Meet Boston Doula Melissa Angel
Before choosing your Boston newborn photographer, you’ll likely be searching for pregnancy support such as a Boston doula. The doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. I asked Melissa some questions to learn more about how she can help you through your pregnancy and delivery.
Image credit: Edgar Troncoso Red 13 Studios IG @troncosaurus
How does a doula help a pregnant mother?
A doula supports a pregnant mother and her partner with all needs, they may have relating to pregnancy, labor, birth and newborn care. When hired as your doula I will provide you with references and links I have compiled for childbirth education, staying fit and feeling good throughout pregnancy, prenatal yoga, and setting yourself up for success in all areas of support and education that are important to you. We will also schedule a prenatal meeting to go over all of your needs and outline your birth preferences, aka birth plan. I don’t call it a plan because I believe it is most supportive to outline the vision you have for bringing your baby into the world while focusing on all aspects of labor and birth you’re looking forward to. Let’s get excited about it!
What is the best part of being a doula?
The best part of being a doula is supporting a couple in achieving the vision of their birth. Bringing your child into the world is such a magical experience and seeing new babies come into the world is one of the most beautiful privileges of doula work for me.
What locations do you offer your service to?
I work in the Boston, Metrowest and Central Mass area primarily.
How soon should a mom book your doula services?
Anytime during pregnancy is fine to book doula services. There are times of year when I book up faster than others. I feel the end of the first trimester is a good time to start to form a relationship with your doula. Contact me via email melissa@a-to-zbirthing.com
How would you describe your doula style?
Supportive. I do not have an agenda when supporting couples in pregnancy, labor, and birth. If I am a good fit for a couple and they hire me, I do everything in my scope to support their wants and needs. I slide into the situation they most likely have already established with their healthcare provider and birthing facility. I am their advocate, and their educator offering support and information every step of the way. When you are in labor we stay at home for as long as possible, utilizing encouragement, relaxation, and comfort techniques that support the progression of labor. Staying home is strategic in keeping you calm and relaxed in your own environment limiting any unnecessary medical interventions.
Why did you become a doula?
I became a doula to support and advocate for couples through the process of pregnancy, labor and birth and newborn care. I learned through my own experience with my first child 16 years ago the importance of advocating for yourself, communication with your healthcare provider and asking questions about medical interventions prior to feeling the pressure of making these choices.
As your doula we will discuss all of your concerns. Prior to being in labor and create your list of birth preferences which you will bring to your healthcare provider supporting constructive communication so everyone on your Birthing Team is on the same page.
How are you able to support mothers during Covid restrictions?
During Covid restrictions I am able to provide all of the prenatal support and in some cases the in person physical support in your home and at your birthing facility while following all of the guidelines. In cases where I’m unable to be with you at your birthing facility, I will provide in person support in your home until you are heading to your birthing facility when we will switch to virtual support.
TO LEARN MORE OR TO CONTACT MELISSA CLICK HERE!
