Testimonial for Melissa M. Imperato CD(DONA)

From the very first phone conversation with Melissa I knew that she was the perfect one for me. I felt comfortable with her from the beginning, she made me laugh and we really became friends. We fit each other perfectly. I have had two previous c-sections and was determined on having a natural vaginal delivery and Melissa was going to be the one to get me through it. She emailed and text me constantly to check on me, she remembered every appointment and called me if I didn’t call her for an update. My husband was hesitant in meeting her because he really didn’t know the meaning of a doula, after meeting her for the first time I think we were both in love. She is honest, open and very supporting. She even joined me to a monthly ICAN (International Cesarean Awarenedd Network) meeting so that she would be more informed on how important a vaginal delivery was to me. When labor time came, she met me at home and helped me get my other two children dropped off and got us to the hospital. Never once did she let my water bottle get empty, never once did she let me get to the next contraction without drinking some water, and never once did I go through a contraction without her rubbing my back, which I think is what got me through labor without any pains meds. When my husband arrived and wanted to help she showed him how I wanted to be rubbed and helped him help me. She made him a part of the birth! I had told her from day one that I wanted no pain meds and no matter what not to let me have them. No matter how many times I asked she kept reminding me that it wasn’t what I wanted and that I was doing great. I went on to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery after two previous sections. She helped make my wish come true and for that she will always have a piece of my heart and a place in my life. I can say that I grew to love this woman, she is family to me and always will be.

-Alyssa Perez

June 01, 2011