"Birth by Mica" the birth story

My name is Michelle Rodriguez (she/her) and I live in Santa Clara, CA.  My passion for birth began after having completely different birthing experiences during the births of my two daughters.  During my first birth, I felt like an observer and with my second I felt connected to my decisions, empowered, and involved every step of the way, which personally, created such a positive birth experience for me.  These experiences ignited my passion for birth work. Growing up, my mother called me Micaela (Spanish for Michelle) and I wanted to incorporate my mother into my practice, which is how Birth by Mica (Mee-kuh) was born. 

I am a Certified Birth Doula, CAPPA Lactation Educator, and Lamaze-trained Childbirth Educator.  I am currently taking the Body Ready Method course and hope to incorporate prenatal alignment assessments into my practice in order to assist my clients in how to identify ways to strengthen their bodies and improve physical alignment. I am familiar with Spinning Babies’ techniques, mindful birthing, and basic hypno-birthing practices. 

I am passionate about advocacy, creating space in the pelvis through movement, safeguarding physiology, and exploring the mind/body connection in birth.  I have found so much joy in witnessing the creation of new life and watching the transformation that occurs when a birthing person is connected to their decisions and provided with unconditional non-judgmental support.  I take pride in my ability to hold space for birthing families and assist families in making informed decisions; to transition from feelings of doubt and fear, to confidence, connection and awareness. Pregnancy and birth are so much more than just having a baby; the experience is also about the birth of a parent.  Birth challenges our physical and spiritual beings and provides us with the opportunity to turn fear into power through movement and informed decisions.

Professionally, I  have worked as a Probation Officer for over 25 years which has provided me with invaluable experience working with various populations utilizing trauma-informed care techniques.  Educationally, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master's degree in Public Administration.  Personally, I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, exploring the country on my motorcycle and witnessing my babies pursue their own passions.

I proudly serve birthing families from Redwood City to Morgan Hill.   I support home births, birth center and hospital births.