Mothering the Mother, Inc

Mothering the Mother‘s classes are very unique because unlike other programs where you have to take the entire series with our classes you can pick and choose the classes that fit exactly what you are looking for. The benefit to this is you can learn what you want to, or you can add some of these classes onto what you might have already learned to complete your educational experience.

For your safety (COVID): If you are not vaccinated we recommend wearing a mask throughout class. Your educator is vaccinated and has had her booster. If you are concerned and would like your educator to wear a mask please ask her, but this will also mean you MUST wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times as well.

All fees are non-refundable. We understand that sometimes things are out of our control, but our classes and appointments are semi-private, or private one on one so it is essential that clients make their scheduled class/appointment and are on time because that time is reserved just for you. In the event, a change needs to be made we ask that clients call, email, or text at least 2 days prior to their scheduled time. If contacting us at least 2 days prior to the appointment time we will offer you at least three days/times for the make up class. If we cannot accommodate the reschedule we do not offer refunds because the original time was scheduled just for you, and we often cannot schedule someone else in your place at the last minute. In the event of a baby coming early you can gift your class to another individual, but refunds will not be given. We ask that you plan classes accordingly. In the event of a no-show, no call, or if you are more than 15 minutes late there will be a $20 re-scheduling fee assessed or all monies paid will be forfeited.

Schedule your private classes

Express Childbirth Education Class (learn it all in one day) available in West Allis only

This class is for families who want to learn all about labor and birth! In this one day class you will learn about the stages of labor, natural comfort techniques (labor support), medications and medical interventions. (Please note this class does not include newborn care, but does go over newborn procedures right after birth. It also does not include breastfeeding……those classes needs to be taken separately.). This is an all day class, so please bring your lunch along. Class is approximately 6-8 hrs long depending on class participation, questions, etc.

PRIVATE CLASS FEE: $200 (click the link above to schedule a private class)

GROUP CLASS (2-3 COUPLES) FEE: $190

CLASS DATES (6-8 hrs depending on class participation and questions):

April 16th starting at 9 am
May 7th starting at 9 am

Individual Classes by Topic

Labor Support Techniques for the Pregnant Person and Partner (THIS CLASS IS VERY INTERACTIVE)

This class is included in the all day express class, or can be taken separately, but does NOT include stages of labor, medications, medical interventions, etc. This class teaches both the expectant parent and the partners techniques for comfort, helping to progress labor, and so much more. This class is geared towards individuals who want a natural birth, or for people who want to go as long as they can before getting medication, and will go over topics such as:

Aromatherapy for labor and birth
Acupressure points
Breathing techniques
Massage techniques and the various types of massage oils that are available (we will discuss the properties of different oils and compare their uses)
Labor support positions for comfort as well as progressing labor
Using a birth and peanut ball
Rebozos
Pushing positions
How to cope with long labors
and so much more

Class length 3-3 1/2 hrs

PRIVATE CLASS FEES: $80 per class (click the link above to schedule a private class)

GROUP CLASS (2-3 COUPLES) FEE: $75

CLASS DATES (2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hrs depending on class participation and questions):

April 18th starting at 6 pm
May 16th starting at 6 pm

Breastfeeding and Feeding Your Baby This class helps to prepare you for your breastfeeding journey., and what to expect in those early hours, days and weeks. While breastfeeding is the main topic of this course we do talk a little bit about bottle feeding as well (for those parents who need to return to work or be separated from their baby for one reason or another. Specific topics included are:

Anatomy of the breasts and how they make milk
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding techniques (latch and positioning)
Pumping and storing milk
What to do when things aren't going as planned
Introducing solid foods

Class length 3-3 1/2 hrs

PRIVATE CLASS FEES: $80 per class (click the link above to schedule a private class)

GROUP CLASS (2-3 COUPLES) FEE: $75

CLASS DATES (2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hrs depending on class participation and questions):

April 12th starting at 6 pm
May 10th starting at 6 pm

*If you have a financial need for assistance please message us below and let us know how much you can afford to pay for the class you want to take.

Meet Michelle

Founder - Michelle Hardy

Michelle started her journey in the birth world in 2003. She is a certified birth doula, childbirth educator, postpartum doula, breastfeeding counselor, hypnotherapist, and is licensed in the state of Wisconsin as a massage therapist, and teacher. Michelle is also the founder of Mothering the Mother (a non-profit organization in Milwaukee), the owner of Milwaukee Doulas, and the owner of MTM Training and Mentoring where she offers workshops for birth doulas, childbirth educators, postpartum doulas, early lactation, curriculum design, safety and self care for birth professionals, business for birth professionals, and more.

Learn more about Michelle

About Us

Non-Profit 501(c)(3)

Mothering the Mother was started in 2010 because of a passion Michelle Hardy had for helping teen and low income families. She believed that income (or lack there of) shouldn’t be a determining factor in whether a family has access to high quality birth services and support.

From 2010 to 2018 Mothering the Mother had a doula program offering both birth and postpartum doula services to families (currently we will work with families to find doula support within the community..
Currently, Mothering the Mother offers childbirth education classes and lactation support.

