Testimonial for Mel Haley (they/them)
Mel is an incredible doula! We weren’t even considering a doula until a friend sang Mel’s praises. The prep they gave us leading up to birth was priceless, and their support during labor was incredible. I can’t imagine doing it without them! It was so reassuring to have someone who could both help me manage the pain (and the fear! Birth is scary!) and who could support me in advocating for what I needed and reassuring me as things went. The whole experience of birth was the most difficult and amazing thing I’ve ever done, and having Mel by our side took so much of the fear out of it and helped us really focus on bringing this new life into the world.
on a practical note, the handouts we got were godsends, the way Mel included my husband was extremely helpful in acknowledging what was happening for both of us, and their support postpartum (when I really struggled) also meant the world. From start to finish I found them incredibly organized, responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive of all aspects of birth (including pregnancy and postpartum). They had a wonderful balance of respecting the medical knowledge of the professionals (and telling us clearly what was based on their ample experience and what we should confirm with a doctor) and honoring the deeply complex spiritual aspect of birth as well. My husband is a physician and was able to fully focus on me during labor and trust Mel to be our advocate, which was extremely important to us.
-Kate
October 31, 2026
Mel Haley (they/them)
M.Ed., Wyld Garden
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2400
Postpartum Rate: Not specified
