Certifications

Breech Without Borders
18-hour Breech Pro course and hands-on simulation ​
​Colorado Springs, CO
​May 2022
Maternal and Infant Assessment 31-hour course
​May 2022
Birth Monopoly's Know Your Rights course
​December 2019
Certified Lactation Counselor
Santa Fe, NM
January 2018

​Gena Kirby Rebozo Certified
​Albuquerque, NM
January 2017

​continually updated

​DONA certified birth doula
March 2015
Initial doula training
Denver, CO
August 2013

Meet Melanie Ellison

For as long as I can remember, I have loved babies. Brand new life, looking up with big trusting eyes, lying cuddled in one's arms. I became a doula in 2013 because I couldn't imagine any more meaningful work than coaching moms and dads to bring those babies into the world through positive birth experiences. Birth doesn't have to be a nightmare to be dreaded. It can be an empowering rite of passage. 

​As a DONA-Certified Doula I have coached numerous clients to successful VBAC. I have 500+ hours of experience with multiples postpartum, including breastfeeding counseling. I teach my clients belly mapping to help with optimal fetal positioning.

I am a fan of physiological natural childbirth (with home birth being my favorite). I have experience with a wide variation of births from the 80+ births I have attended.

I not only provide comfort techniques during labor and birth, but I am also available during your pregnancy. I love questions, and enjoy sharing all sorts of tips and evidence-based resources to make your baby-growing adventure better. As you get closer to your due date, we will focus on understanding the stages of childbirth, and practicing relaxation techniques for labor.

As a Christian, I wholeheartedly believe that "children are a gift from the Lord" (Psalm 127:3) so I look forward to joining you in welcoming your blessing.

Contact me today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation (either in person or over Zoom--your preference) so we can get to know each other.

Here is an inspiring synopsis I compiled from the book Childbirth Without Fear. The concepts there form the basis of my birth philosophy.

Looking forward to meeting you!
Melanie's giving nature and kind heart is enough to calm anyone in a potentially high-charged situation like childbirth - but in addition to that she brings a quiver of helpful tools and a lot of great knowledge to the experience. My confidence going into childbirth was boosted because of our pre-labor meetings, during which Melanie asked a lot of questions that helped me focus on the kind of childbirth experience I wanted, and then she shared the tools that would help me get that experience. If you are looking for a wonderful coach who can help you and your partner prepare for and stay focused/calm throughout the childbirth experience, talk to Melanie!
– Christine R. (mother)


​Traveling Doula

If you are not in the Four Corners, I may still be willing to travel to your birth. Let's talk!

I have coached women long-distance (through Skype and email) to prepare for birth, as far away as Israel, India, and Mozambique, educating them with successful results (positive dream births, no tearing, etc.).