Since the beginnings of Mothering the Mother in 2010 the organization has worked with over 500 families, and hopes to continue providing classes, and lactation services to families in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Ozaukee counties for many years to come.

Our Mission

To improve maternal and perinatal outcomes for families in Milwaukee and surrounding counties.

Our Vision

Access to high quality education, and services for all regardless of income.

Michelle Hardy’s Credentials

MS.Ed, BS.Ed , LMT, ICCE, ICBD, ICPD, ICPFE, IAT(CE-BD-PD), MCH, LC, CPMT, CHT, CEIM, SBD (see below for explanation of initials)

About Michelle

Michelle is the founder, owner, and director of Mothering the Mother, Inc, a non-profit organization which helps all families but has a special focus on helping teen and low income families.

Michelle’s history, and how she began in the field.

Michelle's interest in working in the birth field began in 2001 (when pregnant with her 7th child; she now has 9 children and one grandchild)....at that time her doctor suggested that she and her husband hire a doula for their upcoming birth. Her doctor felt that hiring a doula would help them achieve the birth that they were looking for and also to help calm her husband's nerves so that he could be more involved in the birth (unfortunately Michelle birthed her daughter before she was able to find a doula).

After that birthing experience the seed was planted. Michelle spent the next two years thinking about the importance of doulas and how much she had wanted to be one. Finally in 2003 while she was working on her masters degree and running a full time in home licensed daycare she decided to take the plunge and work towards becoming a certified birth doula and starting a birth business.

In 2003 she became a doula and in 2004 she graduated with her masters degree. When Michelle began birth work she worked mainly with teen and low income families (serving families in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Ozaukee counties) - after a few years of doing that she moved onto the more traditional family, but her passion for teens and low income families never left. In the years that followed Michelle added to her skill set by becoming a childbirth educator, postpartum doula, hypnotherapist, and licensed massage therapist.

In 2009 Michelle decided to follow her passion even further and she founded Mothering the Mother Incorporated - a nonprofit organization that serves all women (catering especially to the underserved population). This organization brought together many birth professionals from around the area to help serve a larger population.

In addition to doing birth work Michelle spent many years training and mentoring new birth professionals locally. In 2014 she took her workshops and mentoring on the road and traveled the United States.

In 2015 she joined the ICEA Board of Directors, and held positions as the treasurer, director of public policy and communications, and director of the doula programs. Michelle also served as the chair for the postpartum doula program (updating the program and later writing a new program called Postpartum Doula: care through the first 1,000 days), and is currently the chair of the Mentorship Program..

In 2016 she started her path to becoming a La Leche League Leader and went on to become a certified breastfeeding counselor and educator, and led a breastfeeding group in West Allis until 2020.

Michelle believes in always continuing her education and advancing her knowledge, so she regularly attends trainings and workshops to advance her skills. To learn more about all of her trainings, certification and education please see below.

Michelle loves every aspect of her life and is always very grateful when someone invites her to join them on their journey through pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Michelle Eduction, Certifications, and Trainings

Education:

Professional Massage Therapy Program (Lakeside School of Massage Therapy) / September 2006
Masters of Science in Education (Walden University) / April 2004
Bachelors of Science in Education (Alverno College) / December 1999

Certifications & Licenses:

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum / 2018
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor / March 2018
Stillbirthday Certified Doula / January 2018
La Leche League Leader / December 2016
Maternal Child Health Specialist / October 2016
Hug Your Baby Certified Educator / April 2016
ICEA Approved Postpartum Doula Trainer / September 2015
ICEA Postpartum Doula / August 2015
ICEA Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Educator / June 2015 *
ICEA Approved Birth Doula Trainer / June 2015
Prenatal Care Coordination / 2015 *
ICEA Approved Childbirth Educator Trainer / January 2014
ICEA Birth Doula / January 2014
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / December 2008 *
ICEA Certified Childbirth Educator / October 2007
Institute of Somatic Therapy - Prenatal Massage / September 2007
Institute of Somatic Therapy - Infant Massage / September 2007
Massage Therapy state licensed (license #3819-046) / December 2006
National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) / November 2006 *
Member (American Alliance for Hypnotists) / May 2005 *
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (New England Institute of Hypnotherapy) / June 2006
Master Hypnotherapist and Weight Management Specialist (New England Institute of Hypnotherapy) / October 2005
Advanced Hypnotherapist (New England Institute of Hypnotherapy) / August 2005
Certified Hypnotherapist (New England Institute of Hypnotherapy) / August 2005
CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula / May 2005 *
CAPPA Adoption Certification / May 2005 *
Happiest Baby on the Block Certified Educator / December 2004 *
CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator / September 2004 *
CAPPA Approved Labor Doula Trainer, August 2004 *
CAPPA Certified Labor Doula / March 2004 *
DONA International Certified Labor Doula / December 2003 *

*Certifications that Michelle chose not to renew, but held at one time.

