Every doula has their own way of nurturing, and it can look different depending on your needs. I offer perinatal, birth and postpartum support both as a stand alone service or as a package. I love supporting families ‘Full Spectrum’ through their entire journey, a practice that allows me to be completely focused on one family at a time, and allows me to really get to know my clients and offer them a continuum of care that I find invaluable.

 My offerings include:

• Perinatal Support 

• Hospital, birthing center and home labor and birth support and advocacy 

• Planned and unplanned Cesarian support

• Overnight Doula care

• Infant education and support

• Body feeding and bottle feeding support and education

• Post-Frenectomy Recovery Support for tongue and lip tie

• Emotional Support for birth or adoptive parents 

• Providing resources and referrals when appropriate

• Support for detection of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

• Sleep Counseling support

Melanie was our doula for my 2nd child. I didn't have a doula with my first child and can absolutely say that Melanie was a huge part of the reason my 2nd labor and delivery went so smoothly. I had a lot of concerns and worries from my first birthing experience. Melanie was patient, listened, and offered her input in a calm and caring way. I was induced and it took a long time for me to go into active labor. Melanie had helpful suggestions for trying to get baby into the right position- so much so that I am convinced she helped my labor progress thanks to some of the positions we tried. She also provided little candles and aromatherapy for when I was laboring in the tub, which was a nice touch. I got an epidural and Melanie also had great ideas for positioning when I had the epidural. Ultimately, Melanie was not only a part of our 2nd child's birth, but also a part of my own healing from a traumatic first birthing experience. I can't recommend her enough! -Abby A.

‘Melanie was absolutely amazing! We were lucky to have her as a birthdoula and then a nighttime doula for a few months postpartum. During our Zoom meeting, I already felt a great connection with her and I'm so glad we got her! At the hospital, she was a great advocate for me. Whenever I had to make a decision, she made sure I understood my options fully and was never rushed or pressured. We had one nurse who was less than helpful, but Melanie stepped in and everything went smoothly. Having her with us made the process so much less stressful. We are so thankful for her support. As a nighttime doula, she was a baby-whisperer! I wish I could settle the baby as quickly as she could. She helped with folding a bit of baby laundry and doing the baby dishes. Whenever we needed ideas or advice, she was very knowledgeable and had great referrals if something was out of her wheelhouse. She was always supportive and happy with whatever we chose to do.I slept very deeply whenever she was here (I think that speaks to how much I trusted her) and she truly became part of our little family. And as a bonus, she was so patient with our nervous, barky pup! If you ever have the chance to have Melanie, don't hesitate. She is the best!” -Anna Knutsen