For my first pregnancy, I wanted a doula to help guide me through the experience and help me with understanding my options during labor. Saltwater Doulas are loved by Exeter Hospital, which made us even more excited to work with them. Melissa's style was exactly what I needed during my first pregnancy. She is so informative and easy to communicate with. I didn't know what to ask about sometimes, so her approach of offering lots of information and suggestions helped me to learn and feel confident in the process. Her Spinning Babies education helped me to prepare my body for labor and made it as smooth as possible. When I had to get induced, Melissa helped me to understand the process and pain management options. She provided hands on support as I went into active labor, and she was supportive of my decisions throughout. Thank you so much, Melissa!
— Andrea Frank
Melissa is truly one of a kind. From the very beginning, she stood out as incredibly bright, enthusiastic, and genuine I felt an instant connection with her when I was searching for a doula.
She is exceptionally supportive, kind, and deeply knowledgeable about both the birthing process and postpartum care. My birth ended up being quite eventful, but having Melissa there made it feel calm and manageable. She supported both my husband and me through every high and low, and her presence made the entire experience feel smooth and grounded.
Having her as part of our birth is something I will always cherish. Not only was she a constant source of support, but she also captured beautiful photos that we’ll treasure forever. She even continued to help me postpartum, especially with lactation challenges, which meant so much.
My husband was equally grateful for her—she guided him in how to best support me, which made a huge difference for both of us. Melissa is incredibly personable and truly cares about her clients. I felt so supported, cared for, and uplifted every step of the way.
I cannot recommend her enough!!
— Kaitlin Thornton
If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, I couldn’t recommend Melissa more! From the first call I had with her, I felt a connection right away! She is so warm, knowledgeable, supportive, and will be the best addition to your birth team! Shes also incredibly knowledgeable with breastfeeding, spinning babies, and has great resources too. I ended up needing a c-section because my baby was breech and that was emotionally very tough for me. Melissa helped me navigate those feelings, helped me realize that I still had choices that helped make my birth feel special, and guided me in making a new birth plan for our big day! We are so grateful we got to work with her! She is truly so incredible!!!
— Chelsea Kan
We’re so happy we found Melissa to support me during my pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum care. She was the perfect match for our family and was available around the clock for any questions I had that came up along the way! Melissa also supported my breastfeeding journey by assisting as a lactation consultant and helped made breastfeeding less scary and a beautiful experience for me and my baby.
I had a long labor and a difficult delivery but she was there to support both myself and my husband. We’re so grateful for her support and experience during this time for us as first time parents. We would recommend Melissa to anyone we know and are so grateful for her!!
— Bella Bailey
If I could give more stars, I would. I have known Melissa for years and her character is the first, most important, thing to note. She is truly one of the most caring and kind women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She deeply cares about every individual she works with through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. It is very apparent upon the first meeting that she will give everything she has and will dedicate as much time as necessary to make you feel supported during your journey.
She is continuously educating herself on everything to do with this profession and never once did I feel like one of my millions of questions or concerns were silly or irrelevant. She has a genuine way of explaining things that makes everything you’re going through feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
I would choose Melissa for this exciting experience over and over again!! 10/10 recommend giving her a call.
— Stephanie DeAngelis
I can attest to the fact that Melissa is very capable, careful, caring and kind.
— Brad Sturtevant
I chose Melissa for postpartum support because of her positive energy and warmth. For us, we definitely felt it was a number one priority to have someone in our home who was a kind hearted person and passed the vibe test (haha). That was first and foremost. But that goes without saying Melissa is extremely knowledgeable in all things birth and baby and breastfeeding! Her being a bright light, very easy to talk with and super nice were things you can’t put a price tag on and no amount of training will bring about. And Melissa has all of those qualities! We are very grateful she was here during one of the most vulnerable times in our lives! She will always have a special place in my heart.
Kim, Chris, Elea and baby Leo
— Kimberly Kea
Melissa is amazing!
— Ellie Lindenmayer
I had Melissa as my doula in June and she was AMAZING!! I decided on a doula a month and a half before having my baby and it was the best decision that my husband and I made! Melissa is very personable, professional, supportive and responsive! I was induced so she came once I was in active labor but was responding to every question I texted her in the middle of the night. I was trying for a successful VBAC and it was nice having her knowledge and guidance to help me through! She is known as the VBAC Queen and she sure is! With her complete support and spinning babies techniques she showed me and had me doing everyday, I got my successful unmedicated VBAC! It was the most amazing moment and I wouldn't have been able to do it without Melissa by my side! If you are debating getting a doula, definitely choose Melissa, you will not be disappointed!
