Hi, I’m Crystal Michelle!
… birth and postpartum doula, professional baby-snuggler, and steady calm in the middle of life’s biggest transitions. I trained and certified with Cornerstone Doula Trainings in Oakland in 2018; since then, I’ve had the honor to support many families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and all the beautifully unpredictable moments beyond.
I’ve been present for home births, hospital births, long labors, quiet births, first babies, growing families and those early postpartum days when time feels blurry and bedside snacks become essential. I’ve supported mothers and newborns through the fourth trimester (and well into toddlerhood), always adapting my care to fit your family because there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do this.
My work is shaped by a blend of hands-on experience, evidence-based care and tried-and- true traditional birth wisdom. I’m an approved Carrot Fertility doula, an apprentice of Britta Bushnell (author of Transformed by Birth) and a student of traditional midwives, including Whapio. These teachings inform how I support families: honoring birth as both a physiological process and a deeply transformational rite of passage.
I bring a calm, grounded presence mixed with intuition, real-world knowledge and a sense of humor. Birth is exciting— it’s also messy, funny, intense, tender and raw. My role is to empower your autonomy, reflect your resilience and help you feel confident as you follow what feels right for you and your family.
It is a great honor to walk gently alongside you through the threshold of your becoming.
"Crystal has been by our side for all three of my babies. She has become part of our family and embodies the perfect mix of wisdom, strength and love. Her support is unmatched and we are forever grateful for the way she’s held space for our growing family." - MB, Oakland
birth + postpartum support
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birth support
Continuous, personalized support throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, offering education, physical comfort, emotional reassurance and advocacy so you feel informed, grounded and confident in your choices.
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overnight support
Gentle overnight care that prioritizes rest and recovery. I support infant care, feeding, and soothing so you can sleep deeply and wake feeling more resourced during the early postpartum weeks.
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daytime postpartum support
Hands-on daytime support for your postpartum transition, including infant care, feeding guidance, nourishment, light household help, and compassionate care for your emotional and physical well-being.
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placenta encapsulation
Thoughtfully prepared placenta encapsulation using food-safety–informed practices, often chosen to support energy, recovery, and postpartum nourishment.
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childbirth education
Practical childbirth education that centers the partner as an active support person, focusing on comfort techniques, communication, and advocacy to build confidence and connection during birth.
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mother's blessing
An intimate, intentional gathering to honor the birthing person before labor, offering ritual, reflection, and community support as you prepare to welcome your baby.
