Melissa Davis Photo

Melissa Davis

Hands of Melody

Hampstead, MD Service range 75 miles NO HOUSEHOLDS WITH CATS

http://www.handsofmelody.com

Birth Fee

$500 to $1500

Postpartum Rate

$50 to $70

Black Doula Indigenous/Aboriginal Doula

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Birth Fee

$500 to $1500

Postpartum Rate

$50 to $70


Birth Doula Experience

37 years and 50 births attended

Postpartum Doula Experience

37 years and 30 families served


Doula Training

  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, March 2018

Type of practice: Doula agency owner

Clients per month: 1 to 3 births and 1 to 3 postpartum families

Postpartum limits/restrictions: NO CATS OR SMOKERS

Attends hospital births? Some Hospitals
I will attend births at any facility that the clients have cleared with the staff. I must be informed during the initial potential client meeting of the hospital.

Attends birth center births? Some Birth Centers

Attends home births? Any Home Birth
I am willing to attend a home birth in a home with no cats.


Special Services Offered

  • Abortion support
  • Aromatherapy
  • Baby sign language education
  • Birth counseling for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
  • Military families support
  • Miscarriage support
  • Reduced rates for women considering adoption
  • Reflexology
  • Satellite doula (for remote and rural clients)

Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

I have had experience with teen mothers, dealing with the loss of a baby, miscarriages, birth after trauma, and many other issues a minister and public speaker. I have had the honor of working with theses strong women in times when they felt at their worst. I serve as a volunteer for Community of Hope in Washington DC.

Fee Details

Fees are based on an income sliding scale and length of services needed. They will discussed during the potential client meeting.

Service Area

Hampstead, MD Service range 75 miles NO HOUSEHOLDS WITH CATS

Client Testimonials for Melissa Davis

Go to DoulaMatch.net to post a testimonial of your experience with Melissa Davis

Kavita Surana

1/20/2019

Melissa was supportive since the first time I met her. She was attentive to any of my concerns and responded quickly by text if I had any questions. She would constantly remind me to be positive during the labor and a healthy baby will come out at the end whether it would be the way I wanted it or by a c section. The aromatherapy help me during labor and she was wonderula t keeping me calm during the contractions.

I would definitely recommend her to any of my friends, who would be interested in a doula. This was a wonderful experience for me and my family.

Elle Bennie

8/28/2018

I can't say enough about how much of an invaluable resource Melissa has been to me; late in my pregnacy and postpartum. My birthplan changed suddenly (due to a health concern) and once I informed Melissa of the change, she helped me remain calm and held my hand all the way up until my delivery. Melissa was everything I could ask for and more during the labor and delivery process and then some! She brought laminated copies of my birthplan for the staff, essendial oils for me, candles, and lots of other goodies I didn't have an opportunity to use (I had a very fast delivery). Melissa is extremely knowledgable and professional; her cheerful disposition and calming energy made my labor/delivery process extremely peaceful with minimal medical intervention. Working with Melissa has been effortless and an all arond pleasance experience. I highly recommend Melissa to any family in need of an experienced, professional advocate; she will make a HUGE difference in your overall labor/delivery experience.

Jessica Fernanders

6/19/2018

Thanks to Melissa, my birth experience was truly the best thing that I’ve experienced. As a first time mom I had several fears that I overcame with the help of Melissa. She was patient and cared about my baby and I needs. She had candles and aromatherapy which helped keep my nerves calm. There were times were I could hardly talk to my Midwives and hospital staff but she helped with passing information. I appreciate her staying the whole time I labored (19 hours to be exact) and the home visit after we were discharged. Your voice will be heard with Melissa by your side! I recommend Melissa because she’s very passionate and dedicated to her craft. She is simply AMAZING!!!

Delisha Colbert

6/6/2018

My experience with Melissa was more than amazing she was very understanding and patient with me without our encounters of my pregnancy I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a doula she went above and beyond

Sheena Davis Ogee

6/6/2018

With Melissa's help, patience and encouragement, I was able to stick to my birth plan. Like most mothers, my goal was to spontaneously go into labor, but due to the baby's size I had to be induced at 39 weeks. I was not mentally prepared for the intensity, nor the length of time that it would take to reach delivery. My first birth was spontaneous, quick and unmedicated. This time around, I labored with Pitocin for 15 hours without an epidural. Thankfully, Melissa was there to help me stay focused and centered. She had flameless candles, a scent diffuser, and she played a variety of mellow music that helped to relax me. During each contraction, she reminded me to relax and give a low, deep moan. She stressed that this moaning would help open me up. Focusing on my breathing also took my mind off of the intensity of the contractions. At Melissa’s recommendation, I spent a lot of time laboring on the birth ball, and also used the peanut ball when laying in the bed. This helped to bring baby down and to open my hips. She also advocated on my behalf to the nurses that walking would be good for me. When walking was no longer an option due to being plugged in to the IV and needing to be constantly monitored by machines, she turned on some fun music and got me up to dance and move around in the space available. I am grateful that I was able to still follow my birth plan and deliver my 10 lbs 10 oz baby boy without an epidural, despite the intensity of the contractions. I never would have been able to do it without Melissa’s invaluable help. I highly recommend her, as she is caring, listens, and is an excellent advocate during a mother’s most vulnerable time. Not once did I feel pressure to labor in a certain way. She made many excellent suggestions, and when I had ideas she listened and went with what felt comfortable and natural to me. My birth experience was positive, and I recommend all mothers have a doula on their birth. Kudos to Melissa!

LyAshia Webb

5/8/2018

Melissa assisted me with the birth of my twin girls! She was there to answer any and all questions before, during and even after my girls arrived! My husband and I felt very comfortable with her there at the hospital with us!  She helped me with my breathing and overall composure during my contractions and the birthing process! Melissa was defintly an added bonus to my birth experience

Delilah Ferrell

4/27/2018

My experience with Melissa Davis as my doula was awesome!! She was my doula for two different deliveries. During my first delivery, with my first child, I was blessed to have her present. My doctor was not in the room when the nurse instructed me to start pushing. I was not aware that I was pushing wrong until Melissa prompted me to tuck my head while pushing. Without to many details this saved me from serious consequences and the nurse did not think to mention this correction.

It was also comforting to have Melissa nearby about two years later during my second child birth. This delivery went slower than the first one. Melissa was extremely helpful and did everything she could to ensure that I was comfortable during the wait. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a person to help put you at ease during pregnancy and delivery. She is a very caring and considerate doula.

Birth Availability for Melissa Davis

= Available. Calendar last updated: 01-02-2024

Postpartum Availability for Melissa Davis

= Available. Calendar last updated: 01-02-2024