Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
As a first-time mom who conceived through IVF there were very few wishes I had going into pregnancy: 1) to welcome a healthy child; 2) to have minimal of interventions during labor and delivery. For me, #2 meant having the support of someone with the knowledge, compassion, experience, and the right personality to be in my and my husband's corner. Tall order right? Queue the search for the perfect doula. Meeting Melissa for the first time was equal parts getting acquainted with a strong, steadfast friend you could rely on and the ultimate fountain of pregnancy and birthing knowledge. A huge part of the matching process for us was finding someone who we "clicked" with and that I could imagine in the room for most vulnerable experience of my life. Melissa was that person for me from the very beginning. She has a calm, confident presence that immediately puts you at ease. She ensured we were prepared and informed to make the best decisions for our family and she was in our corner every step of the way. One sentinment that Melissa shared during our first meeting and echoed throughout was her ultimate goal of limiting, and ideally avoiding, trauma during the labor and delivery process. Being on the other side of pregnancy, I can’t say how invaluable this was. When my water broke spontaneously earlier than expected, Melissa was our first text at 3 am. She called us immediately and put me at ease. When labor progressed faster than expected, she was right by my side to support along the way. When baby wasn’t moving into position, she positioned me to give us the best chance for baby to flip. And when baby finally did flip, Melissa was the one who knew it and when it was time to push. She was there to remind me to listen to my body, to go inward, and to trust myself. I know my birth wouldn’t have been trauma free without Melissa - which looking back, should have been my #2 wish. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Melissa.
-Gina
August 27, 2025
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2650 to $5000
