Testimonials
Many years ago an old lady in Italy told me that each baby arrives with “a loaf of bread under their arm”. Part of the abundance Victoria brought into my life came as your friendship. I knew you were my doula the minute I heard your voice on the phone. You are a wonderful woman and I feel blessed for having had you by my side during the most special moment of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. P.S. The picture you took of Victoria just born in the pool is my dad’s favorite - he shows it to everyone! :)
~ Concetta F.
Melissa, Thank you for being a support person for me even though plans changed and things didn’t go as expected.... You were there in my thoughts and heart and I heard your voice as I pulled from my inner strength during labor.... Thank you. You are such a special person to me!
~ Allie & Evan
Thank you so much for being a part of Fiona's and Jordan birth stories. You helped ease our fears through preparation, and served as strength and support during Fiona's long and difficult labor and delivery, and helping me have a VBAC with Jordan. WE can't imagine how things would have been without you there. We will always love you for sacrificing time from your family to help us become ours.
~ Joey, Jake, Fiona, & Jordan
Melissa, aka Wonder Doula, assisted my quick birth at home. I chose her not only because she is also my sister-in-law, but because her presence is uplifting, empowering, and joygul. She helped me connect to my own strength and wisdom during my labors, yet intuited what I needed in every moment. She was able to step in and make suggestion when I didn't know what I needed, yet gave me the space to follow my own intuition. She showed my husband new ways of being supportive, and meshed well with my midwife and birth assistant at Oscar's birth, and calmly and confidently, assisted my very quick birth of Willow when then the midwives were enroute, arriving 15 minutes after Willow was born! The day after Oscar's birth, Melissa came over and helped me troubleshoot my breastfeeding issues with an unparalleled gentle confidencec, which was crucial to my own confidence, and set me up for a positive experience when Willow arrived two years later. She held my baby while I showered and napped, waking up to a clean kitchen. She was invaluable to my birth experience and I would choose her a hundred times over!
~ Marie & Patrick
Thank you so much for being there for us during the most important thing we've ever done. Your're absolutely amazing and we are so fortunate and grateful to have you as a friend.
~ Leah, Ryan, & Niamh
We cannot thank you enough for all you did during the birth of the mighty Rex. I could not have done it without you! Your support was pricesless. You are amazing and such a blessing.
~ Lauren, Rob, Roma, Ayla, & Rex
I didn’t really know what a doula was until a friend of mine referred me to Belly Blossom Doula where I met Melissa. From our first encounter to her support in the delivery room, Melissa was so caring, compassionate, patient, supportive, experienced and empowering. She prepared us for the birthing process and helped develop our birth plan. On the “big day”, Melissa was quick to respond and came over to the house in the middle of the night to help me labor at home until it was time to head to the hospital. In the most difficult times when I was ready to give up, she was able to draw out my inner strength and get me through each contraction. She helped progress my labor with position changes, relaxation techniques, aromatherapy massage and provided a tranquil environment.
She also collaborated well with my OB and was a support partner to my husband and mom. Once our little guy entered the world, she stayed to help with the first latch. She even came to the house a few days after to offer support and advice. I am so beyond thankful for having Melissa, she was the positive light in a difficult time and continues to be a big part in the story of our son’s birth. She is like family, I highly recommend her and look forward to her support in the next pregnancy.
~ Allie & Chris Bunker
Thank you. Two small words for such a big feeling. Your kindess really made a difference... Your thoughtfulness really touched my heart... The gratitude I feel, really can't be put into words. Your help and support meant a lot to us in this wonderful journey.
~ Divakar, Meera, and Akshandha
Thank you, Melissa, for all the emotional and physical support you gave us during Raunak's arrivala in this world. Your presence and sukpport made our childbirth experience exactly how we would have askedfor. Hiring you was the first best parenting decision we took for Raunak!
~ Shraddha, Gohar, and Ranauk
Thank you Melissa for your guidance as we entered into a new chapter jof our lives! There is so much to say because you provided so much for us. Thank you for mediating in the labor room and making that day more gracefull and less stressful. I appreciated the encouraging words and shoulder rubs to calm me. I think what I appreciate the most is empowering us to be confident! Thank you as you advised Paul with how to coach me. Thank you for everything! Too much to say!
