Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
It has been over a year since I worked with Melissa, and I can say that she was one of the most positive and enduring memories I have of my pregnancy and birth team. She was warm, authentic, and nonjudgemental. She was well informed, came with evidence-based facts, but adjusted to what was in front of her. My "plan" was to have a vaginal delivery. Unfortunately, I became preecclamptic and needed an urgent c-section. I know she made concessions to her own schedule on the day of my delivery (as this was nearly 3W earlier than my due date) to see me through the process. I tremendously appreciate it to this day.
One of the most important memories I have and still hold onto was when I placed on a magnesium drip and getting ready to be wheeled into the OR. I became so unindurably hot, so hot that I felt like I ate the sun. I could barely breathe out of my swollen nose. My eyes burned.My blood pressure was high. My nerves were high. I thought I would burst into flames. I am sure the team prepping me had their focus on getting me to the OR and making sure the baby was safe, but Melissa really saw my discomfort. Really saw me in that moment just suffering and reached in with a cold, wet washcloth, between the gloved hands and IV lines, and she placed it on my face and neck. There were so many actions before and after that were just as important - some may argue more, but I cannot tell you why this moment lingers with me more than others. Perhaps it was her face which showed genuine empathy and concern, maybe it was the brief relief from the heat from something so simple. Maybe it was just being really heard and cared for.
Melissa is a very knowledgeabe doula, but that knowledge is coupled with deep empathy - not sympathy. That is a powerful combination in healthcare. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you, Melissa.
Monali
-Monali Desai
October 22, 2024
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2250 to $2850
