About me

Hello, and welcome. My name is Melissa, and I’m the doula and heart behind Held at Tulia — a space rooted in stillness, strength, and deep presence. “Tulia” means to be calm in Swahili, and that spirit of grounded peace shapes the care I offer. As a full-spectrum doula, I walk alongside you through all the sacred and complex chapters of your reproductive journey — from fertility and birth to postpartum, loss, and every moment in between. My approach is intuitive, nonjudgmental, and rooted in honoring your autonomy and wisdom. As a woman, I understand how vital it is to feel truly seen, heard, and held — especially in moments when the world doesn’t always offer that care freely. I am committed to creating a space where your choices are respected, your identity is affirmed, and your experiences are witnessed with compassion. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating abortion or loss, healing in postpartum, or simply seeking steady hands and an open heart — you belong here. Held at Tulia is not just a service, but a sanctuary.

Certification and training

Community Based Doula Certification (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

Day One Doula Collective

Specialties

Languages

English, French, Swahili

Service introduction

At Tulia Doula Services, I offer full-spectrum support centered around your birth and postpartum journey. As your birth doula, I provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational care before, during, and after labor. This includes prenatal visits to help you prepare, 24/7 availability as your due date nears, support during labor whether at home or in the hospital, and immediate postpartum care to ensure you're nurtured in those sacred first hours. Postpartum care is offered with the same intention: to help you recover, bond, and adjust in a way that honors your unique needs. I provide in-home visits to support your rest and healing, help with infant feeding and soothing, and space to talk through your experience. My goal is to ensure you feel seen, supported, and empowered—from your first contraction to your baby's first milestones.

Ratings and reviews