Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
I was matched with Melissa through a volunteer doula program when I was pregnant with my 2nd son. I immediately connected with her. She was very compassionate, and informed about the choices I could make. She kept in contact with me throughout my pregnancy, and attended a drs appt with me when I presented my birth plan. In early labor, I talked with her throughout the day. She met me at the hospital, and I felt calmer as soon as she arrived. She was a great support throughout - making sure I was comfortable, getting everything I needed. It was wonderful to know I had her on my team.
So, naturally, when I found myself pregnant again when my son was 10 months old, my experience with Melissa was one of the first things I thought of. I asked if she would be my doula again, and without hesitation she accepted. Again- I immediately felt calmer. When I went in to labor, it was a long, drawn out several days of not knowing what was really happening. Melissa was always checking in, putting my (unknown) schedule before her own. She met me at the hospital when I thought I was *for sure* in labor, and later that night, met me at my house before going to the hospital for the 2nd time. Again, she stayed with me the entire time- making sure all of my needs were met. She was so committed and empathetic. Yet, she let me own my experience both times. She faded into the background when she needed to, and seemed to know right when her presence was needed. Whether it was for encouragement, a (hundred) hip squeezes, or chapstick. Melissa has a way about her- she is reassuring, rational, and honest. That was exactly what I needed in a doula.
-Christine Mullaney
February 09, 2016
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2650 to $5000
