Testimonial for Melissa Johnson VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SUPPORT from Peter Privon

Testimonial for Melissa Johnson VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SUPPORT

This was our second experience with birth and a doula. Writing from the perspective of the husband/father Melissa did a great job supporting my wife and I as part of our birth team. I have been through Bradley Classes, read countless books and articles about pregnancy and birth to support my wife through the process but in the end, having an experienced doula has been crucial to achieving our goals of a natural, unmedicated childbirth.

We met with Melissa in the early phases of pregnancy and she was great at asking questions and seeking to understand what our needs and desires were. She was able to focus on my wife Katy and give her advice to make pregnancy more comfortable while also coaching me on how I could help before we even got close to labor. Once we were getting close to labor Melissa was very accessible and was there as I provided status updates so we could plan the right time for her to join the process.

The most critical need I had for a doula was to 1. have someone who knew when was the right time to go to the hospital (we were laboring at home) and 2. give me guidance and advice on how I could best comfort and encourage Katy during active labor and pushing. Melissa filled both these roles. As we got well into active labor and pushing at the hospital Melissa and I worked as a team to apply pressure to relieve discomfort as well as making sure Katy was comfortable, had water, ate regularly, etc.

I cannot stress how much Katy and I enjoyed this birth experience and how much Melissa contributed to this joy. Her focus on mamma comfort, gentle coaching so I could be effective in my role of husband-coach, and the pictures she took during the process helped us achieve our desired birth and have pictures to remember them by.

I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone and for the husbands out there, you'll find in her an expert coach so you and your partner can share in the amazing experience of birth.

-Peter Privon

September 29, 2018