michelle murdock

| mama first birth co |

Hello there,

My name is Michelle Murdock and I am Mama First Birth Co.

I’m so happy to have you here!

Allow me to tell you a little about myself:

FAMILY

I am the lucky mama in a healthy, happy family full of boys. I met my best friend and husband, Bentley, in a vocal jazz class 10 years ago, and together we have created a beautiful life, complete with two young sons, Azure and Ollie.

As a family we love to spend time together outdoors in nature: hiking, biking, swimming, rock climbing, enjoying time down by our creek, playing pretend.

HOME

We thrive in sunny Saint George, of southern Utah. After many moves across multiple states, this is the place we chose to call home. Our faith and our family is at the epicenter of everything we do.

WHAT I LOVE

In my spare time I love to create with my hands; paint, embroider, macrame, bake etc. My love language is time and words of affirmation, so I spend a lot of my time with my loved ones. It’s a win-win.

I am an optimist to my core. I see the good in everyone. And I love me some good, live music. 

MY LOVE OF BIRTH WORK

I have always had a burning passion for birth. I mean that in every way possible - from human mamas to mammal mamas, even reptiles and amphibians mamas.

I had a very rich childhood full of live animal births in my home and fell in love with the miracle that it is at a very young age.

MY OWN EXPERIENCES

I was permanently enthralled after my own births; one hospital, one miscarriage at home, and one other full term homebirth.

The differences between those experiences taught me so much about what birth can do to, and for, a woman. All were beautiful in their own way, and full of unique experiences.

MY EDUCATION

I spent the next five years reading about the science and practices behind birth. And finally attended my first DONA Doula Workshop in May of 2019.

Since then I’ve attended over 30 births as a doula, a photographer, a midwife assistant, and recently as a midwife apprentice.

CERTIFICATIONS

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Cuesta Community College, 2011

Associates Degree in Music Theory, Cuesta Community College, 2011

Certified AFPA Holistic Nutritionist, 2018 with continued education & studies since

CPR Certified, Certification Current

Completed DONA Workshop, 2019

Certified Phlebotomist, Utah School of Phlebotomy, 2020

Completed Trisha Baird Birth Doula Workshop, 2020

Spinning Babies Certified, 2020

Midwife Assistant Training, 2020 with continued education and studies

Currently undergoing NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) licensure

MIDWIFERY

My end goal is midwifery, where I can spend my days prepping mamas for the most incredible moments. There is nothing more miraculous than being a witness and an advocate as a soul comes earthside and meets their mama.

The rewards of birth work far outweigh the sleepless nights and on call life. 

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“A woman in labor is highly vulnerable. Her most private body parts are exposed; she’s in pain; she sweats, trembles, moans, and cries out while among strangers; she’s in a strange environment (For some). If she is treated without respect, if her efforts to maintain dignity and control are rebuffed, or if she’s taken advantage of, the negative impact is permanent. If she is nurtured, treated with kindness and respect, and feels like a participant, the positive impact of her birth is permanent. Many women feel that they achieve something highly significant in giving birth. Many feel it has to do with being in control, or with accomplishing a goal, the experience enhances their self-confidence and self-esteem. While others feel just opposite. For some, a less satisfying experience made them angry, left them feeling traumatized, with a more negative self image of themselves. It is clear that the birth experience has a powerful effect on women, with the potential for a permanent or long-term positive or negative impact.”

• Penny Simkin, PT. CD (Dona)