Testimonial for Carli Mellentine
When I found out I was pregnant, I knew immediately I wanted a low intervention birth. I opted for midwifery care through St. Vincent and knew I wanted a doula. My husband and I are first time parents and had no idea what to expect. Carli was recommended in a mom's group to us. She was prompt in reaching out to set a meeting and very informative in sessions leading up to birth. She helped us create a birth plan, packing list, and be prepared the best we could.
We expected our "plan" to not go exactly as expected. After all, it is birth. However, no one could prepare us for the birth experience we had and we could not have done it without Carli. I had a 40 hour labor with 5.5 hours of pushing and I am convinced if we didn't have Carli and a good medical team I would have ended up with a cesarean. Carli supported me in several hours of back labor without an epidural with various techniques to manage the pain and when I opted for an epidural, she continued to assist my labor by changing positions. She made sure we understood each procedure and their risks, and was there to encourage us to make decisions that we felt comfortable with. When it came to pushing, she was a huge supporter and my care team LOVED her.
Our birth ended with many things I wanted to avoid and our baby being cared for by the NICU team, but Carli was an incredible emotional support before, during, and after birth. Our birth story may not be anything we could have ever imagined but we know hiring Carli was the best decision we made. My husband was on the fence about a doula due to the expense and now he can't picture our birth story without her. She became like family and we will make sure our little guy knows all about her!
-Kayla Honaker
February 18, 2022
Carli Mellentine
Willow Tree Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1400 to $1800