— Cheryl Roche
I had an excellent experience with Melissa. She was warm, attentive, and incredibly thorough. Our in-home lactation visit felt completely unrushed, and she offered many practical suggestions that we were able to practice together. She made sure all my questions were answered, provided a helpful recap at the end, and even offered follow-up support via text—which was invaluable. My latch issues have improved dramatically since our appointment. I’m so glad she was recommended to me.
— Sheena Lindahl
Being pregnant for the first time, the prospect of birth and having a newborn was overwhelming. There’s so much information, different birth experiences, unknowns, and people always giving you the “just you wait until…” On top of that, I knew going unmedicated and natural was the best choice for me. It would be hard, so I knew I wanted a doula to help me and my husband make that happen. Melissa made us feel so confident, seen, and supported. She has a passion for people and birth that truly shines through in her work and a calm, fun energy that will keep you smiling. She was incredibly informative, responsive, and helped my husband and I connect throughout the pre, during, and post birth experience. I am beyond grateful and so glad to have had her with us! It’s because of Melissa I got exactly the birth experience I wanted!
— Tyler Chastney
Melissa was amazing!! I am a first time mom and had a lot of nerves around being pregnant and labor/delivery. Melissa was always extremely responsive and caring whenever I reached out with any type of question or worry. She was with me during my planned c-section and I am forever grateful for that. Her presence was calming and made me feel confident in my delivery. She was with me every step of my journey and I highly recommend using her as your doula! You will not regret it in the least!!
— Megan Kelley
Melissa has been such an amazing part of our support system throughout pregnancy and postpartum. As a FTM I knew I wanted the knowledge of a doula to help guide my husband and I through our first delivery. What I didn’t expect was the continued support I’d need afterwards, especially with breastfeeding, and Melissa has been there to guide, support, and encourage me throughout the entire learning journey. Her knowledge and compassion has helped my husband and I adjust to life with a newborn and we couldn’t be more grateful.
— Marissa Cressman
Melissa supported our family as one of our Postpartum Doulas this past summer 2025. When my husband went back to work at 8 weeks PP, I knew I would need more support as I was exclusively breastfeeding and still physically healing. Melissa brought so much positivity into our home, each time she visited. She made the house feel balanced and fresh by tidying up the dreaded piles that come with having a newborn! She supported me with breastfeeding by helping me find new positions and checking baby's latch -- she was also an incredible cheerleader for me during this time, as we were going through some oral restrictions and I felt really discouraged at times with breastfeeding. She was always reminding me I could do this (as that was my goal). She had many ideas to help me with any questions I had about sleep or routines. My baby hated the carseat and Melissa even took a drive with me to an OT appointment one day, and sat with my baby in the back of the car to keep her peaceful. On the way home, baby even fell asleep! Melissa is so easy to talk to, such a bright light, and brings so much peace to the fourth trimester. She will always be a very special part of our lives and we are so grateful for her kindness and compassion!
— Kenzie Gugino
Melissa is simply the best! My wife was going for a VBAC and Melissa was so helpful and supportive throughout the experience. The comfort and support she provides is unrivaled.
— Andrew Vanderploeg
We were initially on the fence about hiring a doula, but Melissa completely changed that from the moment we met her. She became an incredible support during my VBAC journey. We found her late in pregnancy, right after I officially decided to pursue a VBAC, and I’m so grateful she joined our team when she did. From our first meeting, her deep knowledge, experience, and genuine passion for birth stood out immediately.
Before labor, she came to our home and showed us daily exercises, early labor positions, and reviewed our birth preferences. She took the time to understand our previous birth experience and what we hoped would be different this time. Her guidance made us feel informed and truly prepared for a VBAC (especially since my husband thought we should consider a repeat C-section).
During labor, Melissa used acupressure, counter pressure, and positioning techniques that both helped manage pain and encouraged labor to progress naturally, which was important to me as I hoped to avoid pitocin/interventions. At the hospital, she transformed the room into a calm, supportive space with dim lighting, candles, and the option for music.
She was a steady, reassuring presence for both me and my husband. She provided hands-on support, helped communicate clearly with the nurses and midwives, and gently reminded us of our preferences when things became intense. Her confidence and grounding energy made all the difference.
After birth, Melissa continued to check in and provided helpful breastfeeding support during those early days.
I’m thrilled to say I had a successful VBAC, and Melissa’s support was a huge part of making that possible. I highly recommend her to anyone pursuing a VBAC or looking for truly compassionate, knowledgeable birth and postpartum support.
— Christy VanderPloeg
I cannot express how grateful I am to have had Melissa as my sub-in doula; I had a longer labor so my originally doula called Melissa for back up! When Melissa showed up (around 5am!!), it was like I had known her for years - very easy going and hopped right into action. She is very knowledgable on different techniques to help baby get into a better position to assist in a smooth delivery. Melissa was there for a few hours of labor before my baby boy was delivered; she even stuck around after to assure me and baby were all set and took lots of pictures/videos :) I cannot recommend Melissa enough to anyone who may be looking for a doula & if you are wondering if a doula is right for you, JUST DO IT - you will not regret it! I look forward to working with Melissa again in the future.
