Hillary Melchiors and her husband Andy Melchiors and their children, Annika, 8, left, and Mayzie, 6, clean up after dinner.
Hillary Melchiors receives a hug from her daughter, Annika, 8, after they sat down and had dinner together at their home in Newburgh. A lot of emphasis is put on family meals since Hillary is often called away at a moments notice to perform her duties as a doula.
As a doula, Hillary Melchiors helps Michelle Elbert adjust her baby for more comfort in the early morning hours of her labor. Elbert had been preparing for a natural childbirth and had practiced many of these techniques with Melchiors before going into labor.
Michelle Elbert and her doula, Hillary Melchiors, peek at the newborn babies through the glass at The Women's Hospital. The two were walking the halls of the hospital during the early stages of Elbert's labor.
Doula Hillary Melchiors suggests Michelle Elbert spend time in a warm tub to soothe some of the discomfort she is feeling during her labor.
Michelle Elbert is comforted by her husband, Jamen Elbert, and her doula, Hillary Melchiors as she tries to rest during painful contractions at the Women's Hospital in Newburgh on Aug. 21, 2016.
Doula Hillary Melchiors keeps a close eye on how mom-to-be Michelle Elbert is feeling throughout her 26 hour long labor.
Hillary Melchiors checks on Michelle Elbert's progress as her labor reaches the 20-hour mark at the Women's Hospital.
Doula Hillary Melchior lets Michelle Elbert know everything will be OK as she is wheeled back for a cesarean section after 26 hours of labor at The Women's Hospital. As a doula, Melchior helps women throughout their pregnancies, labor and even after the birth of their babies.
Hillary Melchiors and her husband, Andy Melchiors, read bedtime stories with daughters, Annika, 8, and Mayzie, 6.