Labor of Love Perinatal

Michaela Cowart, CPD

Providing support to expecting families in southeastern VT and southwestern NH through childbirth preparation, in-person labor coaching and comfort measures, and ongoing compassionate care throughout recovery and adjustment.

I would love to support your family as you welcome a new human into your life with kindness, evidence-based information, birth planning, and resources.

Doula Services Package – $1,500

3 Prenatal Visits

An opportunity to get to know each other so we can create an environment where you feel safe, loved, and relaxed for your birth. I provide childbirth and breastfeeding educational support with resources. Together we can discuss options and interventions to support shared decision making between you and your provider. With guidance, you will discover and remember your personal strengths to gain confidence in yourself so that you can prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for your birth.

Labor and Delivery Support

After 37 weeks, I go on call 24/7 to attend your birth. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in the most vulnerable and intimate moments of your life. During labor I offer comfort measures, position suggestions, and partner support. I will be your companion and a witness to your experience.

3 Postpartum Visits

After your baby is born, I can help you process the birth, support your baby feeding journey, help with chores and food prep, and offer comfort measures.

Every family deserves a doula.

I offer payment plans tailored to your budget. I am also working on getting contracted with NH medicaid and MassHealth to make my services more accessible.

Alla Carte Services

Childbirth Education (6 hours)

I cover basic anatomy and physiology of spontaneous vaginal birth, strategies for avoiding unnecessary interventions and building rapport with your care team, an overview of comfort measures, and preparation guidance to help you navigate the uncertainty of labor, address fear, and build courage. I would be happy to incorporate additional topics at your request. $300

Massage (1 hour)

A tailored experience with respect to your needs and preferences incorporating techniques for increasing space in the pelvis, supporting healthy circulation, and releasing muscle tension. Note: I am not a massage therapist. $50

Meal Preparation

After discussing your family’s dietary needs/preferences, we will make a plan that works for your budget. If needed, I can do your shopping. Then I will prepare delicious nutrient-dense meals that you can store in the refrigerator or freezer to reheat as needed. ($25/hour of kitchen work)

Cleaning

Deep cleaning, re-organization, deodorizing, and creating a plan for regular maintenance. $25/hour

Birth Story Session (2 hours)

Guiding you through telling your story with expressive arts, active listening, and many options for remembering or saving your story for your baby. $100

Testimonials

★★★★★

Great support for my husband and I as we go through the experience of our first child. She helped me feel prepared, as you can be, for the possible situations we thought could happen. During birth a new situation arose and she was able to support both of us in navigating our way through. She checked in afterwards and supported both of us in our emotional and physical change over to be parents. Throughout her ability to clearly communicate, connect with us, and support each of our needs showed her care and devotion to her path. Such a great experience working with her, and if we have another, she will be one of our first calls!

— Mary M.

★★★★★

Michaela was my Doula with my first pregnancy when my birth plan changed drastically and required a medical induction at 38 weeks. My husband and I felt much more prepared after meeting Michaela and it was very easy to get to know her quickly in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. She is very knowledgeable and was happy to share her resources with us to provide more information on questions I had. During my induction, she was quite an asset to help me choose next positions to try, ensure I was staying hydrated, and helping me stay focused and encouraged. I felt incredible well supported having Michaela with us. Additionally, I felt that we were much more in control of the birth experience which was very important. Thank you Michaela for being a part of my birth experience and playing a key role in it being a positive birth story!

— Melissa A.

★★★★★

Michaela was my first Doula with my second baby! I chose Induction at 41w and we cycled from dancing, to walking, to different positions during contractions. She noticed the little details, suggested the different positions, and my favorite was the meditation reading. After day 3 of a failed induction, my husband and I opted for a c section & she was able to be with me in the OR since my husband felt faint. I had only known her for a week, but it felt like I’d known her my entire pregnancy! Thank you Michaela, and I’m so glad I was your first client as well 🤍

— Rebe S.

About me

When my close friends and sisters began having children and sharing their hopes, fears, and experiences with me, I read Ina May Gaskin’s Complete Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery. These stories inspired me to serve families with perinatal support. Jessica English, a DONA International approved instructor, trained me as a birth doula. I was a Certified Perinatal Doula with the Rhode Island Certification Board from 2022-2024. In 2024 I moved to the Connecticut River valley for midwifery apprenticeships.

Before training to become a doula, I taught school on St. Croix in the USVI. My students described me as patient and joyful. I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance from Welch College in TN. I enjoy exploring woods, rivers, and mountains, growing herbs, foraging, brewing tea, fermenting food, playing chess, social dancing, playing in musical ensembles, and spiritual communion.