Hi, Everyone!  Thank you for visiting my website!  My name is Melissa Marks, and I have been studying childbirth and mothering for the past seven years.  My passion for birth has led me around the world in search of some way to bring my passion into my every day life.  After many years of seeking, a friend's recommendation led me down the path of Childbirth Education, which in turn led me to BIRTHING FROM WITHIN®.  After attending Birthing From Within's Introductory Workshop at The Farm in Tennessee, I felt I could finally breathe again.  I had found my calling.  I was home.

Later, I was introduced to DONA International, the oldest and most well-known doula certification organization in the world.  Through DONA, I have been trained as a Birth Doula to provide support and education to pregnant, laboring, and birthing mothers, and as a Postpartum Doula to offer practical assistance, parenting education, and emotional support to new mothers and their babies.

Currently, I am a second year student at the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery studying to become a Licensed Midwife in the state of Florida and a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).

I also have many other hobbies and interests, and if I'm not studying childbirth or herbalism, I can be found singing (another true love), dancing, gardening, practicing yoga, knitting, making jewelry, and taking care of animals.

I look forward to meeting you, and congratulations on this amazing time in your life!  Baby blessings to you and yours!

If you have any questions or comments regarding BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® Childbirth Preparation classes or my birth and postpartum doula services, please feel free to contact me at 352-455-2419 (please leave a message--I return all phone calls) or send an email to:

Thank you and have a beautiful day! ♥