Testimonial for Melanie Russell
We commited to working with Melanie after a positive first meet-up over coffee, not realizing how instrumental she was at VCU, where we would be giving birth. We also chose to take her 1-day Brighter Birth class, which was a great fit for us. It was so helpful for us to be able to move through early labor at home using techniques from the class, before we even asked Melanie to come join us for active labor.
During our meetings ahead of the birth, I was impressed with Melanie's balance of both knowledge and a willingness to conceal her own personal opinions and give us space to decide what was best for our birth. She helped raised questions for my husband and I to think through together that moved beyond just labor itself to considering early life with a baby.
Melanie was absolutely key in my ability to achieve my goals for a natural birth. Looking back, I can't even think when I would have asked for an epidural in the process. I had been so lukewarm in my commitment to "resisting" the epidural, but in the end it somehow never entered my mind. I attribute this entirely to my support team, who were there to build my confidence early on. Melanie's familiarity with birth assured me that the frightening pressure I was feeling was actual the labor itself, and that I was quite safe (not just to feel it, but to actually let my body go "down" with it!) She was such a steady presence that I never panicked.
It was during pushing that I was most impressed by the teamwork between Melanie and my midwife Amber. Their communication with each other was seamless and they were able to effectively explain to me how to push, in a very few words. What a benefit to have a doula who has such familiarity with the midwife who would deliver our baby!
-Lauren Mathews
July 22, 2015
Melanie Russell
A Brighter Birth
Birth Fee: $1800
