Testimonial for Melissa M. Imperato CD(DONA)
I found Melissa online and after reading 19 amazing reviews of her, I knew I had to meet her ASAP. When we met Melissa we knew she'd be the perfect match for us; she was exactly what we wanted in a doula. Someone not only to be our birthing advocate and support but also someone who is personable, knowledgable, reasuring, determined, motivating and most of all hilarious (I knew I'd be nervous the entire time and she was perfect at keeping my mind off the pain and making me laugh). Even though we found Melissa when I was well into my 3rd trimester, we got to know each other well extremely fast. She texted almost every day asking how I was feeling, reminding me to drink lots of water, and always asked how my doctor appointments went. We were in constant contact up to the moment I was in labor. Although she lived far from me, she made two trips into the city to meet with me. Once I was in labor and at the hopsital, her and my husband were in constant communication until she showed up. During my labor Melissa was the perfect mix of advocate and support; she wasn't too pushy, never took charge, but was always there to step in and help when necessary. I am confident that I most likely would have had a C-section if I did not have Melissa by my side motivating me and not letting me give up. Not only did she stay for the entire birth (which included 3.5 hours of pushing) and for a while after my baby was born to help him latch, she also took over 35 pictures of my baby being delivered as well as other personal moments of my husband and I meeting our son for the first time that we will able to cherish forever. Our relationship didn't end once my son was delivered. Melissa came to visit a few weeks after he was born, helped with breastfeeding again and even brought him a gift. My son is now 6 months old and I still consider Melissa a big part of his life. I am so glad we chose to hire Melissa as our doula and could not recommend her more.
-Caroline Wexler
July 13, 2016
Birth Fee: $1400
