https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog daily 0.75 2023-06-28 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/doulasguidetonaturalinductionmethods monthly 0.5 2023-06-28 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/5-top-ways-to-increase-your-odds-of-a-positive-birth-experience monthly 0.5 2023-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1577661352339-0AUVDXPAI62WHDIPMWUQ/Jenica.jpg Melanie's Birth-y Blog - Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Odds of A Positive Birth Experience https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/when-should-i-hire-a-doula monthly 0.5 2019-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1572679752580-RU753JHTI2F79M11PN2G/BEST020318-108.jpg Melanie's Birth-y Blog - When Should I Hire a Doula? Free consultation with a Birth Doula https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/is-a-doula-worth-it monthly 0.5 2019-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1569114439536-S4RGUIFGSPK22XW7NETG/Nepali+Porter.jpg Melanie's Birth-y Blog - Is a Doula Worth It? Is a doula worth it? Nepali Porter https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/i-already-have-a-midwife-so-why-do-i-need-a-doula monthly 0.5 2023-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566854459627-UYWOCP339D6WIT89LH2W/Waterbirth Melanie's Birth-y Blog - I already have a Midwife, so why do I need a Doula? Waterbirth with Midwife and Doula https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/category/Birth monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/category/Midwife monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/category/Doula monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Pregnancy monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Prenatal monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Natural+Birth monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Birth+Doula monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Newborn monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Pregnancy+Test monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Midwife monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Birth monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Doula monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Positive+Birth+Experience monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Trimester monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/blog/tag/Due+Date monthly 0.5 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/scope-of-a-birth-doula daily 0.75 2022-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568163470908-CR3RT83AKLGCFAM7F52W/Scope+of+the+Doula.jpg What is the Scope of a Birth Doula As a doula and labor companion, my role is to help you achieve a positive and satisfying birth experience by providing emotional support, physical comfort, information, and guidance in informed consent during your pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum period. https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/local-certified-birth-doula-springfield-mo daily 1.0 2024-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568162518426-2RDSDQCT6TH31ZJWOXRH/Melanie+Pierce+Birth+Doula+1.jpg Local Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568162428732-WPS644NCAOOZ8H8FU19J/Melanie+Pierce+Birth+Doula.jpg Local Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568162241171-U5872NDSILAAV2XMPT6P/Birth+Pool.jpg Local Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566615034383-M4WDCD0NRYU67UDP9N92/Torie%27s+Birth+Edited+2.jpg Local Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/how-to-choose-a-doula daily 0.75 2019-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566616837594-7H6TOWKQJ909VN8HYDVI/Tori%27s+Birth+Edited+1.jpg How Do I Choose a Doula https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2019-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568166763553-D4H6WDSTPUADX6WCALTK/Jenica.jpg Testimonials “Melanie was a huge contributor to my successful VBAC. I had a very traumatic c-section with my son and was worried throughout my pregnancy about another c-section happening. Melanie was there, even when I called her panicking about the smallest things. She was so comforting when I had to be induced and she was amazing during the birth of my daughter. Melanie made it so my husband could focus on talking with me, instead of trying to apply pressure to where I was having pain. Melanie was there from 11pm Tuesday until 2 am Thursday! It really helped for my husband to also be able to rest and I still have a support person. I don't think I could have made it through as smoothly as I did without her.” ~ Jenica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568165428796-NU93MKQMB9A367S0KCBG/Gabbie.jpg Testimonials Melanie was my doula for my second son. My first birth was planned out like a dream, and ended up a bit of a nightmare, so I was reluctantly hopeful that my second delivery would be my "redemption birth." We quickly became close friends, which was so beneficial for my ability to relax during labor. She stayed so in tune with my progress and what I needed at each stage. My favorite memory is laying on the side of the tub, whispering about needing medication, maybe I needed to go to the hospital. She sweetly replied, "You're doing so well, why would you think you need a hospital?" I responded, "Because I can't take another level, and I haven't even gone into transition yet." She smiled, looked me in the eye, and said, "Honey, I think you're in it right now,” with a little giggle that made me smile. Lo and behold, 10 minutes later I was pushing. I delivered my baby boy in the sweet serenity I'd