Who am I?

Melanie  Kitchens a.k.a. “Mama K”

Friends of my children gave me this nickname years ago.  It hints at my habit of “mothering” anyone I come in contact with.  “Yes, mom” has always been my favorite phrase!  Thanks to the joy I found in motherhood, becoming a Labor Doula and Childbirth Educator was a natural transition. “Mothering the mother” allows me to pamper expecting women and educate them in all aspects of pregnancy. I received my Childbirth Education and Labor Doula certification from CAPPA, (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, http://www.cappa.net).  I am now pleased to be part of CAPPA’s Childbirth Education Faculty.

I bring not only the personal experience of birthing and raising 5 children, but also researched expertise in the areas of pregnancy, labor, delivery, maternal postpartum, and infant care. I also regularly continue my education by attending workshops and classes on breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, and other related topics.

As a labor doula, I am versatile: I have attended births in medical facilities,  at homes, and at midwife clinics.

My family, especially my beautiful grandchildren, are my first love.  After that, depending on the day, I delight in hiking, kayaking, animals, taking road trips and playing my flute.