Greater Portland, Maine, Doula Melissa Tomback

Melissa Tomback, CD(DONA), J.D

I began my journey as a doula with the birth of my two children, Talia (1997) and Jacob (2000). Talia was born in the hospital with pitocin and an epidural. Jacob was born at home without any medical intervention. While I did not have a doula present at my first birth, a student midwife acted as a doula at my second birth. I was amazed at how the presence of a doula really made a difference in the way I was able to relax and cope. Also, before Jacob’s birth, I started practicing yoga and found that the breathing and focusing techniques I learned helped me through labor.

My Birth Philosophy as a Doula: Having witnessed and experienced the power of natural birth, I feel it is not only my duty but also my privilege to support women as they create the birth experience that is right for them. Women should strive to have the birth they envision and I try to help each woman advocate for what she wants. Pregnancy and birth are normal, healthy reproductive phases of a woman’s life. I believe that childbirth works best with the least amount of interference and when a woman feels supported and safe. When feeling safe, a woman can let go of her “thinking mind,” relax and trust the wisdom of her body. An important part of feeling safe depends on whether a woman is educated about childbirth so that she can make informed decisions. If a birthing woman is feeling supported, safe and well informed, she will ultimately feel more positive about her birth experience. I use these principles to guide my work as a doula, while providing physical, emotional and educational support to my clients within the framework of my clients’ vision for the birth of their child.

I support a mother's choice to birth her child in a way that is most comfortable to her. All mothers, whether they choose natural, medicated, or Cesarean birth, need support and quality care. I will do my best to provide you with evidenced based information so that you can make your own informed decisions.

I completed a doula training in 2013 and became a certified doula through Doulas of North America International (DONA) in 2015.

 In addition to my private doula work, I co-founded and am President of the Community Doula Birth Program, a non-profit that provides doulas to low-income families. The program also mentors new doulas and helps them obtain their certifying births.

 Apart from my doula work, I work as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) – I provide legal representation to children in abuse and neglect cases. Before I had my children, I worked as a public defender in Massachusetts. I find that many of the skills that I use as a GAL and used as a public defense attorney -- advocating, negotiating, researching, collaborating, preparing my client, thinking quickly on my feet and using my intuition to react to an ever-changing situation -- are helpful to my doula clients as well.