Meeting Michelle was the beginning of my journey to take control of MY birth. We had a wonderful OB but it was Michelle who gave me the education that the OB could not...that a machine could not and for me that was more valuable.
She counseled, encouraged, soothed, and befriended me. She didn't use opinions or judgement, just love and knowledge. During the birth she became my family. The rock that kept my partner and I reinforced during the ebbs and flows.
Undoubtably Michelle was a PRICELESS addition to the whole pregnancy/labor experience for myself AND my partner.
Whatever your birth plan, a doula should be a part of it.