Melissa was great at supporting via text and in person leading up to the birth, including coming to our home to teach us techniques and answer our questions. She has a 'flexible, laid back' style of business - she makes you feel like she is there because she really wants to be. She doesn't come over with a curriculum or check list, but instead dialogues with you to meet you where you are.
Though I had a long labor (40 hours), I was able to do it without medication in large part because of the role that Melissa played. She always seemed to know when to step in and when to step back. She was incredible with massage & different pain relief techniques. She would jump in to fan, provide water, etc whenever needed, but was also fantastic at supporting my husband in being the primary support for me. For my husband, this allowed him to be there for me but also to take a moment to grab a sip or water or text my family with updates without worrying.
Melissa was SO encouraging throughout the birth - her cheers and encouragement uplifted me in moments when I was getting tired or things felt like they were dragging. She did a great job of keeping me as informed as I wanted to be, but also helped me stay in the moment and concentrate just on what was right in front of me.
Melissa and my midwife had an incredible relationship, with clear mutual respect. They were able to communicate directly with one another during the beginning stages of labor and together helped advise us as to the right time to go to the hospital. They also worked seamlessly in terms of supporting the final stages of labor, the immediate after birth, and the transition to breastfeeding.
The icing on the cake were her photography skills. She captured the raw emotion of the birth experience so beautifully, and her photos and video are truly some of our most prized posessions now.
-Haley Fletcher
November 14, 2017
Drawn From Love Birth and Photography services
Birth Fee: Not specified
Postpartum Rate: Not specified