Empowering Birth LLC

Doula Services - read what my labor doula clients have to say about my services.
Childbirth Class - read what my students and midwives have to say about my class.

Doula Service Referrals

Louisa and Hugo Wales

"I feel like Melanie was an instrumental part of the birth of my second son..."

"I feel like Melanie was an instrumental part of the birth of my second son, Hugo. Ours was a Hospital birth at Liberty Hospital attended by a Family Practitioner. Melanie's skills as a massage therapist and her Doula tricks really helped me to labor for as long as possible at home and made it possible for me to transition to the hospital (in transition!) calmly and comfortably. Her calm, gentle manner at our birth was one of the most delightful things about that day. She helped my husband support me as I labored and was a constant support to me physically and emotionally. She is a gifted doula and a wise woman. My husband and I recommend her unreservedly."

Libby and Isabella Dominguez

"It’s said birth is the rite of passage from womanhood to motherhood. It’s one of the most empowering experiences of a woman’s life; something she can take as her own. Sure, fear hinders birth in some aspects, but with the right support and the best environment, fear can be diminished. Having Melanie as a doula not only calmed my anxiety, but put me more at ease knowing I had control over my body and my baby. I can proudly depict my birth as euphoric, and I would not have been able to do it without the birth support of Melanie."

Childbirth Class Referrals

Sheila Roth, CNM

"The nurses at Research Medical Center can tell when people have taken Melanie's childbirth class because they are more prepared then the average client and are ready to give birth. Also, as a midwife, I know that women must be open to the mystery of childbirth, and I have seen that Melanie's class helps couples accomplish this goal."

Rachel Williston, CNM and homebirth mother of 2 boys

"Melanie's class is great for my moms who birth at home. She works with them on movement and relaxation exercises they can do to help them in labor. She also encourages them to read books that inspire them and tell them it is normal to give birth and not something to be feared. She is a great teacher and has had both her kids at home. I recommend her class to all my mothers."

Andrea and Eric Mucha and Baby Logan

"After Melanie's class we felt much more prepared for the immense birthing challenge ahead of us. We left with confidence in our knowledge of physical labor and birth and with trust that instinct would guide us further in the moment. While no birth goes as planned, we did our best and our son, Logan, was born healthy and happy. We loved our experience in Melanie's natural childbirth class and would recommend it to anyone considering a natural birth."

Matt, Carrie and Maxwell Alexander

"With the help of my husband and the information we learned in Melanie’s class, we used breathing techniques, the “doula hula,” the exercise ball and several other methods to get through the intense hours (of labor).

Early on we had made a decision to avoid medical interventions, including pain medication, if at all possible. At 4:50 pm our son came into this world. I had no perineal tearing and really had no problems. We chose to wait a few minutes before cutting his cord. He weighed 6 lbs and was 19 inches long.

I contribute much of our success to the teachings that we received from Melanie. I had read several books prior to attending her class and had also talked with other mothers who had had midwives, but it was the materials from her class that really educated us on the right decisions for our family. I strongly recommend that anyone having a baby, whether with a midwife or an OB, take these classes. They helped my husband and I get on the same page about things that we hadn’t even considered before. We were able to make informed, educated, conscious choices regarding the birth of our son.

Today, Max is a handsome and smart boy filled with endless energy. Almost right away he slept through the night and cried very little. Our choice to breast feed him, which we learned about in Melanie’s classes, was one of the best decisions we made. I sincerely believe that because we had a “natural” birth he was healthier and happier. He is such a well behaved baby. He constantly has a smile on his face and is even now modeling for Hallmark. We are very proud of him and couldn’t be more thankful for his beautiful life.

We were so thankful to have attended Melanie’s classes. They really were immeasurable tools for bring the life of our son into this world."

Carrie, Ryan & Cameron Dessereau

"When I found out that I was pregnant, I knew that I wanted to try to have my child naturally. The standard idea of childbirth these days seems to be
that a woman is crazy not to use drugs to birth her child. But I knew that a drugged experience was not what I wanted for me or my child. So when it was time to find a birthing class, my midwife put me in touch with Melanie. Her class was exactly what I was looking for, alternative methods of dealing with the
pain of what is a natural process and the reaffirmation that as I woman I already possessed the innate strength to get through the birthing experience. Melanie's classes are also great for the Dads, who seem to get left behind in the whirlwind of the impending birth. She made sure to show just how important the Dad is for the woman in labor, and believe me he was even more so than I had already
expected. Additionally, the books that are listed as suggested reading are all great tools for the couple looking for a natural birth experience. Birthing From Within, in particular, was an absolutely incredible book to read. Melanie's class was instrumental in allowing us both to find a sense of calm resolve as my
due date approached."

Doula and Childbirth Class Referrals

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