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Hello there,
I'm Mel (they/them)
I want every client to feel seen and held;
to have a safe and
satisfying experience.
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Scroll for some fun facts about me!
Get to Know Me
I'm an east coaster at heart (Mass in the Midwest!) who trained to be a doula in Brooklyn in 2019. The only thing I love more than the ocean is my Midwestern partner. I spent several years teaching and leading in an elementary school, and then coaching teachers at Teach For America, before making the switch to birthwork full time in 2022.
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In high school I happily gave rides to Planned Parenthood in Boston (abortion is healthcare!). I've been passionate about reproductive justice ever since.
My first birth blew my mind, read why I'm a doula here
In the Birth Room
I love being a jack of all trades because what I learn in one setting ends up benefiting clients in another. I always excited for a home birth with midwives, and I'm good at high risk and high need births in the hospital. I'll rotate you like a rotisserie chicken during your epidural to get your baby out. I'll teach your partner how to do the very best counter-pressure for your unmedicated birth. I'll set up your altar and give your anxious sister a job to do. I can bring my goofball to distract, but I also know how to wade into the rhythm of heavy labor.
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The only thing that is the same across all births is my awe.
Read my reflection on 100 births:
Personal Facts
Mel is magic. They are so knowledgeable, intentional, creative, and meet you where you are at. Working with Mel through pregnancy 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. I truly cannot recommend any one human more than Mel Haley. Born to be a doula! (See what I did there? ??)
Rosie M., Full Garden + Class
What is in my doula bag?
I am constantly editing what stays and what goes in my bag, so this is just a snapshot of my right-now stuff. Read all the way to the end for a look at my original doula bag and how it has changed.
The actual bag is a travel backpack, which feels right as a lover of travel. I really like that everything is visible and also contained in zippers. I can open this on the floor of...