About Michelle
Michelle Appenheimer: Doula, Photographer, Certified Breast/chest feeding Specialist
Meet Michelle
Welcome! I’m Michelle - a birth doula, prenatal educator, photographer, Breast/Chest feeding Specialist, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant candidate in East Vancouver. (See my current IBCLC mentor, Tracey’s bio below!)
I believe that the most important thing you can do leading up to your birth is to make sure you have a good birth team. We are meant to be in community, we are meant to be held and supported during birth, and having the right people around you during that time is so valuable.
Why Choose Me as Your Doula?
My clients often share how my unique blend of humour, care, and the way I hold space for them transforms their birth experiences. Whether you’re planning a home birth or a hospital birth, I offer a wealth of experience and knowledge to create an environment where your needs and wishes are heard. All families are different, and I want you to know that you are safe with me.
What I Offer:
Emotional and Physical Support: I’m here to provide support during labor, and make sure all of the needs of both you and your partner are met. (Rest and nourishment is important!) Did you know that doulas are technically a kind of pain management? I can help with hands on comfort techniques, offer suggestions, help you to know when to call your midwives, or head to the hospital.
Advocacy for Families: Your voice matters! I’m dedicated to advocating for your wishes and ensuring that your preferences are honoured throughout the birthing process. You are my priority.
Education and Resources: I provide comprehensive information tailored to your needs, empowering you to make informed decisions about your birth. From prenatal classes to personalized resources, I ensure you feel as prepared as possible (because no one can ever be prepared for every single thing). That being said, sometimes information can be overwhelming, which is one of the reasons why having me and my knowledge available when you welcome your baby is so helpful!
Postpartum & Lactation Support: My care extends beyond birth! I provide guidance in those precious early days, helping you navigate your postpartum. As a Certified Breast/chest feeding Specialist currently working toward my IBCLC, I’m excited to share my knowledge about feeding babies and offer support to families, as well as potentially get you connected to an IBCLC if needed.
Photography - maternity, birth, the beauty of postpartum, lifestyle, & anything you can dream up. Taken on both digital & 35mm film
Beyond Birth Work:
When I’m not supporting families or teaching prenatal classes through Birth By Bloom in East Vancouver, you’ll find me exploring the forest with my kids, spending time with people in our community, writing music, reading, or capturing moments through photography.
Ready To Connect?
Want to know more? Contact me today to see if we are a good fit! I’m looking forward to hearing your story.
Credentials:
Mentorship program with local IBCLC’s - ongoing
CPR/AED level C - (2025)
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (LER - 2024)
Photography mentorship with Holly @aqueerphotog
Doula and Birth Photography Mentorship with Morag Hastings
Fundamentals of Breastfeeding and Lactation with Katie James (Feb 2023)
Supporting Survivors in the Perinatal Period - Resilient Birth (February 2022)
Wise Woman Way of Birth Postpartum Training (June 2021)
Miscarriage and Abortion for Doulas (2021)
Supporting Neonatal Resuscitation (2021)
Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Training (October 2020)
Starting June 2025, I am sharing care with a dear friend and doula/photographer, Martha Lanphear.
Martha is an incredible doula, with her strengths shining through in how she shows up for the people she is supporting.
Martha is passionate about making families feel comfortable in this transformative process, has open, honest discussions, and truly loves the people that she works with. She has so much knowledge around all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum as well as miscarriage, and she provides an excellent balance of evidence-based information and intuitive care, really tuning in to people’s needs and making them feel safe and held.
I am confident that with both of our strengths, together her and I cover virtually any topic to provide holistic, comprehensive care.
You can learn more about Martha here: Instinctive Birth
Current IBCLC Mentor - Tracey of By Your Side Lactation
Mom, Doula, Sleep Educator, LLL Leader & IBCLC
Raised in the Tri-Cities, I grew up attending La Leche League meetings with my mom who was a leader at the time. I knew what a supplemental nursing system was before I was even 7. I was always surrounded by not only my own mom’s who nursed myself and my 3 younger siblings, but also all of my mom’s friends who nursed their babies any time, anywhere.
When I became pregnant with my own child in 2014 I had just moved back to BC from Australia and so began attending La Leche League meetings again and immediately found my village. By the time my son was one and still completely milk obsessed, I decided to become a leader to support families in the Tri-Cities, Ridge Meadows and even Seattle.
I started working as a Birth Doula and Sleep Educator and was able to support families with feeding from my knowledge and training that I received through La Leche League, but found I was still having to refer to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) when needed. Finally there was a time in my life after my divorce when I felt I had the opportunity to return to school and fulfill all the prerequisites to sit the board exam to become an IBCLC myself in order to help families even more than before.
My passion is to help parents not only achieve their feeding goals, but to thrive while doing so. I know how easy and enjoyable nursing can be and want to see new parents get past the learning stage. I love educating and sharing my wealth of knowledge about human milk (because it is absolutely amazing liquid gold) both with clients and at bi-monthly La Leche League meetings that I continue to host in Maple Ridge and Port Moody.
