Meet Melina
I'm Melina Laverde, a Latina born and raised in NYC, and a mother who understands firsthand the transformative journey of pregnancy and birth. My calling as a birth worker emerged from my own experience as a new mother, realizing the immense value of culturally-informed support during this sacred time.
As your Barefooted Beginnings doula, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to your birthing experience. My approach honors cultural traditions while empowering you to have the birth YOU want—because every birth experience is truly unique.
Nurturing Your
Journey to Motherhood
Welcome to Barefooted Beginnings, where birth support meets cultural tradition. As your dedicated doula, I provide compassionate, personalized care throughout your pregnancy journey, honoring both modern birthing practices and the rich cultural traditions that have supported mothers for generations.
Birth Services and Other Offerings
Barefooted Beginnings offers a range of services designed to support you throughout your pregnancy journey, during birth, and into the postpartum period. Each service honors cultural traditions while providing practical, evidence-based support.
Blessingway
4 Hour Ceremony- $500
A Blessingway is a celebration of life and love, pregnancy, and parenthood in a tranquil, sacred, and love-filled atmosphere. It originates from a traditional Navajo American ceremony focused on healing, creation, harmony, and peace in appreciation of the mom-to-be.
Why Choose Barefooted Beginnings?
What sets Barefooted Beginnings apart is the unique blend of traditional cultural wisdom and contemporary birthing knowledge. As your doula, I create a space where:
Your cultural background and personal preferences are honored and respected
You receive knowledgeable guidance that goes beyond what books and movies can teach
We build a relationship based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect
You discover YOUR capabilities as an expecting parent
Every moment of your journey is approached with love and attention
Begin Your Journey With Me
Taking the first step toward supported birth is simple. As a new client, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your needs, ask questions, and determine if we're the right fit for this important journey.
Complete intake form
Schedule consultation
Review agreement
Secure booking
Begin journey
Voices of Mothers I've Supported
Choosing Melina as my doula was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment we connected, she made me feel safe, heard, and completely supported. Every home visit felt so personal and intentional she educated me, helped me prepare both mentally and physically, and always made sure I felt confident in my choices. Melina has such a calming, loving presence. She listened to my concerns, answered every question with care, and never made me feel rushed or unsure. Her support went far beyond what I expected. She made me feel strong, capable, and empowered throughout my entire journey. I’m truly grateful for the experience and for everything Melina poured into my care. I couldn’t have asked for a better doula, and I would recommend her to anyone looking for not just guidance, but genuine love and support during one of the most important times in your life.
- Mama A.
Working with Melina was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy journey. From the very beginning, she brought such a calming, reassuring presence that made me feel supported, informed, and empowered. Melina truly listened to my birth preferences and concerns, offering guidance without judgment and always respecting my choices. Even after birth, Melina continued to check in and offer resources and encouragement during those early postpartum days. Her care was genuine and heartfelt, and I will forever be grateful for the role she played in one of the most important moments of my life. I wholeheartedly recommend Melina to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated doula. She is a true gem!
- Mama T.
As a first time mom having a home birth, Melina was a wonderful companion and resource. I’m not sure how I could have gone through a 40+ hour unmedicated labor without her help. She was there for me and showed my husband how to alleviate the pain from contractions. She guided us through the labor and her believing in me meant so much! She continues to be someone I think highly of and reach out to when I need some mommy help. I would hire her again for my next baby!
- Mama E.
I’m so grateful for Melina’s amazing support throughout my pregnancy and birth. She was knowledgeable, caring, and professional from the start, helping me feel ready and calm as I became a mom. During labor, her soothing presence kept me relaxed, and my labor was just five hours! She felt like an old friend and made the experience warm and reassuring. Melina was the perfect doula, and I’d choose her again in a heartbeat. Thank you, Melina! 💜✨
- Mama T.
Melina was part of my postpartum care, and she came to perform “closing of the bones” for me. It was such a relaxing moment and when she was done, it felt as if I had a spiritual release. In my culture we do something similar - so it’s not strange to me and hers was filled with so much sincere intentions and it was truly divine! I loved my experience with her, she was so relatable and not pretentious in any form. I have since moved out of the city but if she lets me, I will fly her out to help support me when I have my next child. Thank you Melina.
- Mama V.
I can’t say enough about the incredible support Melina provided throughout my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. She was more than a doula—she became my anchor, my confidant, and my biggest advocate.
- Monica D.
Melina is GODSENT! She was so knowledgeable, so patient, so caring. She always answered my questions. She stayed present and reliable throughout my 51-hour birthing experience! When I am ready for my twin girls, Melina is a NO BRAINER✨
- Mama S.
The closing the bones ceremony Melina provided was a healing experience. I truly felt taken care of and it was something that helped me to feel safe, secure, and it realigned my body and spirit... Melina learned these techniques from her grandmother, who was indigenous to Colombia. The experience was a sacred, held space for me and celebrated my body and motherhood. The binding was nurturing and something I didn't know I needed (until I went through it!)!
- Mama S.
I’m so grateful for Melina’s amazing support throughout my pregnancy and birth. She was knowledgeable, caring, and professional from the start, helping me feel ready and calm as I became a mom. During labor, her soothing presence kept me relaxed, and my labor was just five hours! She felt like an old friend and made the experience warm and reassuring. Melina was the perfect doula, and I’d choose her again in a heartbeat. Thank you, Melina! 💜✨
- Mama T.
Melina was part of my postpartum care, and she came to perform “closing of the bones” for me. It was such a relaxing moment and when she was done, it felt as if I had a spiritual release. In my culture we do something similar - so it’s not strange to me and hers was filled with so much sincere intentions and it was truly divine! I loved my experience with her, she was so relatable and not pretentious in any form. I have since moved out of the city but if she lets me, I will fly her out to help support me when I have my next child. Thank you Melina.
- Mama V.
Connect With Barefooted Beginnings
Ready to learn more about how Barefooted Beginnings can support your pregnancy and birth journey?