Testimonial for Melinda Ferguson from Claire G.

Testimonial for Melinda Ferguson

My labor and delivery were uncomplicated, so I figured postpartum would be the same, right? No. I was one of Melinda's "crisis moms." On day four or five of our daughter's life, my husband called around to several postpartum doulas in the area because we were out of our minds with exhaustion, and needed some serious guidance on how to proceed with the goal of keeping our sanity intact. Melinda came out to meet us that same night, a Sunday, and agreed to work with us starting the next day. We worked with Melinda for a few weeks, and she helped us get back to a bit of reality, with a lot of practical suggestions and emotional support. We had family visiting for a couple of weeks after that, and I thought we wouldn't be needing to meet with Melinda after that. That wasn't the case.

By the time our daughter was about six weeks old, I had developed a serious case of postpartum depression, and we again called Melinda at a crisis point. She came to visit us right away. Melinda, with her reassuring, caring, practical manner, helped me survive the four most difficult weeks of my life. I really don't know how I would have done it otherwise. She was the only person who was able to sit with me in my depression without being critical or questioning or uncomfortable with my discomfort. She offered many knowledgeable, practical suggestions, including the referral to a mental health provider, but the most valuable part of our time together was the fact that she simply spent time with me, and talked to me as if I was still a normal person. She gently but firmly guided me back into a functional place. Melinda's confidence gave me confidence. Just knowing that she had seen other women through postpartum depression helped me believe that I might be okay too.

I highly recommend her to anyone needing a little bit, or a lot of support. She is respectful and strong, and her strength helped me regain mine.

-Claire G.

August 09, 2010