Testimonial for Melissa F. Haley (they/she) from Courtney

Testimonial for Melissa F. Haley (they/she)

I cannot say enough amazing things about having Melissa be a part of our pregnancy and birth experience. I always knew that I wanted a birthworker to assist my husband and I through the process. After going through some medical trauma when I was younger, I didn't want my birth to feel like a scary medical experience. It was important for my husband & I to find someone who would be able to advocate for me, take the fear out of the medical environment, work with my husband to be a great birthing partner & who valued science/evidence based information for pregnancy and labor. Melissa checks ALL of these boxes.

From our first meeting, we knew that Melissa was someone we would be comfortable working with. They were so easy to talk to. During each visit, they were informational, thoughtful & provided us with tons of tools to feel confident as we approached labor. In between visits, they provided us with articles, book recommendations, and quick answers to any questions we had.

When my water broke, our midwife recommended we head to the hospital to be induced. Even though this wasn't part of our plan, Melissa gave us assurance that we had a choice in every step of the way: from going to the hospital when WE felt comfortable, to encouraging us to ask for a rest period before starting pitocin, to making sure the nurse informed us each time they changed care. Melissa arrived at 11:00 PM & was a burst of energy, equipped with twinkle lights, essential oils, a homemade electrolyte drink &a menu of positions to find comfort in. Throughout our 11 hours of labor, Melissa was such a calm presence. When I think of labor, I think of my husband behind me& Melissa in front of me, giving affirmations & holding my hand through each contraction. She helped make my unmedicated birth possible.

I couldn't imagine giving birth without Melissa. We both appreciated her so much & would recommend her to anyone.

-Courtney

July 18, 2021