Diary of a Doula

02/04/2026

There is something profoundly sacred about being invited to stand in the birth space of someone who also holds this work in their hands. A fellow doula and friend, who knows the weight, the rhythm, and the reverence of what it means to witness life arrive. Being asked to walk beside Leighann through her birth wasn’t just an honor, it was a moment I will carry in my bones forever.

“Being a mom of two older kids and starting over eight years later, as a new mom again and a new doula myself, I truly thought I had all the tools. This time was different. I found myself feeling unsure and needing support in a way I hadn’t before. My husband was hesitant about the investment since we believed I already had everything I needed. After just five minutes on our consult call, he was completely hooked.

From the start, Melissa was thorough, intentional, and incredibly present. We went through every detail of my birth plan in depth, and she made me feel confident and reassured without ever imposing her own opinions. Somehow, she understood what I wanted before I even said it, pure intuition paired with an encyclopedic level of knowledge.

When labor began, Melissa could literally tell what phase I was in just by the sound of my voice. I progressed quickly, and she stayed calm, even during a moment when she thought she might be delivering a car baby on the side of the road. Thankfully, we made it to the hospital, but everything moved fast. There was no time to process, and suddenly everyone was asking questions. I didn’t have to answer a single one. Melissa knew every answer without looking at my birth plan or needing reassurance, as if she had studied and memorized it. That alone was priceless. I was able to focus on what was happening in front of me instead of managing details.

Her calm kept me calm. Her touch grounded and relaxed me. When I needed encouragement, her voice is what I heard. Postpartum, that same steady, supportive presence continued, making me feel held and cared for during such a tender time.

Melissa is an absolute gem. Hiring her was one of the best decisions we made.” - Leighann

01/12/2026

Upcoming Birth Availability

📍 I will no longer be taking new clients in Fairfield County at this time.

📍 I will be focusing on central Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts

📍 I will be traveling in December of 2026 and will not be taking clients during that month.

Again thank you for all the wonderful referrals that keep this work sustainable for me. It’s always an honor to serve my clients and their families and friends.

01/09/2026

Hosted a goal planning day for some of favorite peeps at Birth Tribe. We decided to celebrate our wins from 2025 and put our dreams and goals on paper.

We had lots of us hit our goals from last years planning session, with lots of us hitting six figures for the first time.

I forget how much I love sitting in community until I’m doing it!

01/01/2026

This year I stood in more birth spaces than I ever have before. I witnessed strength, surrender, fear, joy and love in its rawest forms. I was trusted in moments that change people forever and that kind of trust humbles me to my core.

I’m grateful beyond words for every family who invited me into their becoming. Those moments stay with me. They live in my body. They shape who I am.

And while I’m proud of the work I did this year, I’m also listening closely to what my spirit learned:

I can do hard things.
I can hold a lot.
I will never do that again 😂

As I step toward 2026, I’m choosing intention over intensity.

✨ I’ll be reducing births in Fairfield County to repeat clients only. The traffic has finally enraged me enough to walk away.

✨ I’m opening myself to beautiful, unexpected opportunities in Southern Massachusetts that I can’t wait to share with you all, when the time is right.

✨ And I’m preparing to launch a Skool community. A place for connection, learning, and being held outside the birth room. Not only for families, but for doulas as well. I think I’ve finally created a mentorship model that won’t kill me.

✨And I will be making more time for in person connections in my space in Berlin, CT

This next chapter feels quieter. Wider. More aligned.
Less proving. More becoming.

Thank you to every client, colleague and community member who walked alongside me this year.

I am deeply, endlessly thankful. 🤍

12/29/2025

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Melissa. As a couple who struggled to get pregnant and had several losses, my husband and I were nervous and unsure of what pregnancy and birth would look like for us.

Melissa was a constant sense of calm and always made sure to check in on our emotional health. Everyone tells you that nothing can prepare you for childbirth, but we beg to differ. Melissa helped us understand all of our options and what to expect every step of the way. She was objective and factual. She was always available to answer questions, ease anxiety, and give peace of mind.

When our birth plan didn’t go exactly as planned, and I ended up being induced, Melissa was right by my side to help me along the way. In fact, I remember the moment she showed up at the hospital, I cried because I felt such relief. Her presence and expertise is invaluable.

I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone considering hiring a doula.”

- Christina 1st time Mom

12/26/2025

Happy holidays 🤍

As this year gently winds down, I just want to pause and say thank you.

Thank you for the support, the trust, the messages, the shares, the conversations, the learning, the growth, all of it.

These last couple of weeks of slowing down are not just welcome… they’re needed.

Needed for rest.
Needed for integration.
Needed to breathe, reflect, and refill before what’s next.

I hope you’re allowing yourself the same grace and permission to soften, to unplug a little, to be present where your feet are and to rest without guilt.

Wishing you warmth, peace, and moments that feel grounding and real this holiday season.

I’m so grateful to be here with you. ✨

12/10/2025

If you were induced and had a balloon placed as part of your induction process for cervical ripening, I’d love to hear your experience.

I feel like an overwhelming number of my clients, haven’t experienced it as a horrific event, but I’m wondering if I’m just blocking it out 🤔🤣

Mine felt like a full tampon and not much else, so I’d love to have others stories for me to use while educating folks. TIA!

11/18/2025

2026 is just around the corner and my doula schedule is already popping! 🤣🤣

I will be serving 5 clients each month in 2026.

I will forever and always feel thankful to have a fully booked schedule year after year.

2025 I will serve the most clients in 12 months than ever before and the lesson I learned was to never do that again 🤣🙃

Feel free to book a free consult at the link in bio.

09/17/2025

I know you don’t want to tear, but let’s talk a little bit about if ya do…

09/17/2025

✨ 2025 is officially FULL ✨

I am beyond grateful to the incredible families who have trusted me to walk alongside them during such a sacred season of life. Every time I’m invited into a birth space, I’m reminded of how much I love this work and the deep honor it is to serve as a doula.

I’m already filling up fast for 2026! If you’re thinking about growing your family next year, now is the perfect time to connect.

Thank you for trusting me, for sharing your journeys and for letting me do what I love every single day.

📩 DM me or visit the link in bio to start the conversation for 2026.

09/10/2025

09/06/2025

Big things are happening with insurance + doula coverage… but like all good things, it takes time.

Right now, about 95% of my services are still out-of-pocket for clients. But the landscape is changing! I’m already in-network with Kaiser, on Carrot Fertility’s preferred list, and beginning Medicaid (Husky) spots in Connecticut. I’m also actively working toward Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Aetna coverage.

🕰️ Here’s the honest part: Insurance contracts, approvals, and reimbursements are not quick processes. I can’t give you guaranteed timelines—but I can promise I’m pushing forward every step of the way.

I’m excited to see progress, grateful for your patience, and committed to making doula care accessible for more families.

💛 Because your birth support shouldn’t depend on your bank account.