Lucy Morales

10/21/2018

We couldn’t have done it without Melanie Smith! During our first meet with Melanie my husband was still hesitant, we had both just recently learned about doulas. During our visit Melanie took her time to get to know us and tell us about herself. Melanie is the kindest most gentle person I have ever met. As soon as our visit ended my husband told me, no questions asked we need her. And I agreed! During my pregnancy Melanie made me comfortable, this being my first pregnancy I had A LOT of questions and she was always there for me. Melanie offering valuable knowledge as well as emotional support. During labor Melanie played the biggest roll, she kept me calm and offered assistance to help me with any discomfort I was having. A big portion of my labor is a blur now becuase it was quite painful and long but what I do remember was Melanie rubbing my back, offering me water after every wave as well as honey sticks (i remember these tasted like heaven), cards that read positive affirmations whiched helped me during the toughest parts of labor, kept a cool towel on my forehead... there are countless things Melanie did for us but what stood out the most to me was her unwavering and genuine care, because of Melanie I was not afraid. We couldn’t have done it without her! I am so very thankful that we found Melanie We love her so much!

Aggie Afarinesh

7/26/2017

In our search for a doula, we interviewed several and were so happy we chose to work with Melanie. As first time parents, we weren't sure what to expect from the birth experience and wanted the support and expertise of someone who had done this before. Melanie was the right match for us because she is professional and compassionate. She cares about her clients and is completely available to answer questions. On the day of the labor, she was our rock. She not only helped me go through labor, but made sure to keep my husband engaged in the process. She knew how to suggest things to us in a supportive and informative way. My labor was about 30 hours long and she was there from beginning to end...which was amazing! She is calm, reassuring, and pretty much does whatever you need her to do with a very relaxed and supportive attitude. I had pretty bad pain in my lower back all throughout my labor and the only thing that made it feel better was strong pressure applied to my lower back. Melanie and my husband took turns applying presssure. She also had several other tools to help me get through the labor pains. Not only was she great on the day of labor, she  also provided a tremendous amount of support prior to and after birth. Her support, encouragement and counsel after birth meant the world to me. Being a new mom can be confusing, frustrating and exhuasting. Melanie was there for us in so many ways and continued to follow up months after my delivery. I highly recommend Melanie if you are looking for a doula who is compassionate and caring, while also being strong and confident.

Mia Aylin Peñaloza

7/8/2017

Although there are several Doulas in Orange County, I am so blessed that my path led me straight to the most amazing one this world has to offer.. Melanie. I was referred to contact her by my OBGYN, after he heard that I was hoping to have a natural labor. Before I called her I thought I would be interviewing several Doulas before I found "the one". Immediately when she answered, I felt the passion and love that she had to offer and knew I did not have to look any further.

After meeting with Melanie, she was ALWAYS there for me. As a first time mom, I know I had many questions and needed resources. Not once did she make me feel like i was bothering her. I'm so thankful for the late night texts and calls that she was able to quickly answer. When the BIG day came, we called Melanie to join us in laboring at our home. She knew exactly what I needed in order to get through each contraction.  I didn't have the best nurses at the hospital, they were so brief and didn't explain my options well to me. When it came to making decisions, Melanie would take the time to better explain my options when they would leave. I honestly believe I would have ended in a C Section if it wasn't for the clarification and the time Melanie took to explain my options. Although my labor was 35 hours, I had a healthy baby boy.. vaginally.

Thank you Melanie for everything that you did for us. Thank you for not giving up on me even when I wanted to give up on myself. Thank you Melanie, for simply being you and for becoming a doula. Your compassion and love to empower women during labor is so personalized and truly heartfelt. We hope that you continue to touch the hearts and lives of many women so that they can experience the beautiful benefit of having you there. Thank you for being our doula, we look forward to your services for baby number 2!

(read full review on Yelp/Facebook.. had to shorten original due to word count)

Lara Carlyon

5/6/2016

Melanie was a dream to work with. She was available for me at any time, was very kind and sensitive, and made the birth experience such an amazing time for myself, husband and baby. She stayed with us after the birth and held my hand (figuratively and literally) through the birth experience before and after. I didn't want to have a lot of people present so she and my husband were the only people there at the birth of our baby, ane I am so glad we had her there. She took beautiful photos of the birth that still make me cry when I look at them, and still checks up on us even now 3 months postpartum. She is a joy, and wonderful spirit, and genuinely put all she had into our time together. I would use her again without hesitation, and can't thank her enough.

Cheryl Smith

4/24/2016

The support, knowledge, encouragement and modeling that Melanie gave throughout my pregnancy was so very valuable. I was able to have a brand new experience even though this was my third child. From the very beginning, Melanie was there to help me effectively deal with the difficult morning sickness symptoms. She offered me homeopathic remedies and her sweet support, that made such a positive difference. The wide array of information Melanie shared with me on the 9 month journey slowly expanded my view and perception of pregnancy and childbirth. I was able to see and appreciate the wonder of the natural process and eventually became more trusting of my body and its ability to handle the wild changes along the way. When I finally went into labor, I felt prepared, centered and very excited to deal with the birth of my baby. With Melanie there to encourage me to be patient and instill a confidence in me that I didn't think was possible, I was able to have my first natural birth experience, which was amazing (although incredibly intense as well!)

Since giving birth, Melanie has been so supportive and her loving, caring energy during this first month with my newborn has kept me feeling centered, capable and strong.

I highly recommend Melanie as a Doula!