Diary of a Doula

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Diary of a Doula I’m a birth doula and doula mentor located in central Connecticut. Come hang out with me here whil

My name is Melissa Duenas and I am a birth and postpartum Doula. I support parents through pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum and beyond. I love this work and feel honored to be part of such an amazing journey for so many. I specialize in dealing with those who have perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, or have PTSD (this include spouses). I also work with many military families or those with schedules that may require specialty care.

10/23/2026

OP vs. OA: Does fetal position really affect cesarean rates? The research says YES.

Occiput posterior (OP) positioning, particularly when it persists until delivery, is associated with significantly higher cesarean rates, longer labors, more assisted vaginal deliveries and increased maternal complications.

Ponkey et al. (2003) — 6,434 births

• Cesarean: 37.7% OP vs. 6.6% OA
• Assisted vaginal delivery: 24.6% vs. 9.4%
• Third/fourth-degree tears: 18.2% vs. 6.7%
• Second stage longer than 2 hours: 53.3% vs. 18.1%
• Labor longer than 12 hours: 49.7% vs. 26.2%

Obstetrics & Gynecology. PMID: 12738150
Carseldine et al. (2013) — 160 births, ultrasound-confirmed fetal position in second stage

• Cesarean: 37% OP vs. 5% OA
• Operative delivery: 68% vs. 27%
• Average second stage: 179 minutes vs. 114 minutes

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12041

• Persistent OP associated with 13.45 times the adjusted odds of cesarean
• 4.14 times the odds of operative vaginal delivery
• 2.38 times the odds of severe perineal tearing

Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. PMID: 16966125

British Columbia Population Study (2022) — 306,237 births

• 19% of babies were OP during labor
• 63% of those rotated to OA before delivery
• Of babies remaining OP: 59% cesarean, 27% spontaneous vaginal, 14% assisted vaginal

AJOG Global Reports. PMID: 36536849

10/19/2026

We have maternity providers admitting they’ve witnessed colleagues make derogatory comments about pregnant patients with obesity. We have mothers on public insurance reporting substantially more mistreatment than privately insured mothers. And nearly half of mothers surveyed say they’ve held back questions or concerns during maternity care. So when we talk about healthcare bias, we’re not talking about someone simply being offended. We’re talking about conditions that can compromise patient safety.

10/17/2026

Let’s do the reverse of my last video! The three things that stick out about my clients lifestyles, that seem to make birth a bit easier.

10/14/2026

Let’s talk about who I think should see a pelvic floor PR early on!

10/14/2026

As a doula, if this phrase is part of your vocab, I ask that you rethink it.

10/11/2026

Let’s help to increase your iron!

10/01/2026

The steps to paced bottle feeding:

Feed them only when they show hunger cues. Daycares often put babies in schedules, which can lead to over/under feeding

Hold baby in an upright position

Switch baby from side to side (at least until 12weeks)

15-20min long feeds

Consistent with breastfeeding rhythm. Take pauses.

Gently allow for baby to pull the bottle in

Feed them only until they’re full

09/27/2026

You need to bring underwear and soap my dudes!

09/24/2026

Can we stop blaming mothers for everything please?!

Please join us each Tuesday morning at 10:30! All are welcome at our offices located at 33 Webster Sq Rd Berlin, CT. If ...
09/22/2026

Please join us each Tuesday morning at 10:30! All are welcome at our offices located at 33 Webster Sq Rd Berlin, CT.

If you have questions please feel free to message our two hosts Melissa Melissa Dueñas-Witter | Doula and Childbirth Educator or Hallie Hallie Elizabeth | New England Birthworker

Address

Manchester, CT
06042

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18608903970

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