Well, hello there and congratulations on your upcoming birth!
Doulas - let's talk about what they are and what they do! Doulas have been supporting women in childbirth since the beginning of history. The word itself is Greek for "servant." The role of a doula is to serve and support. There is such a special bond between mama and doula. That being said, my role is never to replace the partner, family members, the nurses, or other care providers, but rather to collaborate with them in a way that ensures your satisfaction. My scope of care does not include clinical work. I am not a care provider. I am proud to be part of your birth team and to help you navigate the overall process.
Melanie - who am I? I am an extrovert that appreciates large groups of people, yet I also crave deep conversations one-on-one. As cliche as it may sound, I live for long walks on the beach and have always felt that the ocean was "my happy place". I enjoy all things DIY and I enjoy trying new recipes whenever possible. Food speaks to me! In my world it's tea over coffee, vanilla over chocolate, summer over winter, and a movie in bed over a night on the town. I'd call myself an earthy mama, and that's because I believe the Earth provides in so many ways! I have always loved pregnancy, birth, and babies! I find the abilities of the woman's body absolutely mind-blowing! As a child, all I ever wanted was to be a mother. I am incredibly grateful for the three children I have been blessed with, and I look forward to sharing in the joys of motherhood with other women.
Earth Mama Doula - what's my philosophy? I am sensitive and understanding of each woman's unique needs, and I would be overjoyed to support you before, during, and after labor. Whether you are interested in a medicated or unmedicated birth, a vaginal or cesarean birth, or a hospital, birth center, or home birth, birth is so beautiful! I respect each family's decisions and appreciate that you are allowing me into your sacred space. I would love to meet with you, find out if my personality and philosophy is a good fit, and then make necessary referrals for other doulas in the area should you feel the fit isn't exactly what you are seeking.
"Whatever you decide, I hope you look back a year from now and feel listened to, empowered, and satisfied with your choices. You are the Mama, you get to choose."
~ Gail Tully
Melanie's Credentials
Bachelor's of Psychology with a History Minor, SDSU Class of 2006
CPR and AED Certification: San Jose, CA
DONA Doula Training Workshop: Alameda, CA
Breastfeeding Support 101 for Birth Professionals: Alameda, CA
Baby Garten Studio's Breastfeeding 101: San Diego, CA
The Baby Manual's Online Breastfeeding Course
Rebozo and Acupressure Certification: Mountain House, CA
Heart and Hands Midwifery Intensives: Sebastopol, CA
Microbirth School Online with Toni Harman: Understanding the Infant Microbiome and Group B Strep
Spinning Babies Workshop with Gail Tully: Palo Alto, CA
Heart and Hands Advanced Midwifery Intensives: Sebastopol, CA
Heartshare Training Certified Neonatal Resuscitation Provider: San Jose, CA
Now it's time for you to meet me and my crazy crew! I have the most supportive husband, three amazing blessings, a dog that believes he's human, and a blind bunny who loves to snuggle (animals not pictured ha!). Each one of my births, although vastly different, touched my soul, changed me dramatically, and ultimately led me down this path towards birth work.