OUR MISSION
The Birth Sling was lovingly created for birthing mamas and birth workers as a way to encourage upright and active birth, no matter where you choose to birth.
Upright labour positioning is associated with quicker labour times, a decrease in the rate of intervention, and a 25% decrease in primary caesarean rate (Gams et al., 2019).
The Birth Sling, which has been called "a game changer for active birth positioning," is a birthing tool created by osteopath, birth worker, and mother, Dr. Jess Michaels.
"I initially created The Birth Sling for my own birth in May 2021. But as I used it, I realized how much of a difference it could make for other labouring women. I knew I had to make it widely available. Since our first official launch in February 2022, The Birth Sling has been purchased by pregnant mothers and birth workers in more than 12 countries. It amazes me to think of how far this tool has traveled and how many births it has supported."
Women have used tools like ropes, hammocks, and slings to assist them in labour for centuries. The Birth Sling is not just a modern innovation—it carries the wisdom of those who came before us. Jess, a first-generation Australian with Colombian heritage, believes this knowledge was passed down to her through her ancestors. Birth is a rite of passage, and across cultures, upright and active birth has long been recognized for its benefits. Now, emerging research confirms what our ancestors already knew: upright labour can significantly reduce intervention rates, including the need for a C-section.
The Birth Sling exists to honour this deep, ancestral birthing wisdom while making it accessible to women everywhere.
THE FOUNDER
While Jess’ favourite title is Mama to her two young girls, she’s also a registered Osteopath, IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant), a Birth Doula & Educator and the Founder of The Birth Sling.
Based on the Mid North Coast of Australia, she has dedicated her career to supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.She graduated from Southern Cross University with a Clinical Science Degree and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017.
As an Osteopath, Jess has always been passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and birth, but her own experience of motherhood deepened this calling. Preparing for the birth of her daughter, Koa, in 2021 was a profoundly transformative time, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It reinforced her belief in the power of birth and the importance of supporting women in this sacred season of life.
Jess is a first-generation Australian with Colombian heritage, and she feels deeply connected to the birthing wisdom of her ancestors. Across cultures, women have always relied on movement, rhythm, and support to bring their babies earthside. The Birth Sling is a modern extension of these traditions, an offering that carries the strength and knowledge of those who came before. Her mission is to ensure that every woman, no matter where or how she births, has access to the tools and knowledge that honour the innate power of birth.
