Melinda Hudnall
Hi my name is Melinda Hudnall. I am a local doula serving Salt Lake city including Utah/Davis, Summit & Tooele County.
The birth of my second child ignited my passion for this work and since then I have been on such an incredible journey. It wasn’t until I had an amazing support team by my side through prenatal care and birth that I realized the importance of a doula. Feel free to read more about my birth experiences here. I am an advocate for evidence based birth and strive to help others make informed choices for them and their families. Before starting into birth work I graduated and worked in the field of radiology for seven years. I am grateful for that time I worked in the hospital, as it has given me many insights into how our healthcare system works.
In 2014 I completed my birth doula training with DONA International. (Doulas of Northern America) and since then have become a certified doula with them. I have also been certified to teach a childbirth education course called Hypnobabies. I have also been trained in Hypnobirthing and Rebozo Techniques. In addition I completed the advanced doula training through the Midwives College of Utah where I had in depth training on various topics such as: high-risk and complicated Pregnancies, how to support a survivor of past abuse, VBAC’s (vaginal birth after cesarean), multiples, and breastfeeding classes taught by an IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant). My husband and I live in South Jordan Utah and have three beautiful boys and a fur baby. I enjoy date nights with my hubby, going on hikes, being outdoors with my boys, practicing yoga, reading birth/parenting books, spending time with family and friends and eating any kind of dark chocolate.
Continuing Education
- DONA International Trained and Certified CD(DONA)
- Certified through the Midwives College of Utah as an Advanced Doula AD(MCU)
- Certified and trained in teaching Hypnobabies
- Experience in supporting many childbirth courses ie: Hypnobirthing, Bradley, Birthing from within, and more
- Becoming Dad Certified
- Experience with, unmedicated, medicated, Scheduled C-section support, & VBAC
- Attended the Perinatal Professionals conference with Penny Simpkin
I love serving families and support anyway a birthing family chooses to deliver. I serve in Hospitals as well as Birth Centers and Homes. I have attended over 50 births and counting. I would love to chat with you and answer any of your questions. Feel free to email me with your questions.
Love Melinda
Valerie Muhlestein
My passion for birth came after having the honor of supporting my sister in the birth of her second baby. It was the most peaceful and spiritual event I have witnessed. From this experience I learned that a woman’s body is extremely capable and amazing. It made me look forward to giving birth myself.
It wasn’t until after an amazing experience with the birth of my daughter, having both my husband and sister by my side, that I realized the significance of having continuous labor support for both the mother and her partner. I fell in love with the birth world and knew this is where I needed to share my talents and passions.
I believe when women know their options and have a support system they are empowered to make informed decisions that are best for her and her baby. I love being able to support my families in their own journey.
In 2014, I completed training with DONA International (Doulas of North America) to become certified doulas. Since then, I have received training in Hypnobabies, Hypnobirthing and Rebozo Techniques. I recently completed a 12 week Advanced Doula Training where I had the privilege of apprenticing with some of Utah’s most experienced doulas. I also had in depth training on various topics such as: High-risk pregnancies and Complications, how to recognize and support a survivor, VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), Multiples, and Breastfeeding classes taught by an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Currently I am working to complete my ADT (Advanced Doula Training) Certification with the Midwifery College of Utah.
When I’m not supporting a mother and partner on their exciting birthing day I’m either enjoying my other passion doing hair as Stylist at Meraki House Salon or spending time with my cute little daughter and family.
