Jennifer Martin, CD(DONA), HBCE Doula Profile

To say that Jennifer is phenomenal is an understatement! After a previous homebirth, we had high expectations for this pregnancy. This situation did not allow us one and so we wanted a doula to advocate for us in the hospital. From the start, we could tell Jennifer to be an experienced and empathetic professional. She has a calming presence and a relaxing voice that compliments her HypnoBirthing work. In our pre-birthing meetings, she guided me through “fear release” work that helped me let go of labor anxieties. Together with daily practice sessions, I felt empowered going into labor.

As it is, I made it to 42 weeks & no sign of labor. Jennifer was knowledgeable and encouraging as it was clear that artificial induction would be considered. On admission day, I breezed through the 1st phase. My husband and I practiced different labor positions and breathing techniques that Jennifer taught us. I called Jennifer after being in a naturally induced labor for 12 hours, and 3 hours on Pitocin. It was only with the Pit that my surges became overwhelming. During this time, she helped me refocus my breathing and got me to the end of the 1st phase. Significantly, she also advocated for the termination of the Pitocin.

As the 2nd phase started, Jennifer assisted me into an ideal position and sat where I could see and hear her easily. Her words and kind touch helped me “breathe my baby down.” I was able to fully experience the intensity of my baby making her way out. After my baby arrived, I had the unexpected need NOT to see or hold her as I was overwhelmed and aware of the flurry of activity around me. Jennifer remained at my side and encouraged me to rest and move only when ready. I am teary thinking of the love and caring she gave my family during this time. All-in-all my pregnancy and birth were joyous and memorable experiences thanks largely to Jennifer.

When I found out I was pregnant with our second child, I got in contact with the doula who had attended our first son's birth. Unfortunately, she was moving out of state before I was due. She recommended that we get in contact with Jennifer and I'm so glad she did! At our initial meeting Jennifer was very pleasant, kind, and I felt she had a gentle demeanor. She let us tell her what we wanted and why we wanted a doula. After I learned about her own children's births, I felt confident that she would understand exactly the kind of birth I wanted.

Jennifer has a very calming prescence that makes labor and birth much easier. She provided me with physical and emotional support throughout my labor. She was there to help me when my husband had to use the bathroom or other such things. She made sure we had everything we needed and wanted. She massaged my back through contractions and reminded me to breath while I was pushing. She helped ensure that I would get the natural birth I had planned. Everything went very smoothly and I'm sure hiring Jennifer was very important in helping things go that smoothly. 

Thanks to Jennifer, we have some amazing photos that we will cherish forever. She stayed after the birth to make sure breastfeeding was off to a good start. And she held our son while we ate dinner.

Our son's birth was amazing and it simply wouldn't have been the same without Jennifer.

Jennifer Martin is a knowledgeable and capable doula, her presence during birth will greatly benefit any family who employs her service. She imparts wisdom and confidence in the birth process and provides support and strength in her tireless service. Her efforts to provide alternative comfort measures, different positions during labor, massage, verbal encouragement, and many other services make the birth process a positive experience for a woman. Jennifer has a gentle and gracious spirit that makes her presence at birth welcomed and enjoyable. Her passion to help women and babies as an educator and doula is a tremendous service to our communities.