Meela - Birth support and more 4+

I want to like it

I really do. But having an app should make it easy to make a profile for both clients and doulas IN the app. Having to go to a webpage to create a doula profile seems silly when the app is geared for birth work. And the webpage is glitchy, so you’ll likely have to fill out the profile form more than once, and some info required is not necessary. After the webpage deleted my profile form twice on “complete” I gave up. I’ve received so many emails about it being incomplete/inactive, and any time I’ve replied with this information and concern, it’s radio silence. The concept is great, but it’s not being executed well.

A bit expensive

I think the app is good, it’s a great concept, however, I think offering a membership would be more effective instead of having birth workers pay $5 every time we want to message a client. I’m not sure if clients have to pay but $5 for every new message is very costly. Especially during this pandemic in addition to none of the clients ever actually responding. Otherwise, I think the app is okay but because of how costly it is, I’m sticking with DoulaMatch.

Developer Response ,

Hi there! Thank you so much for your candid review, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our platform and improve the experience for parents and professionals. To that end, I will address a few of your points for the benefit of the community. There is no fee for new or expecting parents on Meela. It is completely free for parents to create job postings, reach out and communicate with their current or potential professionals. On the professional side, we are in the process of launching a membership option which will give members access to postings on the website without a fee. This option is coming soon and we look forward to updating you as soon as its available. Please note that we will also always maintain a free version of the product for professionals as part of our mission to expand access to high quality, evidence-based childbirth support regardless of financial circumstances.

The app might be alright, but Meela in general is terrible.

Every inquiry I get is for somebody way out of my area and not in my price range. When Jayleen emailed me asking if I had any feedback, I responded with my concerns and questions, and I received no response. Then I get another email, saying that I hadn’t responded to her first email. Again, I responded with my questions and concerns. I’ve never heard back. I’ve tried to cancel my profile and account and that’s not possible. Plus, as someone else mentioned, it’s impossible to make changes on my profile. I’m so disappointed in this service and I just want to get out of it now.