More than a Doula
My name is Michelle Hayes, and I am a faith-centered birth doula and Perinatal Patient Advocate with a deep passion for supporting women as they journey into motherhood. As a recent Catholic convert, I believe birth is both a sacred and transformative experience—one deserving of compassionate support, informed decision-making, and respect for each family's unique values and goals.
My calling to birth work became clear after the birth of my daughter, a life-changing experience that transformed the way I viewed birth and the importance of continuous support. As a mother of two, I have personally experienced birth in both the hospital and home birth settings. These experiences deepened my commitment to helping women navigate pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum with confidence, peace, and a sense of empowerment.
As both a doula and Perinatal Patient Advocate, I provide emotional, physical, educational, and advocacy-focused support. I am passionate about helping families understand their options, communicate effectively with their healthcare team, and make informed choices that align with their values and desires for birth.
It is my joy and mission to walk alongside mothers and families, ensuring they feel heard, respected, supported, and empowered throughout their birth journey.
I proudly serve families throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.
Hi, I’m Michelle, a Navy wife, mama to two spirited redheads, and a woman who is learning to embrace every season with grace, grit, and gratitude. I’ve always been drawn to the heart of things, the real, the raw, the deeply meaningful. Whether I’m navigating life as a military spouse, wrangling toddlers, or simply soaking in a quiet moment, I try to live rooted in presence and purpose. Our life is full of movement.. deployments, homecomings, new rhythms, but we’ve learned to anchor ourselves in love, faith, and each other. I find joy in slow mornings, good coffee, sandy feet, and cooking meals that nourish more than just the body. I’m the kind of person who values deep conversations over small talk, barefoot days over busy ones, and authenticity over perfection. Motherhood cracked me open in the best way. It’s where I’ve grown the most, in patience, surrender, and wonder. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, honor my limits, and celebrate the beauty in the everyday.
I’m passionate about holding space for others, whether in friendship, community, or birth.. but at the core, I’m just a woman doing her best to live fully, love deeply, and raise tiny humans with a big heart.
Thanks for being here.. It truly means the world to me.
Services
1
Birth Support Consultation
1:1 meeting with me to find out if working together would be a good fit for you! This meeting can be done over zoom or in person.
We will discuss your birth experience, what you can expect from me leading up to your birth and after, and answer any questions you may have.
2
Birth Support Packages
No two birth journeys are the same. That's why I offer personalized support packages tailored to first-time mothers, families seeking a different birth experience, and experienced mothers looking for continuous support. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your family.
Current Avalability
Please note that I am currently expecting and will not be taking clients after 11/15/2026. I will return to work 3/1/2027
Psalm 139:13-14 – “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Helpful Articles
Dr. Erin Callahan
Hope Chiropractic
Kirsten O’Neill
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Childbirth Educator
Community Resources
Additional Doulas and Photography
Samantha Schneggenburger
Boundless Birth Services
Meet Samantha ("Sam"), a dual-certified birth doula and GentleBirth childbirth educator serving the Chesapeake, VA area. A proud Navy wife and mom of four boys, Sam brings warmth, wisdom, and personal experience to every birth she supports. With over 75 families served since 2015, she offers both doula care and beautiful birth photography. Her passion for empowering women through VBACs, natural birth, and informed decision-making makes her a deeply compassionate and knowledgeable support person.
Kiera Curtis
Gentle Waves Birth Services
Kiera Curtis, serves the Hampton Roads area, including Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Gloucester, and Richmond. With experience in HypnoBirthing techniques, Spinning Babies, and additional certifications in Rebozo, she offers birth doula services, birth photography, and placenta encapsulation. A mother of three homebirth babies and a Hampton Roads native since 1995, Kiera brings both deep personal experience and professional expertise to each family she supports. Her mission is to create a calm, informed, and empowering birth experience where women feel respected and supported every step of the way.
At Rooted Faithful Birth Care, we believe that birth is best supported within a strong and connected community. If I’m not the right fit for your journey, I wholeheartedly recommend the following local doulas. Each brings compassionate care and also offers beautiful birth photography services
