Testimonial for Melissa Duenas-Witter
I first spoke with Melissa a year PPT, having suffered a hemorrhage that was extremely traumatizing. A friend suggested I speak to her about mental health resources and Melissa suggested EMDR therapist who cured my PTSD. When I got pregnant again, I hired Melissa. She is data driven and practical yet compassionate with high emotional intelligence. She is trauma informed and understood my emotions but also supported my plan to be induced and get an epidural, given my history. That balance was key. She did not "push" any type of birth plan. I endured a second stage 3 hemorrhage and I have no doubt one of the main reasons it wasn't as traumatizing is because of Melissa. She advocated for me, she made sure everyone who entered the room knew my history, she translated between me and all medical personnel, and she helped me through labor in a way the nurse couldn't. And when all h$ll broke loose, Melissa was a god sent. I was hysterical and Melissa kept calm. She knew that one of the most triggering aspects of my first birth was not being able to BF for 7 hrs so she advocated for me to BF before going to the OR (so my baby didn't need formula). She made sure my husband would be kept apprised of my condition (unlike the first time), and she stayed with him until I got out of surgery. My husband was supportive of me hiring a doula but he was skeptical of the benefits. After I returned, he said, "hiring Melissa was the best money we could've spent." Another difficult aspect of birth trauma is trying to piece together what happened and often receiving minimal info. Melissa keeps a record of each birth. Reviewing it with her was healing for me and meant I didn't feel the need to obsess over my medical records. I lost a year of my life after my first because due to trauma and this time couldn't be more different. I attribute that to Melissa's support. I highly recommend a "plan for the worst and expect the best" approach. Melissa should be part of that plan.
-Hillary R
November 14, 2024
Melissa Duenas-Witter
Diary of a Doula
Birth Fee: $2250 to $2850