~ Paul, Liz, & Leo
I couldn't have had the amazing birth of Graham without you! Forever grateful for your support in welcoming him to our family.
~ Lara, Nick & Brynn
Melissa was an incredible support for me during my pregnancy and birth! She eased my worries and anxieties during pregnancy which helped me enter labor with a confidence I don’t know if I would have had otherwise. As soon as she showed up to support me
in my labor I felt able to relax and let go of control. I love my son’s labor and birth story and I truly believe it wouldn’t have been as beautiful or gone as smoothly without her help. She helped my husband know what to do (and take a much needed nap!), helped
rub my back and helped me get into positions I wouldn’t have thought of in the moment. Her help during transition and pushing was especially helpful, reminding me to breath and take my breaks. It seems simple, but in heat of the moment in labor it’s easy to
forget! I recommend her to all my pregnant friends and if I still lived in the Seattle area I would absolutely be hiring her for my second pregnancy.
~ Amber R.
I don't know quite how to articulate and show our gratitude for being such a great doula for us. We are so blessed to have foud you to help us bring Eleanor into the world. Even though Eleanor's birth was much different than what we'd hoped and planned for, her coming early, I know we tried everything to preserve our wishes. Wikthough you there, reminding us of our preferences and reminding us to ask about our options, we probably would've caved early on wikthout trying "our ways" first. I a so gateful for that assurance that we did what we could under those circumstances. And you helped us bring our perfect daughter into this world and make her first hours with us a beautiful time. Thank you for everything you did for us during and after her birth. You are a very special person in our lives!
~ Hillary
How can we thank you for all you have done for both of our babies births!? It was so comforting to know you were there and having those 2 AM phone calls. We are all do thankful and lucky to have found you. I think you have picked the perfect profession and will be blessing families all over with your talents and dedication! Than you again.
~ Alicia & Eric
Here is a video review from Adela Betancourt on Facebook. Adela had a beautiful homebirth. She gave me a Wonder Woman shout out, but, let's be real, my mamas that deliver their babies are the real Wonder women. Click here to watch: Adela Betancourt
~ Adela Betancourt
After Roslyn was born, I wrote down an account of her birth and
all of my thoughts in my paperback journal. A lot of what I wrote is just
little notes and things to remember, like “You were the most beautiful baby I’d
ever seen,” and “Call insurance/add Roslyn” and, underlined, “Doula - Melissa
Tuton - made it all possible.” It’s really true though. And even today, two
years after Roslyn’s birth, I am still eternally grateful for the support
Melissa provided me (and my family) as we welcomed Roslyn into the world. I
want to share some of the highlights of Roslyn’s birth story, written by me in
my raw, tired new-mom writing.
I finally went into labor eleven days after my due date. Melissa
had been my lifeline, sending me encouraging text messages, giving me ideas of
things to try: running/walking, talking to my baby, going to see a movie, etc.
When real labor finally started on that Saturday afternoon, I took Melissa’s
advice and tried to rest. We’d gone over the plan in our birth classes, and I
wanted to labor at home for as long as possible before going to the hospital.
My back was aching and I took a long bath. I had a hard time getting
comfortable, but my contractions were still 10-20 minutes apart. Anthony got us
takeout from our favorite Thai restaurant, but I had a hard time eating any. By
the evening, I was even more uncomfortable. Saturday night was the longest and
hardest of my life. I moved from room to room, looking for relief. I think I
filled up the bathtub three more times. I paced around downstairs moaning and
repeating: “I can, I will, I am.” over and over. Around 3:30 AM, I called
Melissa. I was so tired and even though contractions were still pretty far
apart, I needed reassurance and direction. I kept telling myself that if I
could make it to sunrise, Anthony would get up and it would be easier. I wanted
to let him sleep as much as possible so at least one of us could be rested
going into it. I ate some watermelon and peanut butter toast and I drank some
coconut water. I had no appetite, but I knew I needed some food for energy.
