Testimonials
– Samantha
"Birth is humbling. I had it all mapped out and I *knew* things were going to work out accordingly... and then they didn't.
My midwives diagnosed me at 38.5 weeks pregnant with a condition that meant I had to be induced—immediately. All my dreams of a magical water birth in my own home evaporated an in instant.
While I sobbed in fear for my baby, our doula held me and listened to my midwife so I didn't have to remember all the important details while I grieved.
After arriving at the hospital, I still hoped for a birth with minimal intervention. But turns out my little one had flipped to be breech and I had to have an emergency c-section to save both our lives.
Through the ups and downs of thinking I may still have a mostly unaided birth into discovering that would not be possible in a truly emergency, life-threatening situation, our doula stood by my partner and me.
She held my hand while my water broke, never left my partner's side while he feared for our baby and me, and was there throughout the night after we returned and recovered from surgery.
When the doctors and nurses tried to bar her from re-entering our room in the night, she bravely pushed back and educated them about the changes to law stating they could no longer separate her from caring for us.
Our doula was there so my partner had support and could get some sleep, she was there to help us figure out how to get the car seat put in for our first drive, and she was there to hold our brand new baby while my partner helped me take a shower after we got home.
If you haven't experienced the care of a doula, you might think it's an exaggeration to say that our doula was life-saving. But if you have, you know that it's an understatement. Our doula became more than a caregiver or friend. She was our angel. She helped us survive. She's our family now."
– Autumn Jones
"I reached out to Las Cruces Doula later in my pregnancy, probably around 6 months pregnant.
As a first time mom, everything was starting to get overwhelming, and I felt like my OBGYN at the time was always rushing me and it just didn’t feel right.
Melissa helped me by letting me know just how easy it was to change providers. At the time I assumed I was stuck with who I had, which I learned is not the case at all!
Mary was there for me in the days leading up to my birth, she brought me a yoga ball and cub chair for my early laboring at home. When I finally went to the hospital, she massaged my back and gave me some awesome counter pressure.
Right after baby was born she was rushed to the NICU, nurses started leaving my room, my husband followed the baby, and Mary stayed right there next to me.
I don’t have much family support and having a doula made my birth an amazing experience. Who knows how it would’ve gone without these amazing ladies."
– Isabelle Perry
"Melissa and Mary were absolutely instrumental in my home birth turned c-section, which I 100% appreciated every second of and thanks to their help felt confident in the decision for hospital transfer. From the very first time meeting Melissa I felt loved and comforted.
Her pregnancy, birth and postpartum education were amazing. During my birth she and Mary guided myself, my husband and my sister through a very fast labor progression and a very long and unsuccessful pushing process.
They along with my midwives tried every trick in the book to get baby out of a bad position that was stalling my labor, but eventually we decided together that hospital transfer was the best choice for me and the baby.
Due to their comfort and guidance I felt 100% in control of the decision and do not regret it one bit. It truly was a wonderful experience that I couldn’t have done without them. Thank you Melissa and Mary ♥️"
– Hannah Springer
"When I first started my pregnancy journey with my first child I was terrified and overwhelmed. I went to a Community Open House at a local birthing center at the advice from a friend and discovered Melissa and her birthing class.
After just 5 classes I feel so prepared, informed, and empowered in my birthing body. I am confident in my birth preferences and not only am I ready for labor, I am looking forward to it.
Melissa is not only incredibly supportive and informed, she is a kind and wonderful human. I absolutely recommend any mother or birthing person to take her class and I will definitely be involved in the community and events she puts on for the foreseeable future."
– Ceci Alanis
"Melissa Marie is a very supportive and understanding Doula. I was so happy and lucky to have seen her before and after my labor and delivery process. I was so very scared but things went smooth and fast like she mentioned. Personally I felt at peace and comfortable having her company with me and my family."
– Alison M
"We were so appreciative for her help with our lactation needs! She went above and beyond and still checks on us regularly."
– R Simmons
"Melissa and Mary provided so much support for me with my first pregnancy. They even attended my prenatal appointments with me since I had little support in town.
Whenever I would second guess my doctor's recommendations, Melissa would reach in her plethora of contacts to find someone I could discuss my feelings and opinions to who would offer potential advice.
When things became dissonant with my doctor, she was able to find a midwife who was willing to take over my care late in my pregnancy.
Melissa stood by side while I was in the hospital for 2 days while I was in labor and up until hours after giving birth. She helped turn my initial distressing pregnancy into one where I felt supported and heard.
I can't express my love and appreciation enough in words. One of the best decisions I ever made contacting her."
– Chelsea Alequin
"I used Las Cruces Doula for my pregnancy and the birth of my first baby who arrived Dec 2021. I reached out to Melissa when I found out that I was pregnant because I knew I wanted doula support for this pregnancy and birth but I truly didn’t realize the extent of what she could offer!
Melissa and her team offered me complete moral support and provided me with the education and confidence that I needed to have the most wonderful birth journey.
She also hosted a 5 week hypnobirthing course that my husband and I attended and we learned soooo much about the birthing process that we didn’t know, as well as tools for me to have a successful hypnobirthing birth for baby and I.
Lastly, Melissa and her team have also still been an amazing support for my new family postpartum, mentally and physically. I will forever be grateful that I found Las Cruces Doula."
– Brittani Bouwman
"Melissa and her team are amazing!! Melissa went above and beyond when It came to supporting me during pregnancy and after. She has so many resources, and if she doesn’t have the resource she knows where to direct you!! she’s become a great friend and someone I truly trust. Lots of love for this lady and her team and what they do."
– Jazmin Morriss
"Las Cruces Doula team members are all very supportive and work as a team to help us with transitioning to parenthood. They had great communication and were great listeners, I am very thankful that I learned about this organization."