Zoe

8/11/2023

Jenni was an invaluable member of my birth team. I had a doula with my first daughter who unfortunately was not able to be there for a good portion of labor due to covid. Whereas my previous doula had focused a lot on education and prenatal information jenni was incredibly hands on not only throughout pregnancy but during labor and delivery. She went out of her way to have additional check ins during pregnancy to make me more comfortable and helped me through prodromal labor and getting baby positioned correctly. Once labor came she was the best support you could ask for and I probably wouldn't have made it through my unmedicated birth without her!

Katelyn Fenrich

7/31/2023

When we first found out we were pregnant, I knew I wanted a different birth experience than those of my friends and family. I wanted intamacy, connection and calm. From the moment we meant Jeni, we knew she was the perfect fit for our birth experience. Jeni helped coach my husband and I through the last few months of pregnancy. Her birth classes were unmatched to anything you'd receive through a hospital or large scale training. 
Birth day: I was laboring overnight at home knowing I wanted to hold off on going to the hospital for as long as possible. I was connected with Jeni for the entire night and she was there to coach and help us through each part of the laboring at home process. By 4am, we knew it was time to go! Jeni was at the hospital waiting for us and immediately began coaching me through breathing and contractions. When we made it up to the labor and delievery room, things became instinctual, just like Jeni said. She encouraged me to take each birth wave and lean into it, letting my body do exactly what it wanted to. We labored on the toilet, standing over the bed and finally - the golden position - squatting, holding on to the handlebars at the end of the bed. Once we got to that final position, I reached down and felt a head! Baby girl was born 5 minutes later. It was the most magical experience!!! Completely unmedicated, trusting my body to do exactly what it needed to do. I was so proud of myself and having Jeni there to give me the confidence I needed and to support my husband through each part of the process made the birthing process so incredible. 
I cannot recommend or say enough about the tremendous value Jeni brought to our experience. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. If you are contemplating hiring a doula, trust your instinct and do it I promise you will not regret it. 

Jeni - thank you for helping to make this process the most rewarding, incredible part of our lives thus far. 

Danielle Taylor

11/18/2022

I cannot put into words the sincere gratitude I have for Jeni; and I would go as far as to say she changed my life. I have always wanted an unmedicated birth and knew before I was pregnant that I wanted a doula. When my husband and I found out we were expecting, I was hit with a huge wave of anxiety thinking about the “pain” of childbirth and not mentally being able to get through it.

We decided to also do her birth education. Through these classes we learned SO much fantastic evidence-based information that left me empowered. She was always willing to stop and answer our questions, and I had A LOT of them as I was not only intrigued, but also working through my anxiety. Jeni took time to personally relate with me, meet me where I was, and provide additional resources that would help me achieve the birth I wanted. When I was overwhelmed by the book she recommended my husband and I read together (The Birth Partner), she offered an alternative that was right up my alley (Birthing from Within) AND offered me to try Hypnobabies. The Hypnobabies mental training was incredible. Any time my anxiety crept in, I would listen to the affirmations, and I felt recentered.  Her birth education was extremely comprehensive and truly helped us feel as prepared as possible and when we shared our birth preferences with our provider she said “wow, this is the mother of all birth plans”.

When it came time for our little guy to join us, we were met with a variety of complications, Jeni was with us every step of the way. She answered every phone call, reminded us of all that we had learned and ensured we felt confident in the decisions we were making. She joined us at the hospital upon our request, supported both of us in every way imaginable and has continued to be an amazing resource postpartum. I cannot imagine our experience without her, and you can bet that she will be at all our future births. She is worth her weight in gold.

Amanda Hallett

6/16/2022

My husband and I had another phenomenal experience with Jeni for the birth of our second child. Since this was my second pregnancy/birth with her as our doula, she had prior experience and knowledge and recommended specific exercises (as well as chiropractic care) earlier in my pregnancy. I’m confident these additional measures played a big role in my labor being much smoother and shorter this time around. She also provided amazing emotional support over text/facetime while I was in rough stretches of labor, and that support continued when she met us at the hospital. She was an readily available resource to my husband throughout his support of my labor. She was also a great stabilizing presence when, after a very sudden delivery, my daughter had to be taken to the warmer for help to breathe normally. This allowed my husband to be close to our new baby/receive information from the doctors, but allowed me continued support in post delivery and a resource to process what was happening. She stayed with us afterward, ensuring I was settled in and comfortable. 

