Melanie Appleby

About Me

I’m a mother of three daughters aged 12, 10 and 5 with birth experiences ranging from a labour ward to home birth. My postpartum experiences were as unique as each birth because my needs, expectations and preferences changed. I believe there is no ‘right’ way to enter motherhood but that by listening to intuition and surrounding ourselves by those who support and respect our preferences we can ease the transition for both mother and baby.

Whether it’s holding space to process birth, providing nourishing food, helping to care for baby/siblings or supporting your transition to post partum life I’ll work with you to create a care plan that helps you and your family adjust. Postpartum life is unpredictable so i’ll always have a flexible approach so we can adapt to any changes.

I’m also a breastfeeding helper and co-run the Haringey homebirth support group.

Services Offered:

• Fourth Trimester planning
• Birth debrief
• Postpartum doula support (in person, virtual)
• Breastfeeding Support

Testimonial:

“I didn’t even know about a 4th trimester after my first pregnancy, so to have so much support this round has made a world of difference! With Mel’s help and support, I’ve healed so much quicker and mentally I feel so much more calmer with the emotional support she’s provided throughout these weeks. It’s genuinely made my whole birth experience so much more memorable.” Ricci, North London

“You gave me such great perspective on the topics that I’m constantly thinking about these days – a much more constructive, positive, forgiving way to think about things. As well as some practical tips. Can’t thank you enough.” Crissy

‘Melanie is a sensitive, intelligent and empathic woman. She was creative in finding ways to support me (bringing food, suggesting books), but was also attentive to my needs. She followed me closely in my progression from birth onwards. We did many ‘firsts’ with her: first bath, first walk, first feeding in a different position. Melanie was able to inspire confidence with her calm, warm, intelligent and generally lovely personality. She was lovely with our daughter, who felt as contained and held by Melanie as I did.- she slept peacefully in her arms!’ E

‘Melanie was very gentle and calm in her approach and sensitive to our emotional needs which of course changed each day. She seemed able to sense our needs and responded to them without judgment. We felt very comfortable talking to her about some difficult things, such as our birth experience etc. She was very encouraging, reminding us of the positives/successes of our journey so far and to celebrate those, as well as reminding us to be gentle on ourselves during this transitional time.  Her knowledge was invaluable and her gentle emotional support provided us with space to ask questions and also voice our concerns or thoughts in the knowledge someone was listening. She genuinely seemed to care and be invested in our journey during the time we were supported by her’ – L

‘I really cannot speak highly enough of the way Melanie looked to understand where I was emotionally and she so softly and without judgement met me where I was. Melanie is a beautiful human and that really comes across in her practice/work. She was gentle and calm but really practical and helpful at the same time. She was lovely with my son as well as my newborn. One day I was desperate to see my son ride his bike but baby was so tiny I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t have any doubts about leaving her with Melanie. Although I was only away for 30 mins she sent messages so I knew baby was okay! She was super supportive with breastfeeding and the practicalities and super helpful in giving me rest’ – RG

‘Melanie was kind, supportive, understanding and respectful to us. It was really great to see her with our daughter too, as I think our daughter struggled a bit and that really helped her, which made me feel better too… and feel more comfortable about taking the time out to rest and recover. I loved how she had experience parenting 3 children with her youngest being the same age as our eldest. We really connected with her so well and she really understood what I needed and what the rest of my family needed. I’m so glad I found her, she is so fantastic! Thanks to her, my fourth trimester experience was so much more manageable this time and I’m so grateful for that support’ – SB

Instagram @melanieapplebydoula