There is no greater power
than that of
the moon,
the sun,
and a woman
who knows her worth.
-Nicole Lyons
Our Origin
It starts with our name - Lavender Moon. Lavender has long symbolized a legacy of spirit, ancient wisdom, and a cultivation of peace and love within your soul. Its delicate blooms, a testament to resilience and rebirth, have adorned altars, graced sacred spaces, and offered solace. Moon is a representation of women's power, strength, and mystery. Women are a reflection of the Moon, her phases & her natural cycles—a symbol of femininity, darkness, renewal, and transitions.
Lavender Moon reflects a practice dedicated to honoring women's unique nature, strength, and resilience. It celebrates their journeys and emphasizes essential elements like nutrition, movement, rest, and authenticity, which are vital for good health - yet often neglected. Our mission is to provide integrative women’s wellness and return to these principles, enabling women to confidently pursue their creative passions and dreams. We believe that each woman who shines brighter illuminates the world - just like the Lavender Moon.
I said to my body softly,
“I want to be your friend…”
It took a long breath and replied,
“I've been waiting my whole life for this…”
— Nayyirah Waheed
Your Midwife
Michele Kazmier, CNM, MS, ERYT, PRYT FOUNDER/MIDWIFE
32 years of Maternal Newborn Experience
20+ years as a Midwife & Yoga Instructor
Neonatal Care & Mindful Birthing Expert
HBAC Mama - U.S. Navy Veteran
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Texas - Austin - NROTC -1993
RNC - Maternal Newborn Nursing - 1996
CCRN - Neonatal (NICU) Nursing - 1998
Certified Yoga Instructor (Vinyasa/Prenatal) 2000 - present
Master of Science - Midwifery/CNM
University of Maryland - Baltimore - 2003
AAP/AHA Neonatal Resuscitation
Instructor & Mentor - 25+ years
Founder/Lead Instructor - Baby’s Breath
Holistic Neonatal Transition & Resuscitation 2012 - Present
Midwifery first touched my life in 1992 when observing a home birth practice as part of my women's health course in nursing school. I was inspired by the sense of community that the midwives fostered for the mothers and families they cared for. Women and their role as mothers was honored. At that time, I realized I would be on a long journey to help our society understand that the experience of being a woman, birthing, and motherhood warrants special attention.
My professional journey began as a Navy nurse in a hospital setting, including med-surg, maternal newborn/labor & delivery, and neonatal and adult ICU. Although thankful for all the education and experience I gained in these areas, I yearned to provide care to women in a more holistic environment. I found that environment in 1998 at Special Beginnings Birth Center in Arnold, MD. During 1998-2003, as a nurse and student midwife - mentored by an amazing team of midwives - my love of midwifery blossomed. The birth experiences of my own three children - in 3 different settings, including the hospital, birth center, and home, also enriched my desire to continue my journey with midwifery.
Mothering and midwifery are my passions, and I am blessed to care for the women and families I serve. I will remain a lifelong learner so that the information provided to my clients for their decision-making is an up-to-date review of current practice. I am committed to finding new ways to enhance women's experiences during their birth and wellness journey. I believe that as women in a culture that often undermines - perhaps even unconsciously - our beliefs and values, it is vitally important that we wholeheartedly support each other. When we choose to encourage each other in our choices as women, mothers, and grandmothers - we create a legacy of love that is unstoppable.
*Please note, Lavender Moon supports all identifying terminology but uses the terms, women/mother/grandmother on this site because they are the preferred terms for the majority of our clientele.
Love the color purple and all things related to the moon...obviously
Have an uncanny and frequently quoted talent for mixing metaphors
Am obsessed with teatime - should have been British
Joined the U.S. Navy at 18 y.o. with hopes to become Charlie (Kelly McGillis) from Top Gun (I later realized her character wasn't actually in the Navy…small detail)
Followed that up with a Jane Fonda era to include teaching & competing in aerobics with leg warmers, & yes...thongs on the outside of my shiny tights
Had a miracle baby & healing birth at 42 y.o. - after 2 cesareans & several miscarriages - in a warm tub, in my home, surrounded by my love ones, and an amazing midwife & assistant
Love to cook, dance, garden, and read - mostly midwifery texts & research (yes, I am a nerd), Paulo Coelho, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Am more committed than ever to honoring myself & filling my cup - to be of service to others - through nutrition, exercise, yoga & meditation, prayer, and periods of creative bliss and solitude
But…I still spend most of my time between feeling blessed or overwhelmed with balancing all of my loves with my greatest loves: a wonderful husband of 34 years and three children (2 now adults) whom I absolutely adore
I ALSO…
My philosophy
My philosophy is simple - Inform. Guide. Support.
Provide information that you need, make recommendations, and honor YOUR choices.
I will stand beside you on your journey.
I will remain self-aware, passionate and engaged - not overworked & overwhelmed - to support you from a place of wisdom and integrity.
My greatest goal for you is to find the strength to admit what you really want for yourself, your body, and your life - then go after it.
But I also hope you…
Trust your intuition - Lean into your faith
Make choices that align with your heart & values
Know that your mistakes are your greatest teachers
Remain inspired to learn about yourself & your body
Rest. Recharge. Renew…
and gather only what you need to shine.
I look forward to guiding you along the way!
Our Sanctuary
Our office space is warm, inviting, and family friendly - for you to enjoy your individualized and unhurried appointments. Whatever the reason for your visit - we are committed to making you and your loved ones feel welcome!
Time to take care of YOU!
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
— Helen Keller
Fees & Insurance
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As a veteran and military spouse, Michele is committed to serving San Diego’s military community. Her CNM care is covered for most billable fees (all general women’s health, lactation/newborn, and postpartum). All billable fees are covered by Tricare for a home birth with Michele and discounts on unbillable fees apply.
DOULA care from a Tricare Eligible doula is also covered 100% if you work with Michele (Tricare doula services are only covered when they work with providers that are also Tricare eligible).
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As a CNM/ARNP, Michele’s care is reimbursable for most commercial insurance carriers. Michele also works with MINDFUL BILLING so you can verify your benefits prior to coming into care and obtain a detailed Superbill from a professional that understands the billing process.
Services for commercial PPOs will be reimbursable up to your carrier’s rate for billable services. You will be responsible for paying your visit fee when you book your appointment and then we will provide you with the comprehensive superbill following your visit or home birth to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
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Michele is an out-of-network provider for commercial insurance plans and cannot bill HMOs, Kaiser, or Medi-Cal. However, financing or credit card payments can be set up when you book your appointment. In addition, Michele will offer a 10% discount to clients - and/or flexible care plans -that cannot bill insurance for most home birth care (terms apply) to make care more affordable.
*All visit fees will receive a full refund if 24 hours notice is provided for cancellation. Inside the 24 hour window, a $50 fee will be charged for cancellation.