Best Beginnings Doula Service
Taking care of you so you can take care of baby
I’m a trained and certified professional that provides women with emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I believe in uninterrupted birth, immediate mother/infant bonding, early breastfeeding, and attachment parenting.
All About Me
Who I Am
I officially began my birth work journey in 2018 and have gone on to work as a doula, lactation counselor, and birth assistant. I feel the idea of supporting women in their birth journey actually took root with my firstborn in 1994. I loved and cherished the guidance I received from other women and provide the care that meant so much to me. I have 4 grown children 2 of which were hospital births and 2 home births. I feel honored to be able to share my experience with women and families. I approach birth holistically. As well as physical support during labor, my role is also to act as an advocate for the birthing woman and her family. Contact me to find out more.
My Services
What I Do
All pregnancies are different, and that’s why I work with each client to develop a customized plan for pregnancy, birth and beyond. If I sound like a good fit, look at the services I offer below, and get in touch with me to schedule an initial consultation.
Basic doula package- ($700)
Includes 3 prenatal visits, one of which will be developing your custom birth plan, unlimited text and calls, unlimited full birth support, & 1 postpartum/breastfeeding visit.
Postpartum package- ($1050)
Includes everything from basic doula package and (6) 2-hour visits to provide you with postpartum/breastfeeding support.
Overnight postpartum visits are an option to give you much needed rest and help with breastfeeding.
Birthing Guidance
I’m a non medical professional trained in the process of birth. There is so much more to birth....it’s a emotional, mental, and physical journey. It is also a faith journey. I love incorporating my faith into my support through prayer & scripture. I like to think of myself as a “birth” friend. Someone who can walk along side you and your partner, answer your questions, help relieve any fears you may have & empower you and your partner to make the best choices possible for you and your growing family. With my Birthing Guidance, I offer support to you and your family before, during and after birth. I will stay in close contact in order to routinely check how you’re doing and step in with anything you might need.
Prenatal
I take on a limited number of clients at any one time to make sure I can give you the full care and attention you deserve. By offering Prenatal Visits, my goal is to reduce any stress, allowing you to pay attention to your body and your baby. During prenatal visits we get to know each other and I get to know your preferences. We develop a birth plan, discuss comfort measures, and optimal baby positioning.
Postpartum
Supporting you after baby arrives is one of my greatest desires. Taking care of you so that you can take of baby is the reason I chose to be a doula. Together we will customize your postpartum package to what your needs are to give you time to bond with your precious baby, heal, and have a more pleasant postpartum experience.
“Birth” day
You and your birth partner being comfortable & informed is very important to me. I consider my self your birth friend during this journey and want to help you have the birth you want. I will come and be with you as soon as you feel you want your “friend” there supporting you. I bring comfort measures with me so that you can relax and enjoy the process.
What clients are saying….
“I am so thankful to have had Melissa as a doula for the birth of our son Samuel! My third pregnancy was very challenging physically and mentally. I couldn’t have achieved the natural childbirth I desired without her support and encouragement! She checked in on us regularly as our due date approached, supported both my husband and I during labor and delivery, and partnered seamlessly with our midwife. I wish she had been at all of our births!! “
“Melissa has served as our doula and birth partner twice now… once for my first successful VBAC attempt in 2019, and then again in 2021 for the successful VBAC delivery of my twins. My husband and I both agree that she was instrumental in the success of both of these deliveries… her intuition for what a laboring mom needs is exceptional. She goes above and beyond during prenatal visits, labor & delivery, and also during postpartum care. Her role as my postpartum doula was almost as valuable as during the labor itself… from helping with older children, bringing me coffee & meals, helping me through tough nursing challenges, and just being available to talk with as we processed our new normal. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss out on the blessings that a doula like Melissa can bring to your birth experience.”
“Melissa was wonderful! She helped make my labor and delivery everything I wanted it to be! She made sure I was comfortable from the positions I was in, to the room environment! She was a constant reminder to eat and drink throughout the process which I am so grateful for! She was a great model for my husband who was nervous going into this experience for the first time! Melissa helped my husband feel comfortable as well and allowed him to be amazing support for me as well by showing and telling him different ways to be involved! We could not imagine going through that experience without her!”
“I don’t even know how to express just how significant of a role Melissa played in the birth of our son! We chose Melissa as our doula for the birth of our second child. She listened and supported us in our birth plan, she played a vital role in the delivery, and she also spent 6 weeks with us after his birth and gave us a tremendous amount of postpartum support. Melissa helped both my husband and I feel empowered, supported, and cared for. She helped encourage us in every way physically, mentally, and emotionally. I could not recommend Melissa enough! She helped me figure out breastfeeding and for that, I am forever grateful! She really is so wise and helped us in ways we could never repay her for! Anyone would be lucky to have Melissa as their doula and friend!”