— Michaela Chenevert
Hiring Melissa as our doula was one of the best decisions we made for our birth. From the moment we met her, I knew I wanted her by my side during labor and delivery. She has such a kind, compassionate heart for women and birth.
This was my second VBAC, and since I tend to have long labors and big babies, I knew I needed strong support to have another successful, unmedicated birth. Melissa was incredible—by my side through every contraction, offering encouragement and pain relief techniques that helped me stay focused and push my nearly 10-pound baby out naturally.
She also did a wonderful job supporting my husband and guiding him to be an amazing birth partner. I couldn’t recommend her more—10 out of 10!
— Dani Masters
Melissa is a fantastic doula! She was super helpful and informative throughout the pregnancy, teaching my wife tips and strategies to deal with pregnancy and labor.
When it came time, Melissa was at the hospital in a moments notice at 3am when my wife unexpectedly found herself fully dilated. She was a calming and nurturing presence throughout labor and birth, and we couldn’t have done it without her.
She’s the best!
— Harry Gustin
I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to thanking Melissa for the support she gave us before, during, and after the birth of our first child. From the very start of my pregnancy, she was such a calm, reassuring presence. She not only prepared us for what labor and delivery might look like, but she also gave us the tools to feel confident in our own choices.
She taught my husband and me partner-assisted exercises and stretches that helped me manage my pregnancy pain and even supported our baby turning from breech to head down ahead of labor. That alone felt like a miracle, and it gave us such a sense of empowerment as we got closer to delivery. Beyond that, Melissa shared her professional experience and pointed us toward evidence-based research that helped us make important decisions about my care, my delivery, and our baby. Having her guidance meant we never felt lost or overwhelmed, we always felt informed, supported, and seen.
When it came time to give birth, Melissa went above and beyond to create a space where I could feel calm, safe, and focused. She transformed the delivery room with soft fairy lights, comforting oils, words of affirmation, and so much encouragement. She knew exactly what to say and do in each moment, whether it was guiding me through a tough contraction, reminding me of my own strength, or helping my husband feel actively involved and supported. Her presence turned what could have been a stressful, intimidating experience into one that felt peaceful, empowering, and full of love.
And her care didn’t stop there. Melissa continued to check in on us after delivery, offering wisdom, encouragement, and reassurance as we stepped into parenthood for the very first time. She truly went above and beyond in every single way, and I can’t imagine my pregnancy and birth journey without her by my side.
— Georgina
I don’t have enough words to express the gratitude I feel for the unwavering support my doula provided through some of the most challenging and beautiful moments of my life.
From the birth of my first child and the waves of postpartum depression and anxiety that followed, she was my anchor — reminding me gently and consistently that what I was feeling was normal, that I was not alone, and that I was doing the best I could.
When I became pregnant again, with a toddler at home and a husband working long hours, she was once again by my side. Whether I needed emotional reassurance, help navigating breastfeeding struggles, or simply someone to talk to when the days felt long and overwhelming — she was only ever a phone call away. Her presence was calm, compassionate, and grounding.
During my third pregnancy, when I experienced the heartbreaking loss of a twin and gave birth to a premature baby who needed a NICU stay, I truly don’t know how I would have coped without her. She not only helped me process the deep grief and fear I was facing but also stepped in to support my two young boys at home — giving me the space I needed to bond with and care for my daughter in the NICU.
Her support extended far beyond what I ever imagined a doula could provide. She held my hand through the highs and lows of motherhood, helped me find strength when I felt depleted, and made sure I never had to walk any part of the journey alone.
I couldn’t have done it without her.
— Rachel Martin
Melissa was my doula for my VBAC in June 2025 and I cannot even put into words how thankful I am for her support during my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Melissa helped my husband and me prepare for birth before hand and communicated with me daily to prepare my body for labor. When it came time, she was so helpful in the hospital and really made my labor feel easy and controlled. She worked with all of the hospital staff to keep my labor progressing and used all of her knowledge to move things along and keep me feeling confident and informed.
I believe I was able to have a successful VBAC due to Melissa’s support. My husband and I will be forever thankful we had her with us that day. A VBAC was really important to me because I wanted to be able to have a better recovery so I could play with my toddler, pick her up, and drive sooner after birth. Melissa helped me make this a reality and my recovery was so much more enjoyable this time around. I cannot recommend Melissa enough. She felt like apart of our family that day and I recommend her to anyone and everyone.
— Victoria Taylor
Melissa was fantastic!! As a skeptical second time dad I didn’t think hiring a doula was very necessary…boy I was very wrong. I wasn’t sure what to do to help my wife with vbac and Melissa knew everything!! And even kept me from getting yelled at by my wife for messing up!! I would 100% recommend using Melissa to anybody expecting their babies!!