By the time Anthony finally got up, I was starting to really
struggle. I needed constant back rubbing and I was feeling low after my long
night. I texted and talked to Melissa and she gave me suggestions: walk around the
yard for 20 minutes, eat something, get on hands and knees… While Anthony was
trying to make himself breakfast, I was standing next to him and when the next
contraction started, I clung to his neck. By now the contractions were
7-10 minutes apart and I realized I was heading into the labor that required
real work.
Around this time my mother-in-law showed up with some food and a
large houseplant (still not quite sure why). I really hadn’t wanted anyone at
the house (other than Anthony and Melissa), so I said she could stay, but
outside. Melissa came a bit after my MIL. She quietly slipped in the front door
and came and sat by me on the floor in the living room. She hugged me and I was
instantly so reassured. I knew she was going to help me and do all of the
“thinking” so I could just follow her. The contractions were hard, but I wasn’t
afraid.
We walked around the backyard a bit and when a contraction came,
I’d hang on her body like we were slow dancing. She’d rub my back or hold onto
hips and I’d breathe and think “let go” or “open” or “out.” She would say
encouraging things and I would think about my body and the muscles pulling back
and making room for the baby. Melissa had taught our childbirth classes in our
home, in our own living room, and as I labored there, I thought about the physical
things that were happening in my body. Picturing what was happening helped a
lot and I thought of each contraction as a step forward: something I could use
if I relaxed and gave in. So much of it felt like surrender. I think my eyes
were closed a lot. In between contractions, I was grateful for the breaks.
Melissa gave me a wonderful back massage with jojoba oil and lavender. I
bounced on the birth ball with my upper body draped over the couch.
I think around that time Anthony called the midwife and she asked
us some questions about how labor was progressing. Melissa helped answer some
of the questions (as she’d been timing my contractions and could help
articulate what stage of labor I was in). Everyone was okay with me laboring at
home for a bit longer, and Melissa encouraged me to take in some calories to
get my energy up. She fed me bites of ice cream and sips of coconut water in
between contractions. I labored on the toilet for a while, and my water broke.
It was time to go to the hospital!
Melissa followed us in her car and we parked a little way from the
hospital entrance, since I’d wanted to get a good walk in before we got to the
Birth Center. I took turns leaning on Anthony and Melissa as we slowly walked
to the entrance. This was probably the hardest part of my labor, as I could
only go a few steps in between strong contractions. I was just focused on
getting inside. When we were finally in triage, the nurses asked me to get on
the bed, and I was having trouble holding still so they could check the baby’s
heartbeat. Fortunately, my midwife was right there and she checked me; I was at
10 centimeters and ready to push! I’ll never forget the huge smile on Melissa’s
face when she turned to me and said “Emily! You’re complete!” We quickly
wheeled down the hall to the birthing room.
Pushing was a lot more complicated than I’d expected, and I was
already so tired at this point, but I was excited to meet my baby. I’d get
three or four good pushes each contraction, and Melissa would drape my face and
neck in cold washcloths, which felt amazing. After a solid hour and forty-five
minutes in that room, Roslyn was born at 6:42 PM. I remember feeling so
astonished at how big and perfectly formed she was. When she let out her first
squeaky little cry, I cried too. She latched on almost immediately, and I felt
such relief to have her in my arms. With my wonderful husband and doula by my
side, Roslyn and I had come through childbirth victorious and together. We did
it, and now things were just beginning.
UPDATE: After our wonderful experience with Melissa the first time around, we asked her to join us for the homebirth of our second baby. It was incredible!
There are not enough words to explain how much it meant to me, Carl, and Makena to have you be a part of our birth experience. I was always at peace through every surge knowing I had such amazing support. It was just as empowering as Warren's birth, but honestly, it was even more empowering doing it again the way I envisioned. Thank you for reminding me I had a voice and to use it when it came to my care. Mostly, it reminded me to trust myself, my body, and my baby. You are such an amazing person and you have truly found your calling. I am so honored to call you a friend also. I look forward to continuing to grow as friends and for Makena to have more wonderful women like you in her life. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!
~Katie, Carl, & Makena
Melissa, your acts of kindness and giving heart will never be forgotten by Laura and I. The bond we have words cannot describe. We wish you life, love, and happiness. God Bless! Thank you for being there for all FOUR of our babies births.
~ Laura & Patrick
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