“A – December 2019” - Second Time Mum
“Mel was my doula for my second baby. I had a difficult birth with the first, no one listened to me or my wishes, and it left me feeling quite traumatised. I was anxious and afraid of it happening again.
As soon as I spoke to Mel on the phone I knew I wanted her to be my doula. I’m generally someone who finds it hard to be taken care of by someone else, but there was something about her made me just want her to give me a hug and tell me it would all be OK.
During the meetings before the birth she listened to my fears, talked through what I wanted, and what she could do for me. She was insightful and supportive, I never felt rushed. I’d say she has great intuition for how other people are feeling – exactly what you want in a doula. She’s a good person and you know you can trust her and that she is strong enough to have your back.
During the birth itself I was so glad to have her there. The experience was very different from the first time and was so positive. I felt so much more empowered knowing Mel would be there to back me up that I was more able to voice my wishes. She always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and doing the right thing. It was so nice to have a face I knew there, and one who already knew what I wanted.
If you’re looking for a doula I’d fully recommend having Mel. If I ever had another baby I’d have her again without question.”
“A – January 2020” - Second Time Mum
Melanie’s personality was a ‘good fit’ to my needs as she took a practical approach but also showed an enormous level of empathy. She was fun to be around and I found that my son relaxed in her company immediately.
At the time of labour she was there as if by magic and I found the support she provided beyond words. She was there at the time in hospital and also visited afterwards when I was in the ward… [after] she visited at home for the last time I really did miss her and still do
– what at amazing person who has helped me through what has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Everyone needs a Melanie.
L - January 2022 - First Time Mum
“Every new mother needs a Melanie especially if you’re a single parent.
I was 39 years old, single, and had my first baby in January. I had no experience at all with babies and recently moved to Crewe therefore had a limited support network. There were limited antenatal services available due to COVID but near to the due date I found Melanie’s website and booked her for 20 hours postnatal support. We met briefly prior to the birth and I felt that we clicked instantly. She brought books for me to borrow and told me I could contact her at any point if I had questions which I did. I ended up being induced and Melanie provided information on all that it entails. All her advice was evidence based which I appreciated and trusted…
…Baby and I ended up having an unexpected extended stay in hospital, so Melanie collected essential items such as nappies and nipple cream. She advocated for me with the midwives to ensure I received proper care. She helped me with my bags and to get baby into the car seat when we were finally discharged.
The real magic happened when we got home. Melanie arranged the house with all the items I would need close to hand when I was breastfeeding, she made me healthy snacks and did light cleaning such as washing and loading the dish washer. I had a c-section and therefore could not drive so Melanie would shop for the items that I could not order online. She collected prescriptions, advised on breastfeeding, baby carrying, effective nursing bras, sterilising and expressing milk. She held the baby while I had vital naps. She made a laminated personalised sign for my front door asking that people do not knock unless expected (the knocking set my dogs off barking and would always happen when I was feeding). She did things for me before I even knew I needed them. She saw me at my most vulnerable and I never once felt judged or uncomfortable.
I would give Melanie a hundred stars if I could.”