Jen’s Birth Story

“Wow. Just wow. I am so thankful for having Jess as my doula! This was my third birth and first time hiring a doula (I wish I had her at every birth!). Although my third time going into labor, I had a new mindset of wanting to go unmedicated and with as little intervention as possible which was not my experience with my first two births.

The benefits of hiring Jess as my doula were beyond what I expected. I not only had the birth of my dreams (laboring at home for the majority of the labor and then transitioning to a hospital for an unmedicated, water birth with a midwife overseeing delivery) but I received so much support prior and after delivery.

In the weeks leading up to my due date, consulting with Jess, I realized my current provider and hospital would not support my birth plan desires. At 33 weeks pregnant, Jess helped me and my husband talk through what the ideal situation would be for us with delivery and she recommended providers. I switched that following week (very unlike me!) and I could not be more thankful!!!

I labored during the night and was able to call Jess and talk through my contractions. She was a steady presence on the phone and was able to guide me and my husband in the decision that we needed to head to the hospital! I wasn’t 100% confident in knowing when to go and to have her instruction and feedback was needed.

During my labor, Jess was an incredible coach. She helped me relax and she was my advocate alongside my medical team. She did such a good job navigating dynamics and ensuring that my needs and my desires were met alongside the staff without causing disruption. She knew when to insert herself and when to observe. In the whirlwind of labor and decision making, it is great to have someone who knows what you want and can speak up if you are not able to (which often you’re not because you are in labor!).

And then, postpartum, having Jess come visit and process the labor and delivery was a sweet gift. She also consulted on how my postpartum recovery was going and proposed some individualized ideas on how I could support myself or continue to have others support me in my postpartum recovery. Her encouragement and advice was an added bonus to all the support she gave me and my husband.

I could not recommend Jess more highly. When I look back on my pregnancy and labor, I see Jess playing a critical role in that season. Thank you Jess.”

- Jen R.