dreamed of, and Melanie held my hand, massaged my back, danced, ran water over my back, and affirmed my ability to do it without missing a single beat. She is truly a blessing, and I can't speak highly enough of this amazing angel! ~ Gabbie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568166070240-MT1XAGXNAMZTQ8RB24C2/Sydney.jpg Testimonials As every mother knows, there are so many emotions during pregnancy and birth. I was working with my midwife and she recommended I get a doula. Melanie and I became instant friends. She helped me process so many triggers from my traumatic previous birth and I never felt silly asking any questions. If she didn't know, she found information for me to be fully informed. My son was born 10lbs 9oz and I tell everyone I wouldn't have made it through my natural birth without the Lord, my husband giving me oils, and Melanie by my side! Please just do the consultation, you will be so grateful that you did! ~ Sydney https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568166601073-R0ZMWHS7BPK29L7K5UJH/Tori.jpg Testimonials “Meet Melanie, my doula. Someone had referred her to me when I was 37 weeks pregnant. We finally met a week later. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate her. She has the most gentle soul and kept me calm through the last few weeks and during labor. I could not have done this without her. We immediately hit it off and she has been a friend ever since. Thank you so much for encouraging me and believing in me. Thank you for lifting me up in my most vulnerable moments and being there for me when I felt like everything was falling apart.” Tori & Kevin https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/contact-local-doula-near-me-springfield-mo daily 0.75 2024-07-09 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/certified-birth-doulas daily 0.75 2025-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1720632911037-2S1K0DT71APDZ0LCDYL8/PierceKayley+%2818%29.jpg Melanie Pierce Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO - Kayley Pierce https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1720633871319-QZ92HG6S59G70VHW6TPW/McCauleyStephanie%2B%25283%2529.jpg Melanie Pierce Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO - Stephanie McCauley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1754949654521-0GZLG81JZ24YPEHS5D2E/signal-2025-08-06-16-04-18-785%25281%2529.jpg Melanie Pierce Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO - Jacy Graves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/bf12c42f-7161-4630-9013-e2e047b3edc5/DSC09222.jpg Melanie Pierce Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO - Make it stand out Joy in the Journey Doulas - 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/288cd531-69b4-44d9-94ab-8fa70b6ea436/PierceMelanie+%289%29.jpg Melanie Pierce Certified Birth Doula in Springfield MO - Make it stand out Melanie Joy Pierce - Owner of Joy in the Journey Birth Photography & Doula Services https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/frequently-asked-questions-for-a-doula daily 0.75 2024-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1568158223597-37JRCKDJ2GZJSHL7SDZU/Golden+Hour.jpg Questions for a Birth Doula https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/best-certified-local-birth-doula daily 0.75 2022-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/eaf80edc-96fa-4d4f-b618-3729d2b87d7e/Doula+Certification+2021-2023.jpg Local Doula BEST Certified - Make it stand out Current Doula Certificate for Melanie Pierce Signed by Amanda Devereux & Maria Pokluda, BEST DOULA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/e1072ea0-ad40-4dd9-b8a0-eb8193c124b6/Neonatal+Resuscitation+Certification.png Local Doula BEST Certified - Make it stand out Neonatal Resuscitation Certificate 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1567049956288-593GWFOOH59DWMNGNWGJ/IMG_20190826_185255_676.jpg Local Doula BEST Certified Previous Doula Certificate for Melanie Pierce Signed by Amanda Devereux & Maria Pokluda, BEST DOULA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1567610527694-7NJZKORWPJ3AARR80MD6/BestDoula_black-01+%281%29.jpg Local Doula BEST Certified https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/3d27b972-7b65-4b9e-8d1d-946a347ace7d/CPR+Certlificate+2022.png Local Doula BEST Certified - Make it stand out CPR BLS Certificate 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/6a785119-e76f-48aa-b504-1ab62dbb129c/DONA+TENS+Certification.jpg Local Doula BEST Certified - Make it stand out DONA INTERNATIONAL TENS CERTIFICATE 2022 https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/what-does-a-birth-doula-do daily 0.75 2024-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566960813515-NY68SFJUFFZC5YR7TL36/BEST-29b.jpg What does a birth doula do? - Labor and Birth Support Includes: A: Providing continuous labor support by offering emotional comfort through: active listening, providing affirmation, answering questions, giving feedback, verbal imagery, encouragement, and helping you feel understood, heard, and empowered. B: Giving physical support during active labor, transition, and the pushing stage, through: reminders of what your body may need, comfort touch and counterpressure, suggestions for various positions and movements, and the use of a rebozo, Kaya birth stool, and accupressure combs, if desired. C: Supplying a Labor TENS (Transcuteous Electrical Nerve Stimlation) unit for alternative (non-medicinal) pain management, if desired. D: Reminding you and your partner of your birth plan, helping you stay focused on your goals, as well as supporting you through any decision-making or decision-changing. Plus giving you guidance with informed