I practice trauma informed, perinatal, birth, and postpartum support for all birthing bodies, couples, single and single by choice parents, adoptive parents, and families on their surrogacy journeys. My support is queer competent, weight inclusive and intersectional, and it is always my priority to support people getting the care that helps them feel safe and seen, essential to the health and wellness of both baby and family. I know first hand how beautiful, challenging and exhausting childbirth and parenting is, and I come with a wealth of personal and professional experience to share with you.
B.A. History (2009)
Certified Full Spectrum Doula Birthing Advocacy Doula Training (2022)
Washington State Certified Doula (2024)
English
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 a fantastic resource before, during, and after my delivery. Having a high risk pregnancy, I wanted all the support I could get, and Melanie had the knowledge, experience, and confidence to provide that.
- Britta
As first time parents navigating the complexities of natural birth, my husband and I are incredibly grateful that Melanie was a part of our birth experience. When I first spoke with Melanie I knew that she was the right choice for us.
- Jenna Martin
If you could create the perfect person to entrust your newborn baby with, it would be Melanie. She was so kind, loving, observant, and diligent.
- Amanda
WOW, Melanie is a godsend. We worked with Melanie for our second kid, and as second time parents we heard how helpful postpartum care could be... Melanie changed the direction of my postpartum experience.
- Carlyle
Melanie was incredible during my 38-hour labor. She was calm, supportive, and an amazing advocate for my birth plan.
- Christina Twidale
Melanie was our doula for the birth of our first child last month, and we had a wonderful experience working with her... Melanie had a truly transformative role.
- Chris
Melanie is worth her weight in gold! Her exceptional care for our newborn, coupled with sound advice, helped us better navigate those early weeks postpartum.
- Dan S.
Hiring Melanie as my birth and postpartum doula was one of the best decisions I made when I prepared for the arrival of my daughter last November.
- Mari Hayman
Melanie is an amazing doula and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. She was our birth doula as well as our post-partum doula.
- Serena Zygar-Croff
Melanie was absolutely amazing! We were lucky to have her as a birth doula and then a nighttime doula for a few months post partum.
- Anna Knutsen
We hired Melanie for six nights the first three weeks our son was born. She was the exact support we needed.
- Britnee Bauer
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.
- Abby A.
Melanie was our night doula from the day we brought our son home from the hospital to just before his two month 'birthday'.
- Aaron Brethorst
Melanie was our birth doula in December 2022, and I would recommended her with the highest praise to anyone who has the opportunity to work with her.
- Samantha Muscat-Scherr
From the first interview we had with her to the postpartum visit she provided us after our baby was born, Mel's professionalism, confidence, and depth of experience were on display.
- Katie Mraz
Melanie was a wonderful night Doula for our newborn. We were in desperate need of support at short notice, and Melanie was unbelievably empathetic and caring.
- Helen
We were so glad we had Melanie's help during birth and the few weeks after. It was one of the best decisions we made, and I would not hesitate to do it again.
- Heather
We are so glad that we chose Melanie to be our doula for the birth of our son. She was professional and knowledgeable throughout the entire process.
- Celia
Melanie made me feel confident going into labor after we met her and she coached me on her methods for pain relief and strategies for labor.
- Marissa Morgan
My husband and I loved working with Melanie as our doula during our son's birth. Melanie is organized, calm, caring, and attentive.
- KatieRose Taulbee
We worked with Melanie as both a birth and post-partum doula. We were so lucky to meet Melanie just a week before our baby was born.
- Brianna Yelle
From the very beginning, I knew we were in great hands with Melanie. She was our overnight postpartum doula for seven weeks, and her support was invaluable.
- Joss
My husband and I were given the most amazing gift imaginable—a night doula for six weeks. We didn't even know they existed! We were referred to Melanie.
- Amy Anscher
Melanie came to our rescue at the last minute. We had a postpartum hospitalization and needed help at night with our baby while recovering.
- Anna Sweeney
Melanie was incredible. She answered my calls at all hours of the night and helped me as needed. She was patient, educated, reliable and knew her stuff.
- Amanda safille
Melanie helped us out after the birth of our third child. Having a newborn is such an emotionally and physically exhausting.
- Robin Jamison
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