What Past Clients Have to Say...

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Kaitlyn & Mark

Mel is an incredible doula, and I would choose them over and over again. They brought a unique mix of knowledge, humor, calm and understanding. Whether it was a smile to my husband in intense moments to assure him everything was happening just as it should or needed hip squeeze, Mel was a calming presence through it all. Container Garden + Comfort & Coping Class

Rosie & Ben

Mel is magic. They are so knowledgeable, intentional, creative, and meet you where you are at. Mel helped my husband and I feel even more bonded and ready for whatever came next. They held my hand through stitches, and guided me through the first latch. Being able to text or call them through those first couple months with a newborn was so comforting and helpful. Full Garden + Class

Annie & Tass

Mel supported us during a hospital birth at the height of Covid, and we hired them again for the birth of our second baby at home. It’s been such an honor to have their support for the birth of both my babies. In the hospital, they helped me gain confidence in advocating for myself. At home they kept me centered and focused on letting my body do the work it needed to do. Full Garden Package + Placenta Encapsulation

Maria & Jordi

I recommend anyone looking for an empowered birth, but especially anyone who has some caution due to identity or other reasons, to talk with Melissa and see if they are a fit. Full Garden Package + class + postpartum hours

Emily

My entire family is eternally grateful to Melissa for their extraordinary presence and deep reservoir of knowledge, and we can't recommend them enough as a doula. Full Garden Package

Indi & Sondra

Melissa consistently met us exactly where we were, offering invaluable support, encouragement, and education whenever we needed it. Words alone cannot convey the depth of gratitude we feel for Melissa and the impact they have in our lives. We 100% recommend connecting with Melissa Full Garden Package + placenta encapsulation

Courtney & Pete

When I think of labor, I think of my husband behind me & Melissa in front of me, giving affirmations & holding my hand through each contraction. They helped make my unmedicated birth possible. Full Garden Package

Liz & Adam

Melissa is the kind of person who is truly holistic in their approach, trusting both scientific evidence as well as sacred wisdom passed down through the ages. Full Garden Package

Jett & Z

Melissa's help during the actual labor was absolutely stellar and I believe one of the most important pieces to having a great birth. They taught my support people hands on ways to ease my discomfort, helped me laugh and dance throughout labor, and provided lactation support after delivery. Container Garden Package

We had our third kiddo (second pregnancy, first one was 8 years ago with twins) in 2023 and it was an amazing experience. As a queer couple going through this with some unusual wrinkles, including the non-birthing partner Jordi inducing lactation so she could also feed the baby, Mel's constant refrain of supporting us and our choices was beautiful and also critical.

The highlight for us was a labor and birthing experience at the Birth Center of Chicago, where Melissa worked so well with the midwives to help continue that thread of empowerment for Maria.

Jordi & Maria, Full Garden Package + Class

Queer doula Melissa Haley of Chicago lesbian client labor and birth at Birth Center of Chicago

Queer doula Melissa Haley of Chicago client labor and birth at Northwestern Prentice Hospital

"I specifically searched for a doula that was queer-affirming. Mel has a calm and open energy, and I knew I'd be in good hands. They brought so many cool educational tools to our prenatal visits! From a model pelvis and baby to show what's happening during birth, to showing me how to use all three different types of baby carriers I was gifted, to SO much info about birth... the list goes on.

Cut to... labor! I'm still anxious even thinking about labor, but Mel made it more bearable. The midwives loved working with them, even asking Mel for advice at one point! When someone you find for pregnancy and birth support feels like family, you know you've won the jackpot.

Renee, Full Garden Package + Placenta Encapsulation

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home birth client laboring in the shower, seen through the glass is her tattooed arm and pregnant belly

Photo by Erin Loughlin

What Past Clients Have to Say...

Jordi & Maria, Full Garden Package + Class

Renee, Full Garden Package + Placenta Encapsulation

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