Alicja Laszuk

2/18/2025

As first time parents, we didn't realize how clueless we were about birth until we went to our birthing course at 35 weeks. Luckily, we found Melissa a few days later and she made sure we were ready for what's coming even if we started a little bit later than many parents.

She had deep and honest conversations with us, encouraging us to deeply think through what our values are and challeging us to think of various possible scenarios. Our birth ended up not going exactly how we hoped (we were diverted to a different hospital and needed a few interventions), and those sessions with Melissa helped us be ready and know how to go about communicating with the healh professionals.

Melissa was with us the whole way, ready to come as soon as we needed her. She was aware and attentive, asked questions and shared words of encouragement, and checked in to make sure that she is providing the support that we need. She listened carefully and advocated for us, especially when it seemed like some ideas were presented to us as something we must take as is without further options. For example, the nurses only suggested one birthing position and Melissa made sure we try different options to find something I'm comfortable with. She also talked to us about various augumentation options when they were presented and encouraged us to take time to make a decision.

On top of being an amazing doula, she also took beautiful photos of the whole experience. We cherish those first moments with our son and look back at the photos constantly.

We're so happy we found Melissa and will call her as soon as we know we we're expecting our next baby!

Ginny Bourne

1/19/2025

It has taken me some time to find the words to express our gratitude and love for Melissa. We were lucky to begin working with each other early into my pregnancy and I would encourage anyone reading this, considering working with a Doula, to embark on this as soon as you can. Melissa and I formed such a special bond over the (many) months of working together and by the end, she came to feel like a true friend to me. From the beginning, her ability to listen and hold space for all that I had to process was remarkable - a testament to her kind and loving soul. We connected over our shared appreciation and respect for spirituality and the power of it when applied to pregnancy and the birthing process. Melissa took time to understand me and my hopes and dreams for my birth, and she acted as a loyal partner in helping me achieve them. She gave my husband the same space and time to process his thoughts and together, we created a safe container for all that was to unfold. It's hard to not get emotional when thinking about our birthing experience - we have a healthy, beautiful baby boy which of course is the most precious gift of all, but his birth was not what I had hoped for and left me with some deep wounds to heal, phsyical, mental and emotional. Melissa was there to witness and hold space for me in the early postpartum days and helped me with some much needed processing. She reminded me of the many beautiful parts of the experience - memories erased by the traumatic ending. The birthing process is such a powerful event and nothing can possibly prepare you for it. It is a lived experience, impossible to describe with words or understand beforehand. Working with a Doula is the most valuable investment you can make and I truly can't think of anyone else I would work with. If I am lucky enough to get a second time, Melissa will be the first person I call.

Tiana

12/15/2024

I can't recommend Melissa enough as a doula! From the moment she came into my life during pregnancy, through the birth, and even postpartum, she was such a calming and supportive presence. Melissa is incredibly kind, patient, and always reassuring, which made all the difference when I was feeling nervous or uncertain. She gave me so much helpful advice throughout the whole process and was always ready to answer my questions, no matter how big or small. I really appreciated how she listened to me and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. She’s truly amazing, and I’m so grateful for everything she did for me and my family!

Rachel R

6/17/2024

Melissa is warm and knowledgeable, with an engaging and genuine attitude. From the beginning, she made both my partner and I feel more comfortable and confident and I loved how she emphasized being present for both of us. When I was in the birth process, she made sure my partner remembered to eat early on and kept me cool with a small fan--something so seemingly minor but hugely helpful. I learned a lot from our conversations, both in person or online, and her enthusiasm and support were invaluable.

Joni Low

5/30/2024

Melissa Makieff is a wonderful doula. She immediately established a feeling of calm, trust and warm confidence in following our intuition. We really enjoyed her spiritual approach, and education around hospital vs. home births, and we had a good time each meeting. She was with us the whole way - from establishing our birth plan, to our surprise 4-week early delivery at the hospital! While we initially desired a home birth, we were able to switch gears and stick to the main points of our birth plan. She decorated our hospital room with LED lights and candles to create a soothing vibe! The emotional, mental and spiritual support truly helped guide us through our journey of birth and as first-time parents, and post-partum support. Melissa is always present to listen and offer advice and information from a place of lived experience and care. We would definitely recommend Melissa to any soon-to-be parents looking for a doula! 

Jacqueline craig

5/27/2024

We cannot thank Melissa enough for her support throughout our birthing journey. She was kind, gentle and welcoming, making us feel comfortable instantly. She helped us prepare as best as possible, from the vision for our birth, setting expectations of the medical system and supporting us through the big emotions that come with this transition in our life. She provided unbiased information and was supportive of our birthing choices. I love my birthing story and this has a huge part to do with having Melissa by our side. I would recommend Melissa to anyone. 

Molly G

5/10/2024

I first met Melissa at a doula speed-dating event and instantly felt a connection with her; she was warm, curious, knowledgable, humourous, and she listened to my every wish and dream with an open heart. She is not only an incredible doula but a wonderful person, as well.

Melissa's guidance and loving care allowed my partner and I to lean into the lead-up to labour, labour itself, and the birthing experience. With our prenatal meetings, we discussed our ideal 'plan' for this experience, set ourselves up mentally and emotionally through guided meditation and journalling, and got real about pregnancy and beyond. We developed a relationship through this process and Melissa became someone we deeply trusted. Melissa helped us achieve a magical labour and birth experience, which aligned with everything we had hoped for.

At home, she was our champion through the painful stages of labour, cheering us on while keeping us calm, and providing suggestions to support our birth plan. She supported both my partner and me through her encouragement and positivity, she kept us on track when things felt overwhelming, and she checked in with us regarding our expectations and boundaries that had been discussed previously and advocated for us in the delivery space. Through labour process, Melissa's support via coping mechanisms and pain management allowed us to stay home longer during early labour, which resulted in less time in the hospital and not being turned away (which was a fear of mine). She was there for us in the postpartum period with that same steady, calming energy, only a phone call or text message away.

 This was our first child and I cannot imagine the experience of bringing our daughter into the world without Melissa by our side. She was a huge part of this process for our family, and we would recommend her to anyone preparing to welcome a child.

Natalia

5/6/2024

Melissa!! You were a true gift to us! ???? A bajillion times - THANK YOU! - for being with us all the way through!! Omg what a journey this was! I am so deeply grateful for your devoted guidance and endless support, especially right at the end when I felt so weak and defeated.. You really made me believe in myself until my very last drop - that I will never ever forget!?? My husband and I are very thankful that we found you and we would recommend you to anyone who's looking for a doula who really cares. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!??