Solihull Doula Melanie Solihull

Reviews

1. Priscilla Chouhan ★★★★★

   When I met Melanie I had an instant liking to how professional she was, she maintained this throughout each meeting, antenatal session, pre delivery when my waters broke during the birth and post natal care. I wanted to have a Doula for this birth as my previous birth experience was traumatic, full of interventions, which left me in a fragile state during my 4th trimester. I needed to make this birth experience a better one and Melanie delivered this for me- I could not have done it without her! Her positivity, knowledge, focus and attention that was always centred around my’n and baby’s wellbeing was the nurturing care and support I needed. She made me overcome my fears of hospital, birthing and my husband not being present for the birth. She got on well with my best friend who was my birthing partner and informed my husband accordingly. Melanie has a calm and caring nature about her, nothing was never too much trouble for her and she went above and beyond researching anything I needed pregnancy related and any concerns I had she would address with key points and give feedback. Recommendations I had asked for -maternity and newborn photography, pregnancy treatments, placenta encapsulation, homeopathy supplements, breastfeeding tips, advice on pumps I used all of them. Every meeting was documented and shared by Melanie and a professional contract was also put together which was reassuring. The moments captured both photos and video by Melanie of the birth were perfect memories to be able to reflect back on this precious time. In addition a back up doula was arranged in the case of any unforeseen circumstances- who I met and was happy with. Melanie overall delivered beyond my expectations and I received the birth that we planned to have. I can’t thank her enough for being by my side through this experience which I can truly say has changed my mind on believing that every birth is different! And can be amazing without intervention and whilst refocusing on a positive attitude the outcome can be different! For my post natal care, Melanie has cared and looked after my needs to enable me to transition into the first few weeks with more ease. Having her prep my breakfasts, lunch, doing the laundry, washing dishes and most importantly looking after my newborn whilst I showered and napped has been a huge help! You’ve been the perfect fit for helping us through this chapter in our life! Thank you Melanie x

   almost 9 months ago
2. M S ★★★★★

   I met Melanie at the Magic Bean Coffee Shop, a few weeks before I was due to give birth. She was very approachable and was happy to answer the very many questions I had! She was very warm and knowledgable and I came away feeling much more empowered to advocate for myself and for the birth that I wanted. Thank you!

   almost 4 years ago
3. Donya J ★★★★★

   Melanie is a wonderful person and a fantastic doula. We booked Melanie's services as a birth doula. She provided so much support during my pregnancy and also postnatally. Melanie is honest and upfront with what she can do. She was always caring and generous with her time. She never rushed me during our meetings. She is a very good listner. She heard our preferences and then helped us to plan for them. Since the birth of my first child, Melanie has been so generous with referrals to local baby and parents services and available support. At our lowest postnatal moment, my husband and I reached out to her; she listened to my breastfeeding challenges and arranged for me to get the support I needed. I am so glad to have booked Melanie's services as a doula. I highly recommend her, she is a treasure.

   almost 4 years ago

1. HM ★★★★★

   As soon as I found out I was expecting our third baby I also knew it was also going to our last and I wanted to honour the experience more than I previously had. After meeting Melanie I knew instantly that she would be the perfect birth partner to help support me. However what I didn’t expect is how much support Melanie would provide antenatally as well. By the time the day came for my baby to make his way into this world, Melanie’s support was already worth her weight in gold! I thoroughly enjoyed all the antenatal visits she provided, I never felt rushed and she would come and sit and chat for hours making sure I felt comfortable and informed. During my pregnancy my plans for birth changed multiple times and Melanie was always there to support me and make me feel safe. Towards the end of my pregnancy I started to receive a lot of pressure and fear mongering and Melanie was my sounding board and strength during that time when both my husband and I were confused and a bit scared. My labour was fast and intense and Melanie was right there through it guiding my husband which was so useful to him compared to feeling a bit helpless during my previous labours. After our baby was born, Melanie was so incredibly helpful and just a wonderful energy to have around. I was so happy she was there, she made the whole experience calming and positive which is just what I needed to close this chapter of birthing in my life. I can’t recommend Melanie enough!

   almost 4 years ago
2. Heather ★★★★★

   As soon as I found out I was expecting our third baby I also knew it was also going to our last and I wanted to honour the experience more than I previously had. After meeting Melanie I knew instantly that she would be the perfect birth partner to help support me. However what I didn’t expect is how much support Melanie would provide antenatally as well. By the time the day came for my baby to make his way into this world, Melanie’s support was already worth her weight in gold! I thoroughly enjoyed all the antenatal visits she provided, I never felt rushed and she would come and sit and chat for hours making sure I felt comfortable and informed. During my pregnancy my plans for birth changed multiple times and Melanie was always there to support me and make me feel safe. Towards the end of my pregnancy I started to receive a lot of pressure and fear mongering and Melanie was my sounding board and strength during that time when both my husband and I were confused and a bit scared. My labour was fast and intense and Melanie was right there through it guiding my husband which was so useful to him compared to feeling a bit helpless during my previous labours. After our baby was born, Melanie was so incredibly helpful and just a wonderful energy to have around. I was so happy she was there, she made the whole experience calming and positive which is just what I needed to close this chapter of birthing in my life. I can’t recommend Melanie enough!

   almost 4 years ago
3. Charlotte Johnson ★★★★★

   Soon after finding out we were expecting our first baby we fell in love with the idea of a calm and relaxed home birth and wanted someone we could trust to help us prepare for our little ones arrival. After initially speaking with Melanie over zoom (due to covid) we knew it was her we wanted to help us. Throughout the pregnancy she was there to offer her support, guidance and reassurance and to help put us at ease. Like many first time mums, my mind was full of horror stories of painful and traumatic births but with Melanie’s reassurance and calming presence she helped untangle these myths. She told us what to expect during each stage of labor as well as the different eventualities that could appear, detailing all the options available to us, things that hadn’t even crossed our minds. She also went through the options we had should things not go to plan, and taught us techniques to help prepare for birth such and Forward-leaning Inversion and Rebozo, leaving both my partner and I informed, more confident and quite excited! We ended up having to have a number of scans at the hospital. Each one was filled with potential ‘risks’ and ‘problems’ so we often left feeling scared and worried. Melanie was always there, checking in to see how the appointments had gone and sending us evidence based, factual articles explaining what the hospital had told us but in more detail, helping us make informed decisions. Thank you for helping make Finley's arrival into this world a wonderful experience, for making me feel strong, powerful and respected and for helping me believe in myself as well as being a great support to Dave throughout.

   almost 4 years ago

1. Eleanor Musson ★★★★★

   From the moment I met Melanie I knew I wanted her to support me at the birth of my second baby. As my doula she made sure I’d planned thoroughly for birth, supported me with preparing for midwife appointments in the run-up and was with me for birth. She also supported us in the hours and days after birth. Her calm, reassuring presence was invaluable. She knew exactly when and how to step in to protect my homebirth dreams, helped protect the calm birth space I so badly wanted and was an enormous support to my husband throughout. I had complete trust in Melanie, and she more than met our expectations. Having a doula like Melanie is an invaluable way of preparing for an informed birth, no matter what kind of birth or where it happens, and I would recommend Melanie every time.

   almost 4 years ago

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