Testimonies
" Hands of Melody (HOM) has been nothing short of a God-send. When you choose Hands of Melody, Hands of Melody chooses you right back. Their team of Doulas and Admins genuinely care about you AND your family. The first time that I spoke with Melissa she asked me what I wanted for my birth and truth be told, no one had ever asked me that, not even my partner. Hands of Melody has been supporting me from pregnancy all the way through this motherhood journey. The knowledge, support and village that you gain by partnering with Hands of Melody is absolutely unmatched. If you've come across Melissa and her wonderful team of Doulas, don't think it's by accident, Welcome HOM!”
- Nicole H.
So thankful that God afforded us the opportunity to be blessed by the amazing services of Hands of Melody! We gave birth to our precious baby girl 2/2020. From the moment we chose Melissa as our doula she has been RIGHT by our side! From video chats, text, email, phone calls, in person meetings and Village gatherings she has been simply amazing! A total God send! Here we are at the almost 4 year mark and I still feel sooo supported! And My family has gained a true angel for life! From the moment she came into our lives she has made sure every physical, mental and spiritual need as it relates to our pregnancy, delivery and postpartum has been met! I’m not exactly sure I would be in the space that I’m in now without her!
Postpartum in a pandemic has been challenging but because the village of mommies meet constantly via zoom and we have in person play dates (when it’s safe) it has made life a little more bearable and has provided a safe space to share and learn. HOM Is an intricate part of my everyday life.
If you are looking for doula services or to simply be a part or a village “mommy group” look no further! Come on HOM!
— Angie Rouse
I had the pleasure of working with Melissa during my pregnancy in 2021 and wanted to write a few words based on my experience.
I don’t know where I would be without her help. Honestly, when I had my daughter I thought I knew everything and quickly learned I did not. Just having Melisa there during my delivery was very comforting as this was my first pregnancy and I didn’t know what to expect. She was very calm and supportive during one of the most chaotic times of my life. But her support didn’t stop there. To this day, she continues to be a source of information and a provider of support when I’m in doubt. I have literally called her at all hours of the night when I’ve needed guidance and she has answered every time. I am appreciative of the HOM village she has established and look forward to our continued relationship. If I were to get pregnant again, I would trust no one but HOM to lead me on my journey. She has been truly a godsend.
— Jasmine Wiggins
When I first spoke with Melissa at the Hands of Melody, she helped me feel calm and supported. Dawn was my doula for my delivery. I had a very challenging delivery and postpartum recovery. My husband and I were so grateful for Dawn, and she gave us outstanding support and care throughout the process.
I also appreciate the HOM group's weekly video call and chat group. Being a new mom can be very lonely and isolating. Thanks to the HOM group, I have a community of amazing and friendly mommas with whom I have beautiful relationships, so I don’t feel alone on this journey of motherhood. Thank you HOM!
— Shardé Wint & Family
My name is Rachel and I'd like to share my experience with Hands of Melody. I was referred to Missy's company by my OBGYN while pregnant with my son. I was new to the state of MD, dealing with lots of unknowns about pregnancy, and the anxiety of giving birth as a black woman in the US. After my initial conversation with Missy, I was surprised to learn about the Zoom calls to connect with other moms (which continue today). The referral to HOM gave me a great experience leading up to, and including my delivery. While this would normally be the end of the story with other Doula services, this is not the case with HOM. My son is almost 3 and the mommies at HOM have become great friends, confidants, support, knowledge bank, and their kids are great friends with my son. I couldn't have planned this if I tried. I truly believe that HOM is a godsend to my family and me as we've built such a great network of friends that love and support one another. Genuinely and Consistently! All because of Missy and the Hands of Melody. I will forever be indebted to her and her company for that.
— Rachel A.
Hands of Melody (HOM) is the home for me and my family that lovingly, supportively, and consistently has been and is there when we need and want them. Whether it’s OB-given drinking concoctions I shouldn’t actually take or birthing plans I need to create or caretaking a sick baby who won’t stop crying or treating a toddler’s severe constipation as he screams in pain, I have always been able to rely on HOM and the families who are part of it. The families that have become part of this village are the extended family I always hoped I’d be able to create for my own family one day. As a Navy brat who knows how important it is to have a family that you choose, I look forward to the weekly chats and the gatherings and outings that allow me to be vulnerable and honest about this new identity called “Mommy.” While I know I’d be a successful mom no matter what, I also know I wouldn’t be a comfortable and confident mommy if I didn’t have a HOM to call my own. Melissa and the other families have done that for me.
- Shayla Atkins Baxter