Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
Empowering, is the best word I can use to describe having Melissa as our doula. I emailed birth tribe, gave a little summary as to what I was looking for in a doula and birth experience, and interviewed four doulas. Melissa was last and I knew within moments I wanted her to be my doula. She was confident, calming, extremely knowledgeable, reassuring and was the perfect fit for me. The sentence that stuck out the most was "I don't like babies", but you're a doula, how is that possible. And she explained, everyone in pregnancy is worried mostly about the baby, I'm there for the mom, for you. I cried, hormones, but I'm teary again writing this, so it really meant a lot. Our culture focuses on a healthy baby so much, be blessed the baby is healthy, even if mom is dying physically or mentally, just be happy we're told. Melissa made me feel loved, important and cared for. Of course she cared for the health of the baby as well, but I was her priority, and I needed that. Through out pregnancy, I would have little anxiety flare ups and she would calm me right down. "Totally normal" I trusted her and believed her. My water broke, no contractions just like my first. Melissa calmly was like it will start. We went to the hospital, I labored unmedicated until about 8cm and stalled. I was offered pitocin, I did not want it, I felt defeated. Melissa explained my body just needed a tiny push. She was right. I got the pit at 8am, and at 9am I was pushing. I told Melissa, I can't do this, and she calmly said, yes you can. Locked in my eyes and I believed her. Two pushes later my ten pound baby was earth side. I was astonished that I did it, and finally saw what Melissa saw and my body knew to do all along. Melissa gave me the confidence, changed my beliefs of myself and my body and truly made an impact in my life. Having someone so strong, knowledgeable and confident believe in you is amazing. Very thankful for her, and the impact she left in me.
-Jordan Toussaint
February 22, 2021
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2250 to $2850
