Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
Melissa was amazing. i was seeking a doula comfortable with high risk pregnancies after finding out we'd be up against some complications. She empathized with my concerns, offered supportive ideas and gave me information the medical folks had not mentioned. She was not judgemental about my relationships. I felt comfortable sharing my fears with her, and she was realistic but also calming. She helped me connect with other people for prenatal massage and placenta encapsulation, who were also fantastic. She was not judgemental about my issues of anxiety.
I always felt like she had time for me, including multiple emails and texts during the pregnancy. Our meetings before hand were very helpful, letting me know i had options i was not aware of.
In labor she was a godsend. This was my second pregnancy, with my first an unmedicated home birth. Going to a hospital setting for the first time in my life (aside from my own birth) was intimidating. Having her right there, walking us through the process was calming. She explained things to me, and always seemed to know what i needed before i did. When labor was not progressing as i had hoped and the pain was very intense, she helped me find another position and offered reminders that this was not a linear process. I think without Melissa's support i would have sought an epidural but with her present i was able to get through.
She also made sure i held my son as soon as possible, which i desperately needed in that moment. Again, before i could put words to the feelings, she knew.
She was also wonderful afterwards, checking in on me. She sent a lovely birth story and photographs of the birth, glimpses of my son i was not able to see because of the position i gave birth.
I would reccomend Melissa to anyone, particularly those folks who may be facing a challenge of sorts.
-laurel pickard
October 02, 2018
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2250 to $2850