Professional Trainings:

Aging and Exercise: Considerations and Special Needs of Older Clients / February 2019
Applying Research to Practice / February 2019
Advanced Email Marketing: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Inbox Gold / February 2019
Communication for Massage Therapists: How to Network, Interview, and Speak Like a Pro / February 2019
Communication Techniques for the Interdisciplinary Patient Care Environment / February 2019
Creating Devoted Clients with Simple Marketing Techniques / February 2019
Cultural Diversity in the Patient Care Environment / January 2019
Ethics in Therapeutic Practice / January 2019
Ethics, Compliance, and Consequences / January 2019
Chill Out! Stress and Burnout in the Healthcare Profession / January 2019
Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Training / 2018
Childbirth International Breastfeeding Counselor / 2017-2018
Stillbirthday Doula Training / January-February 2017
Rehab Your Social Media Marketing Strategy - Advanced Techniques, Tools and Best Practices / January 2017
Developing a Business Plan for Your Private Practice / January 2017
La Leche League Leader Training / December 2016
Aromatherapy for Health Professionals / December 2016
Stress Management During Turbulent Times: Understanding, Treating and Managing Stress / December 2016
Overcoming Compassion Fatigue: When Helping Hurts / December 2016
Marketing Essentials for Health Professionals / November 2016
What is Cultural Competency? / November 2016
Effective Online Marketing / November 2016
Maternal Child Health Specialist / October 2016
Overcoming Compassion Fatigue: When Helping Hurts / September 2016
Hands on Help for Headaches / September 2016
The Significance of of Childbirth to the Birthing Person: Influences of Care and Place For Birth / September 2016
Learning Through Our Senses / May 2016
Cultural Diversity in the Patient Care Environment / April 2016
Ethics in Therapeutic Presence / April 2016
Hug Your Baby Train the Trainer / April 2016
Hug Your Baby Certified Educator / April 2016
Hug Your Baby: Roadmap to Breastfeeding Strategies / January 2016
Hug Your Baby: Hug Strategies / January 2016
Hug Your Baby: Helping Parents Understand their Newborn / August 2015
ICEA Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Educator / May 2015
LGBT Sensitivity Training for Healthcare Workers / May 2015
ICEA Facilitating Early Lactation Training / March 2015
ICEA Childbirth Educator Training for continuing ed / October 2014
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesaran) Training / October 2014
Social Media Strategy /August 2014
Delegation Strategies for Managers and Supervisors / August 2014
Caring For the Sorrow of Pregnancy and Infant Loss / April 2014
Bereavement Training / April 2014
Perinatal Mood Disorder training / February 2014
Coaching and Mentoring, including Personality and Learning Style / January 2014
Engagement. Culturally Responsive Practices and Strategies / January 2014
Role of Self Care and Reflective Practice / December 2013
ICEA Doula Training / November 2013
Goal Planning and Family Teaming / October 2013
ICEA Childbirth Educator Training for continuing ed / July 2013
Supporting Moms, Supporting Babies - Domestic Violence / April 2013
Parents as Teachers / April 2012
Home Inventory Training Part A / November / December 2011
Strengthening Families / November 2011
Parent Cafe / November 2011
ASQ Training / October 2011
Home Visitation Training / October 2011
Facilitator Training / September 2011
Great Beginnings Start Before Birth / September 2011
Trauma Informed Care / August 2011
Supporting Infants and Toddlers / August 2011
Couple to Couple Natural Family Planning Teacher Training / July 2011
Brio Birth Educator Training / January 2011*
DONA International Postpartum Doula Training / November 2010
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / December 2008
ICEA Perinatal Fitness Educator / September 2007
Institute of Somatic Therapy - Prenatal Massage / February 2007
Institute of Somatic Therapy - Massage Doula - February 2007
Institute of Somatic Therapy - Infant Massage - February 2007
ICEA Childbirth Educator Training / July 2006
CAPPA Advanced Adoption Training / May 2005
CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training / December 2004
Happiest Baby Educator Training / November 2004
Perinatal Mood Disorders (prenatal and postpartum depression issues) / October 2004
Hospital based couple's massage class / September 2004
DONA Advanced Labor Doula Training / September 2004
CAPPA Childbirth Education Training / August 2004
Teen Support Professional Training / July 2004
DONA International Birth Doula Training / March 2003
Couple to Couple League Natural Family Planning Training / 1996

Wondering what Michelle’s credential initials stand for?

MS.Ed - Masters of Science in Education

BS.Ed Bachelors of Science in Education
LMT - Licensed Massage Therapist
ICCE - ICEA Certified Childbirth Educator
ICBD - ICEA Certified Birth Doula
ICPD - ICEA Certified Postpartum Doula

ICPFE - ICEA Perinatal Fitness Educaator
IAT(CE-BD-PD) - ICEA Approved Trainer for Childbirth Education, Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula
MCH - Maternal Child Health Specialist

LC - Certified Lactation Counselor
CPMT - Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
CHT - Certified Hypnotherapist
CEIM - Certified Educator of Infant Massage

SBD - Stillbirthday Certified Doula

Mothering the Mother, Inc

Childbirth Education Classes