Jeni has also been a great resource in my postpartum phase. She was one of the first people I reached out to when I suspected I had postpartum depression. I felt I could be honest with her, and I trusted her recommendations to both call my doctor's office and schedule an appointment with a therapist. 

Jeni places high value on informed, evidence-based decisions - which is so helpful and empowering. I feel I am much better at asking questions, and advocating for what I believe is best based on evidence (not just what “everyone does”). 

My husband and I are incredibly grateful for her presence in our labor and delivery - We both cannot recommend Jeni enough as a doula! 

Marissa Armstrong

3/15/2022

 I instantly hired Jeni after a conversation on the phone. Her personality was extremely bubbly, and I loved hearing about her evidence-based approach to pregnancy and birth.

I prepared and anticipated a homebirth with my midwife and Doula Jeni. I did not prepare for five days of pre- labor and back contractions. As my at home laboring slowed down/stalled into the evening, all night, and into the next morning, my back labor became unbearable. Thankfully, Jeni was at my side, literally, by my pool and bed reassuring me the entire time that I will eventually meet my baby.

Her bedside manner, positivity, and continuous reassurance was exactly what I needed as my mindset became weak. I will never forget the morning I made the decision to transfer to the hospital, Jeni was holding my hand while I was in the pool screaming and crying my eyes out. When I firmly decided to transfer to the hospital, I looked at Jeni for a moment and I could see tears swelling in her eyes because she knew this is not what I dreamt my birth to be like. She knew I was so excited for a homebirth, so much so that I never would’ve had a hospital if it wasn’t for her. Thankfully, two weeks prior she forced my husband and I to sit down with her and come up with a hospital plan just in case I were to transfer. I was so reluctant to do so because I didn’t even want to think about having a hospital birth when I was so excited about my homebirth. But thank the Lord, I had a plan in place because I ultimately had a cesarean that I never imagined would of happened.

Thankfully, I had such a peace of mind when I decided to move forward with a cesarean because I knew the plan was already written out and my OB/GYN surgeon was fully informed about what I wanted. Honestly I can’t thank Jeni enough for making sure we had a hospital plan in place. I look forward to using her my next pregnancy!

Laura D.

2/7/2022

Jeni was a great doula for so many reasons. She had so much information she is willing to share. This was my second pregnancy and I learned so much with Jeni even though I learned a lot with my first pregnancy. This information helped me during both pregnancy and post-partum. She was always available when I needed anything whether than was to answer a question or give me advice. She was so well prepared for my labor and brought a multitude of items that would help me through labor. After birth Jeni is still answering my questions and helping me navigate motherhood and breastfeeding.

Jeni can work with so many different personality types. She has the ability work with soft-spoken women that may be too shy to ask the awkward questions but she can also work with outspoken women that talk inappropriately and may give her more of a hard time. She knows how to work with all women.

I appreciate everything Jeni has done for myself and my newborn.

Gregory and Kaitlyn Smith

12/31/2021

We had the support of Jeni for two of our births. When my wife first wanted to hire a duala, I had mixed feelings about the situation because I thought doctors and nurses coached the client through the pregnancy. I was wrong, nurses come in and out of the room but it was Jeni who coached us throughout the entire birthing process. 

During our first birth, We were located in Oshkosh, WI and Jeni was able to make it to the birth immediately after calling her. During the birth, Jeni gave my wife tremendous support. Jeni educated my wife and I on the birthing process. During our pregnancies, Jeni had educational classes that taught us birth positioning and the steps of labor so we knew what to expect while in labor.

When we got pregnant the second time, I informed my wife that we needed to hire Jenni a second time. During our second pregnancy, we were located in Iowa so we did everything via FaceTime. Jeni accepted us as her client and did everything over a computer screen but it was as if she was in person. Jeni was a great support for myself and my wife and helped us get through a 12 hour natural birth. 

