MÉLISSA STOCKWELL (SHE/HER)
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Founding Member
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Birth and Postpartum Doula
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Community | Yellowknife
I am from a tiny remote village in Northern Quebec. I moved to the NWT with my family in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the people and the community and we have decided to make Yellowknife our forever home.
I have been a member of the Northern Birthwork Collective from the very first meeting on the front lawn at Sabrina’s house. I was so incredibly excited to be surrounded by people who shared a love for all things birth and reproduction and who wanted to expand the supports in our community. I remember leaving that day thinking that this was the start of something wonderful – the kind of project I’ve always dreamed of!
My first birth experience could have easily been traumatic. There were complications that no one could have foreseen or planned for, yet oddly enough I look back on my son's birth so fondly. For me, it was a positive experience and I credit that to the amazing loving support from my midwives and above all my doula. Not once did I feel overwhelmed, scared, or alone because she was always there - a constant calm presence who kept me focused and centered. I haven't seen her in years, but I can still hear her voice coaching me through my breathing. As I look back now, I know that she is the reason I decided to become a doula. I wanted to be that person for others - the one who held the space and turned a crazy time into a time of peace.
I have two children - both born at home with midwives attending. I am so thankful that I was able to choose my providers and my birthing space. This is a right that everyone should have and my hope for the NWT is that we can make choice an essential part of the way we birth in the North - that we may choose where, how, and with whom we want to bring our children Earthside.
On top of my doula certifications, I have also completed training in birth trauma support and am working on my certification as a Lactation Educator.