labor was getting strong. It was a good thing
too, because I was already ten centimeters dilated!
My doula was there for the entire birth to offer me reassurance, and to give me courage to work with my labor and not be
afraid of it. And she even stayed by my side while my husband took a nap. (He had worked all day and was exhausted.)
There were definately times when I became overwhelmed and scared, but my doula helped me find my strength,
and I emerged from my birth feeling confident and powerful. It was truly a transformative experience.
I began my training to become a doula three months later, because I wanted to share what I had learned and help other
women to have the amazing birth expereince they deserve.