choice and consent if you need to advocate for yourself. E: Maintaining support throughout any unique circumstances or regardless of the type of birth you have, including but not limited to: an induction, a planned or emergency C-section, a midwife-attended home birth, a transfer to a hospital from home or birth center, a VBAC, the choice to have an epidural, etc. F. Helping to set the tone that you desire for the birth area and holding that space from distractions or negativity. And if desired, providing ambiance with electric candles and supplying aromatherapy with a diffuser and essential oils. G. Guiding your partner (if applicable) to feel included and participatory, both emotionally and physically, in the labor and birth process as much as is desired, while also allowing your partner to take breaks, when needed, for rest or food. H. Offering to document portions of the labor and birth, through simple electronic notes, and giving updates to family members, if so desired, as time and space permits. I. Taking labor and birth photographs with professional camera equipment, if birth photography services are also purchased, while still giving priority to your emotional and physical needs. J. Facilitating a relaxed atmosphere for the ‘Golden Hour’ after baby is born through helping to establish bonding moments, skin-to-skin, first latch, and breastfeeding, if desired. Then staying approximately 1-2 hours until you are cleaned up, settled, and comfortable. K. Taking “Golden Hour" photographs of you, your partner, and baby with professional camera equipment, if birth photography services are also purchased. (Or for no extra charge, we are happy to take photos with your phone, if you do not want professional photography.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566957908125-Y03C35ID0TSDFZFEUNFB/BEST020318-67.jpg What does a birth doula do? - Postpartum Support Includes: A: Visiting you and your new baby in your home and helping you with newborn care or breastfeeding questions or alternatively, meeting with you virtually via a telehealth call. B: Giving you a chance to talk about and process your birth experience and provide feedback, if desired. C: Providing informational support, community referrals, or any answers to questions about postpartum, breastfeeding, or newborn care, either via text/message or phone call, or during a home visit. D: Depending on extra services you may choose, possible additional Postpartum Support, including baby care, baby feeding, lactation support, light housekeeping, in-home meal prep, and more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566952796004-2TB7RMRBGAMW1IMSMIQO/createher-stock-pretty-work-4+%281%29.jpg What does a birth doula do? - On-Call Support Includes: A: Scheduling on-call availability based on your due date and being on-call from Week 37 through Week 42 (5 weeks total), until you give birth. This means that your doula (or backup doula) will not travel out-of-state or further than 2 hours from your birthing location. If necessary, she will leave family get-togethers, appointments, or other activities, as your labor and birth become her priority. B: Being available to come to you when you are in active labor, or sooner, if we both agree that you need earlier support. C: Joining you, either at your birthing location or possibly at your home, within a window of 1-3 hours of when you: Believe you are in active labor & ask your doula to be with you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/1566952675221-AUYVHQGQ27PM00B1ZYLA/BEST-80.jpg What does a birth doula do? - Prenatal Support Includes: A. Providing either informational handouts in binder form AND/OR a copy of “Preparing For Birth,” a journal full of information, discussion points, and positive affirmations, depending on package. These resources can be used both as a guide for your doula appointments and for couples to grow together during their pregnancy as they talk through their desires and priorities. B: Providing evidence-based information to you and answering any pertinent questions you may have about pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as necessary. If any questions require an answer outside the scope of a doula, I will direct you to ask your medical care provider. C: Communicating with you about updates and relevant details about your pregnancy or doctor/midwife visits. Plus, listening to your concerns or fears and providing reassurance or encouragement or other emotional support, as needed, via messaging or phone calls. D: Meeting to discuss your wishes for labor and birth, creating your birth plan, guidance with packing your birth bag, possibly teaching spinning babies exercises, practicing labor positions, getting familiar with the Kaya birth stool, the rebozo and the TENS unit, if desired, answering any questions you may have, and helping you feel prepared for what to expect during your delivery. These items will be covered during scheduled pre-natal meetings, usually during your last trimester. E: Additional Postpartum Preparation or Online Childbirth Education Courses available upon request. https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/childbirtheducation daily 0.75 2022-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/b893a4d0-36c0-475b-8311-191ca36bbd28/let+us+help+you+have+an+amazing+birth+mama+natural+birth+course+image.jpg Online Natural Childbirth Education Courses Online Childbirth Education https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d609a4dde08da0001da6a6a/6f84584f-1419-448d-adec-23cd9563ef3c/Hagen+12.jpg Online Natural Childbirth Education Courses Online Baby Care Course https://www.joyinthejourneybirth.com/doulapackagesandpricing daily 0.75 2025-01-19