Melissa Duenas

I had known Melissa professionally for a while and I went through the doula match program when I got pregnant and was absolutely delighted when she was one of my matches, it was really a no brainer from there. Melissa's experience in her field coupled with her compassion and bedside manner made her the perfect doula for me and my husband. We always looked forward to our prenatal appts (something that it seems like not all doulas offer). Her childbirth education was second to none; we both learned so much and were very well equipped to navigate through my first pregnancy together. She was available when I needed her, always providing thoughtful and educated responses.

got pregnant with my first baby & I knew that I wanted to have a doula. My ultimate goal was to have a medication free delivery. Minutes into our interview with Melissa, I felt a sense of relief & confidence. I connected with her instantly and knew that I wanted her to be a part of our journey. She answered every question both my husband and I had. She made us both so much more excited and a lot less anxious about the whole process and I loved how much she included my husband in everything. Fast forward to our prenatal meetings, endless text messages (on my part) and the amazing birth classes that she taught - I had nothing but confidence to have a baby, my anxiety was pretty much non-existent. She helped me to feel so strong & empowered !! I was actually EXCITED to give birth. Towards the end of my pregnancy I had elevated BP and I was worried about having pre-eclampsia. Melissa and my husband spoke often to help him, help me to be less worried about it.

Talks a good talk and is an excellent salesperson but when it comes to follow through and feeling 100% supportive she drops the ball. Brings personal life into job, doesn’t always call or come to you as promised during labor or difficulty. Not worth the $3k+ to hire her. Very disappointed. Other doulas have said her participation in my delivery was especially unprofessional and sad.