Testimonial for Melissa Harris
Best. Doula. Ever.
We decided on a doula because our pregnancy was high-risk and we didn't have a ton of family nearby. Melissa brought a sense of calm and normalcy to a very 'medicalized' pregnancy, which was exactly what we needed after five years of IVF and recurrent pregnancy loss. Meetings with Melissa prior to birth meant we could ask all kinds of questions and walk through scenarios that were on our minds.
Melissa supported both of us differently.
For me, (the mother) she was like a big sister - she knew all about positioning for my backlabour, natural techniques to help me through contractions. Thanks to Melissa, I was able to labour at home with back labour for 18 hours (which was my preference, over going to the hospital too soon). I ended up having a c-section, and that was my 'worst case scenario' prior to actually giving birth, but, in large part thanks to Melissa, I now cherish my labour, c-section and all!
For my husband, Melissa was someone he could count on to check in with, to know what was normal and what wasn't. She made sure he got a break, so he could take over once the baby was born.
After the birth of our son was when our love for Melissa went to a whole new level! My milk came in - and so did the post-partum hormone drop! I felt panicked that I was the only woman on earth, ever, who wouldn't be able to breastfeed her child and I felt like everything I was doing was all wrong and my baby was starving because he missed a feeding. I was a hot, hormonal mess and Melissa came right over and calmed me down, helping me with positioning and latch; without ever being condescending or dismissive. She knew I needed a little confidence boost, and a little mothering myself, to get over the hormonal hump! That moment alone made having her as our doula invaluable.
Since the birth of our son, Melissa has stayed in touch with us and we're so glad to have her in our lives.
-Brooke Finnigan
June 03, 2016
Melissa Harris
Melissa Harris Birth Services
Birth Fee: $1500
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $50
