Meet the Mother Behind Milk & Vine Co.

Madison Barense. LMT, Doula.
Birth • Body • Babies

Hey mama, heyy.
I’m Madison, a West Michigan birth and postpartum doula, licensed massage therapist, and (soon to be) craniosacral fascial practitioner. But before any of that, I’m a mother who walked her own enduring path through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum… and discovered how deeply women lack support in every step of this journey.

I started Milk & Vine Co. because I believe birth is sacred, the body has untapped intuition, and mothers thrive when they feel informed, held, and genuinely understood. My work blends evidence based education, hands on bodywork, fostering intuition, and the kind of support I wish every woman could experience in her childbearing years.

My Story: How I Became a Birth Worker

This work wasn't birthed from a textbook. It began from lived experience, the kind that stretched me, humbled me, and ultimately showed me how much women need support that goes beyond a quick appointment and a daunting checklist.

Like many m(others), I experienced moments of uncertainty, isolation, and coercion toward decisions that didn’t align with my instincts. And the moment I realized that being informed and being supported could completely change the course of birth and my postpartum experience, was the moment everything began to improve for me.

That moment led me straight into birth work. I am DONA trained, as of April 2025 and working toward certification.

My Approach: Support That Honors Your Body and Your Story

My role is not to tell you how to give birth.
My role is to help you feel safe, prepared, and connected to your own wisdom.

When we work together, you can expect support that is:

Holistic: caring for your mind, body, nervous system, and emotional experience.
Evidence-Based: resources that reduce fear and build confidence.
Intuitive: honoring the mother-baby connection as a powerful guide.
Advocacy-Centered: helping you understand your options and your rights.
Hands-On: integrating massage + craniosacral fascial therapy for deeper healing.

To me, birth isn’t just an event; it’s a deep transformation. And you deserve care that carries you through one moment to the next.

Why I Offer Massage & Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

I have been a massage therapist since 2019, additionally I am a mother to two babies. I know how much our bodies hold during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Tension, emotional overwhelm, feeding struggles, latch challenges and sleep issues are all connected to the body’s patterns and nervous system.

Massage and craniosacral fascial therapy (CFT) give mothers and babies a way to release that tension gently, safely, and effectively.

This work supports:

• Digestion, latch, and sleep for infants

• Pelvic and low back discomfort

• Postpartum recovery and alignment

• Breastfeeding comfort

• Anxiety, overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation

• Relief from birth trauma for mom and baby

It’s slow, intuitive work that brings the body back into balance, something all mothers and babies deserve access to.

Who I Serve

I support families across West Michigan, offering:

Birth doula support
Postpartum care
Prenatal and postpartum resources
Massage therapy
Craniosacral fascial therapy for moms and infants

Whether you’re hoping for a natural birth, navigating your first postpartum, or supporting a baby who needs a little extra help, you’re welcome here.

It's important to note that I serve both cash pay clients and Medicaid recipients with the same level of dedication and care.

Why I Love This Work

I consider it a blessing to walk beside mothers in such an intimate and transformative chapter of life. I believe there is nothing more important for future generations than protecting and strengthening the bond between a mother and her baby.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re looking for a doula in West Michigan, postpartum support, or holistic bodywork for yourself or your baby, I’d love to connect.

You can explore my services or reach out directly for a discovery call.

You’re not meant to do this alone and with the right support, this season can feel gentle, beautiful and empowering.

Welcome to Milk & Vine Co.
I’m so glad you’re here.
- Madison B.