Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
My experience with Melissa was hands down the absolute best decision I ever made! Initially, I was fairly naive about doulas and their role in the birthing process. It was only upon numerous suggestions from my sister in law, who had a working relationship with Melissa, that I eventually decided to meet Melissa and see what she was all about. Looking back I was beyond fortunate to contact Melissa just before she booked up! I loved my OB practice and was confident they had my best interests in mind throughout pregnancy and delivery. I thought "Well I have a team of doctors that will be there to help me, why would I need anyone else?" I really thought that doulas were for women looking for all natural home birth experiences and that was not at all what I was wanted. Upon my first meeting with Melissa, she explained everything. She explained her role as a doula, the different situations and birthing practices she can assist with and had an answer for every silly seemingly crazy fear I had. Melissa has this unwavering confidence and an ultra calm presence paired with an extensive wealth of knowledge about the birthing process. Melissa was exactly what I needed for this birth to be a successful VBAC. As testament to her greatness, Melissa knew my fear from my first birth was the pushing phase. I ended up needing a C-section with my son because of a positioning issue and "maxing" out the pushing time limit for the hospital. With my daughter, when I was 10 cm dilated, the nurses and doctors suggested pushing. This immediately struck fear into my mind and I had visions of the baby being stuck AGAIN. Melissa quietly and calmly gave me an alternative. She told me to trust my body. So I did. Watching the monitors, the baby began descending on its own, which was incredible. One thing I'll never forget was Melissa leaned down and whispered "I see her hair" and at that exact moment I knew, with her help, I was going to deliver this baby the way I wanted to!
-Jennifer Rinaldi
May 30, 2018
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2650 to $5000
