Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
Melissa was my doula when I gave birth to my second child. My first experience with childbirth left me feeling something less than empowered (water broke, but I had no contractions, so I submitted to pitocin & epidural & some belittling comments from the on-call doc). But with Melissa's help my waterbirth with my second baby felt redemptive, healing, and liberating. I think the most helpful thing for me was Melissa's availabilty through the end of pregnancy. I could check in with her (often via text, which was perfect) with questions that I might worry were bothering my midwives. I knew she had a wealth of knowledge and experience (both personally and in her capacity as a doula), so it was always reassuring to get her feedback and support. She was the one who confirmed for me that, yes, labor had actually started--even though I was timing contractions at home myself (not to mention feeling them), I still doubted it! She could tell things were happening over the phone and decided to come see me for herself, and it was not a moment too soon. She waited with me while my husband made his way home from work, and met us at the entrance to the hospital, and just four hours later I delivered my baby girl in the blessed heat & weightlessness of the tub! I went into "don't touch me" mode during labor, and Melissa respected all my wishes. She was a solid, gracious presence but never intrusive for me or my husband. She even discreetly took some pictures, for which I am so grateful.
A good doula is someone who can sit with your fear and anxiety and check it against the strength of all the women giving birth she has witnessed. Melissa's presence at my daughter's birth (along with the company of nurses and midwives) seemed to call forth that strength for me, and help me go inward and find it in myself. I am still in awe!
-Kate Foran
November 15, 2016
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2250 to $2850