— Garrett Smith
I could not recommend Melissa any more as a birth doula. She is such a sweet, wonderful person overall and was such an amazing support to our pregnancy, birth, and labor. From the beginning, it was clear Melissa loved her work as a doula and made it a point to make a genuine connection with us as her clients. She was available 24/7 to us as support during my pregnancy and continued that unwavering support through our son's birth and postpartum. Melissa respects her client's birth plans and will not hesitate to advocate so it can be followed through as much as possible. I will not hesitate to recommend Melissa as a doula, and we will plan to have her with us again if we have another child!
— Sarah Lojko
I am so happy with my experience with Melissa! I was on the fence about a VBAC and a doula. I decided to go for it and interviewed about 15 doulas. I almost decided not to go with one and Melissa the last person I met with. I immediately knew I needed to hire her! She was so great and laid back, I knew my husband would get along with her as well.
I ended up with a 45 hour labor and I truly wouldn’t have made it through without Melissa! Baby was not in a great position and everything Melissa was able to do to help me move and move him got him into a great spot. The highlight of the birth was the 25 minutes of pushing! It made everything so worth it. I really think I would have ended up back in a c section without her but I never even questioned it with her support.
I generally don’t love being touched but she knew exactly what to do for comfort measures. She was so calm and supportive. My husband was so happy she was there as well he was able to help support better just watching her and following her lead. Melissa also really helped me advocate for myself and gave ideas I could ask the nurses for as well.
If you are thinking about a doula 10000/10 recommend Melissa!!
— Ashley Smith
This was my fourth baby. I was in my 8th month and I realized when I cried to my husband after having the most stressful week… that I was afraid to birth our son. My previous three births hadn’t gone the way I had always dreamed they would and I was afraid. I was afraid that this one would be the same way. I knew I needed a different kind of support this time. A support not only physically, but mentally to pull me through accomplishing my goals of a natural, no intervention, unmedicated birth. I needed a doula. I needed Melissa! When we first initially spoke on the phone, I felt heard, validated in my fears, and supported in my hopes for this birth. I knew she was the key to me experiencing an empowered birth; the kind I had dreamed of. After hiring her and having my prenatal appointments with her, my anxious feelings, my fears, started to melt away. I had tools, I had resources, but most of all, I had her caring support! And when the day came for our son’s birth… there was no way I could have made it through with the confidence and reassurance I had having her there in the hospital with me. She eased my fears. She comforted me. She cheered for me. And she helped me through every surge that brought us our baby! I’m forever grateful for Melissa’s presence in making my fourth birth a literal dream come true! She’s an absolute gem of a person! Thank you Melissa!
— Angela Fahy
I’ve known Melissa for over 20 years, and it’s been such a gift to watch her step into birth work with so much heart and dedication. She has been an incredible support to me as a backup doula — always dependable, grounded, and the kind of person you feel safe handing your clients over to.
Melissa brings a calm, steady presence into the birth space, paired with deep compassion and a true passion for the families she supports. She’s also a Certified Lactation Counselor, and her knowledge combined with her nurturing spirit makes her such an asset during the postpartum journey as well.
She’s not only a trusted colleague, but someone I’m proud to call a friend. Any family would be lucky to have her support during such an important and transformative time.
— Genna Wallace
Melissa is such a gift to her clients wherever they may be in their pregnancy and/or postpartum journey. Her knowledge and ability to calmly educate and advocate for her clients is truly the highest level of care one can receive. I feel so fortunate to be able to refer my own patients to Melissa and know every time that not only will they receive the absolute best care but they will come back to me raving about having her on their team.
— Dr. Megan Roney
My husband and I had the privilege of working with Melissa for the birth of our first. I knew I wanted to do a medication-free, natural birth, and knew I wanted to have a doula on my team since this was my husband and I’s first birth experience.
From the minute Melissa entered the room she was already assessing how to make the space more comfortable and me more comfortable. Her energy is so positive and relaxing and I immediately felt so comfortable with her. For my entire labor in the hospital she was attentive and there for my every need- from suggesting different labor positions, spinning babies, running the shower hose on my back, and setting up an amazing whirlpool experience. She could anticipate what I needed without me knowing to ask.
She made my birth experience so positive and I don’t know how I would have done it without her! We are so grateful for her.
— Dana Jewett
Melissa was a huge support for us during one of the most important times in our lives. She was calm, knowledgeable, and really helped our family feel cared for and confident through birth and postpartum. Her help with breastfeeding made a big difference, and she was patient and understanding every step of the way. I always felt like she was there for us. I’d recommend her to any family looking for someone dedicated and caring.
— Ryan Pelletier
