Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
I am forever grateful to Melissa. She played a pivotal role in the beautiful birth of my son. There were a number of junctions in my pregnancy and birth where things could have gone haywire, and Melissa's expertise and firm yet warm hand kept things on track. When I had to change insurance and obtain all new care providers halfway through my pregnancy - a very stressful endeavor - Melissa guided me towards a fantastic midwife practice and a birth-friendly hospital. I can't imagine the outcome if I had stayed with my original practice and hospital - Melissa is a godsend for this.
The night I went into labor, I called Melissa not knowing I was actually in labor - I had excruciating back pain. After speaking with me for just a couple minutes, Melissa told me to head to the hospital. When I was checked, I was already at least 6cm dilated. Would I have had my son at home or in the car if not for Melissa? Maybe!
All along I wanted an unmedicated birth. Hearing the back pain I was in, Melissa gently suggested that I consider getting an epidural once I got admitted. I trusted her despite this being not part of my plan, and I am so glad I did. Getting that epidural after enduring hours of excruciating back pain was the best decision I ever made. She never pressured me, but gave me the info I needed to make an empowered decision.
Melissa showed up shortly after us at the hospital. She helped to set the tone with all the nurses and midwife to let me lead and feel like I was in the drivers seat of my birth. My labor room was a sacred space. When no one was in the room but us, she watched my vitals and positioned me several times to encourage baby into a good position and keep him stable. When I began pushing she was instrumental in moving me. I pushed baby out in under 20 minutes, under 4 hours after arriving at the hospital.
Melissa is as intuitive and kind as she is intelligent. I hope to have her by my side for baby 2!
-Deana Croog
February 24, 2025
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2650 to $5000
