Testimonial for Melissa M. Imperato CD(DONA)
My experience with Melissa was nothing but positive! She helped me to achieve my goal of a natural vaginal birth in a hospital. Melissa’s personality is a great combination of cheerful energy along with being relaxed and calm. She also has a great sense of humor! She has a large amount of knowledge in regards to pregnancy, the birth process and newborn care. I would strongly recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a doula with a great personality, broad knowledge base and strong skills during labor. She encouraged me to try different positions during labor and assisted me into those positions. She helped to re-assure my husband and I that the pains, and emotional signposts I was having during labor were normal and that each strong sensation and contraction was a step closer. She continuously assured me that I was capable of natural childbirth even as a first time mom! She played a tremendous role during the pushing phase. She encouraged me to focus on her instructions and patiently explained to me how to properly push while conserving the most amount of energy which helped me to persist during the exhausting pushing phase. She supported my decision to try nitrous oxide for a short time at the end of my labor when the contractions were very intense. I truly appreciated her helping me to wait to use the “laughing gas” for as long as possible. This was the key to helping me avoid an epidural, as I was able to use the gas as a clutch to take the edge off those last few contractions. Melissa also supported me through my pregnancy and spent quality time with my husband and I during the pre-birth visit to help us make the birth plan. Melissa’s presence during the entirety of my birth was THE reason for me to be able to have a natural birth. She enforced how strong and capable I was of achieving my goal. There was so much love and positive energy in the room which was made possible by Melissa’s presence. It was a wonderful experience!
-Kaitlin
February 10, 2020
Birth Fee: $1400