Having the support of Jeni helped decrease my wife's stressors in both births. Jeni is like a birthing miracle! She will give you advice and encouragement throughout the entire process. Without the help of Jeni, we would not have had such a great birthing experience and would have had a increased likelihood of vaginal tearing or a c-section.  I would highly recommend Jeni to be anyone's doula. 

Alissa Day

4/11/2021

Jeni has been the most incredible doula and honestly, has been more of a help then I could have ever asked for. My husband and I did birth education with Jeni beforehand. Her tremendous knowledge in the birth process continually encouraged me that I could give birth naturally. Her passion for the natural birth process is contagious and her confidence in it is so uplifting.

When I arrived at the birth center I was three centimeters dilated and my midwife let me know we could go back home at that point. Jeni told me that we could try to get things moving along with my contractions so we decided to stay. With Jeni's guidance and constant support I went from three centimeters to eight centimeters in six hours time. There was one point in my labor where I was starting to feel exhausted and my midwife suggested checking my cervix. Jeni talked it through with me and encouraged me that my body was showing signs it was opening up. Her words were energy to me in that moment and I felt confident that my body was moving in the right direction.

When I reached the pushing stage, Jeni helped me refocus through the pain on breathing with intention. Her calmness and confidence during this stage and throughout my whole labor was empowering.

I can't imagine going through my birth without her.

Dylan Day

4/11/2021

A husband's perspective of Jeni's doula service.

My wife and I were so thankful for Jeni's help during our birth. Even though we arrived at the birth center in early labor and were offered the opportunity to go back home, Jeni worked with my wife and was able to help her progress. Jeni helped me help my wife. Her support and knowledge was truly invaluable during the birth. To be honest I was somewhat apprehensive about needing a doula at birth, but after going through the process and experiencing jeni's skill, I am so glad we had her help.

I'm thankful we didn't make the mistake of not working with Jeni. Her support was invaluable.

Angela Zeman

1/20/2020

Jeni is truly an amazing woman and fantastic doula! She is a patient and well researched teacher! I learned so much from her and she shared so many helpful tips. I learned how to advocate for myself and felt empowered throughout the labor and delivery! Jeni was there to coach me, encourage me and keep me comfortable with counter pressure techniques, essential oils and step by step labor positions. She was there for all 30 hours of labor and not only a support for me but for my husband and mother as well. She helped them to be a part of this experience and to be there for me. My only regret is not meeting Jeni sooner in my pregnancy! She will transform the experience for you and from your first meeting she will give it her all and care for you like family. BEST DECISION EVER!

Erin Buchholtz

1/17/2020

Jeni is the best. We met her and immediately felt like we had known her forever. Jeni is so knowledgeable about so many different aspects of pregnancy, birth, nursing, and childrearing. When we made the decision to hire her, we both felt like a weight we didn't even know we were carrying was lifted. She made us feel so comfortable and calm leading up to our birth. When things didn't go at all as we had planned Jeni was right there with us, guiding us and keeping us calm. If we have more children I absolutely want Jeni with me.

Kristen G

1/12/2020

Jeni is an extremely kind, smart, and supportive person. She was a fantastic doula and helped me labor at home for as long as possible before going with us to the hospital. Thanks to her birthing methods I progressed rather quickly, and had an overall pleasant  experience. She was prepared and made me feel comfortable as well. My S/O and I also took some further birth education in which I felt it really paid off. We felt knowledgeable of things going on in the delivery room, and even if unsure Jeni helped us by being a great birth advocate and communicating every step of the way. All in all a very positive experience! Would definitely take her help again for #2!

