Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
Melissa assisted me with the birth of my second child at Hartford Hospital in September 2017 and I truly cannot say enough good things about her. From the moment I met her at our first in-person consultation to the post-partum visits in my home, she balanced professionalism and warmth with ease. Her disarming sense of humor and frank, yet tactful honesty made me feel like I was in the company of a trusted friend, but her efficencieny and resposiveness let me know I was dealing with a pro. She not only made me feel confident in her ability to support me, but she helped me to feel confident in my own ability to achieve the med-free birth that I hoped for (I had had an epidural with my first). As a woman with a long history of anxiety. depression, and incredibly low self-esteem, that self-assuredness was such a gift and it's something that undoubtedly had a positive effect on my birth experience, recovery, AND will be something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. However, what I think truly sets Melissa apart and makes her a fantastic doula is her obvious and earnest desire to serve her clients as completely as possible. She was available to me at all hours of the day and night throughout my pregnancy, and repeatedly assured me I was never inconveniencing her. She took the time to get to know me, insisting I contact her with even what I considered the "stupidest" concerns and questions, and I grew to trust her implicitly. She offered honest opinions when I asked for them, but never forced her beliefs on me and was always extremely respectful of my own. And when "go time" came, Melissa was there for both me and my husband, constantly present but never overbearing in the delivery room - she empowered me to direct my experience in a way I know I wouldn't have had the confidence to without her. To say that I'm grateful is an understatement! I'd recommend her highly to anyone that asked.
-Audrey Beatty
January 18, 2018
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2650 to $5000
