Testimonial for Melanie Russell
My husband and I can't thank Melanie enough for everything she did for us before, during, and after the birth of our first child. While searching for a birthing class with a focus on natural birth, Melanie's name came up so frequently and so highly recommended. Prior to attending her class, I devoured every book on natural birth that I could find- but I still felt a little lost and confused about what to expect. Melanie's class made things so simple for us- and Melanie made sure that no one in the class left with questions unanswered. We felt a whole new level of confidence after our classes ended.
We were fortunate enough to also have Melanie as our doula- and we absolutely cannot imagine our birth experience without her. Melanie checked in on me (and my husband) frequently as our due date was approaching, and she helped us come up with a solid plan as our due date passed (by 11 days) and our care provider began suggesting induction. Every step of the way, Melanie helped us understand what was going on during the labor process, and I knew if we did end up needing a medical intervention, that it would be truly necessary. We ended up not needing any medical intervention at all- and when I finally did go into labor, as soon as Melanie was by our side, I never felt scared about what was to come.
When I look back at my labor, I often think about how physcially comfortable Melanie made me (for a woman in labor of course!)- I never felt over-heated or dehydrated, and emotionally I felt very strong and empowered. Our birth experience was a beautiful one, but life is so, so challenging with a newborn- and again, Melanie was there for us. She was an amazing resource for my postpartum stress and anxieties and was vital to our success in breastfeeding. Melanie continues to be an amazing resource for us and a friend, and we cannot imagine ever going through another pregnancy and labor without her.
-Caroline Whittington Young
January 08, 2016
Melanie Russell
A Brighter Birth
Birth Fee: $2000