Katie Putman

1/12/2020

From Katie Putman:
If I was a millionaire I would have paid Jeni Dansand 150,000 dollars! She was worth every penny and I wouldn't have had such an enjoyable pregnancy and birth without her.
During my pregnancy I dealt with some major anxiety and sickness. With this being my first, she helped answer all my concerns and things I had no clue about. Because of  that, I felt motivated, confident, and I saw the positive when I felt sick and down. My husband felt like he not only learned a lot but also felt more confident with everything that was going on. Her classes were very educational and fun. I felt prepared for the big day. She supported me even with laboring more than 36 hours. She also helped flip the baby around from sunny side up so it turned and got into proper position for progressing my labor and birth. When it came to pushing she set me up with the Mexican blanket she brought and I gave my body the right resistance to push the baby out (versus squeezing my husbands handand not knowing where to put my hands and feet). I couldn't believe how well she took care of me too while I was pushing- Again unlike anyone else in the room, she was very intuitive as to what my body needed. Also I am a fainter, so she knew to keep putting ice cold rags on me every three minutes and supplying me with sugar drinks to keep my energy up without me ever asking. I don’t know what I would've done without her... I do know there would have been a Iot of discouraging moments. I think Jeni came into my life for a reason, and that was to help my baby come into my arms safely. I highly suggest her to anyone, and I have!
Thank you Jeni Dansand!

Catherine Rosenberg

11/15/2019

I met Jen at the hospital when I was walking with my daughter who was in active labor. Jen immediately brought a very encouraging, knowledgeable and helpful presence to our experience. As the labor progressed, Jen was proactive and educated my daughter, her husband and myself  as to what to expect and what we could do to help. She had so many effective  holistic solutions for both common and uncommon symptoms of the labor process. This decreased my daughter's pain and discomfort. When things did not go as planned,Jen again knew what to do and provided education as to the choices there were so my daughter could make the best decision for both herself and her baby. 
Jen helped my daughter create a birth plan prior to her due date so that her wishes were clear to all of her caregivers

After the c-section, Jen was still there waiting , after preparing my daughter's room for her return. She reached out several times by phone/text to my daughter to give her any support she needed.

Jen has continued to meet with Mom,Dad and baby to provide education and tailors  it to fit their individual need.

I have been an RN for over 30 years and have three grown children. Jen still provided me with so much useful, researched, practical knowledge that allowed me to understand the entire process and be as helpful to my daughter as possible

I would highly recommend Jen to anyone considering a doula!!

Christa

8/8/2019

Jeni was an integral part of an amazing second birth experience. Both of my labors were inmedicated hospital births. My first labor (no doula) was medically induced, 36-hours long, and physically and emotionally traumatic. With Jeni’s assistance, my second labor lasted 8 hours from the first contraction and was a beautiful and empowering experience. Jeni helped me prepare my mind and body to encourage labor to start unassisted. The pain-relieving strategies she offered provided support to me through every contraction, and gave my husband something tangible to do to help me. At the end, both of us were amazed at what a positive experience it was, and completely different from our first. I can’t recommend Jeni highly enough!

Ben Hallett

7/23/2019

When my wife and I began thinking about labor and delivery for our first little one, a doula did not even make it on the list of considerations.  However, after some prodding from friends, we decided to explore. After meeting with Jeni, we were convinced of the benefits and selected her to be a part of our birth story.  From that point, never did we question whether that was the right decision.  Jeni went above and beyond anything we could have hoped in navigating us through the choppy waters of labor and delivery.  She was readily available for questions by text or phone and gave excellent material and suggestions leading up to the birth - providing book recommendations as well as credible sources for research and information.  She also gave excellent intros to birth and newborn care in our meeting times. When it came to the labor, she displayed knowledge, skill, and an innate sense of awareness during a much longer than hoped for labor. This allowed me as the husband to be a part of the birth and provide hands on support for my wife without requiring me to have all of the answers. She also took care of so many behind the scenes things such as tidying up the house before leaving for the hospital and making up beds for our overnight stay at the hospital.  Each allowed me to focus my attention on supporting my wife.  She did all of it without having to be asked. She was a stable presence when things were difficult and contributed ideas and evidence based feedback which allowed us to avoid what would have otherwise been a certain c-section.  In the end, she stayed with us far longer that we ever would have expected of her (including an overnight in the hospital). We are convinced of the benefits of a doula and wholeheartedly recommend Jeni for that role. She was such a gift to us and her guidance and stability allow us to look back extremely with nothing but positivity on our lengthy birth experience.

Shurie Emily

12/14/2018

Jeni made my birthing experience everything I had hoped for. She arrived almost instantly after my husband messaged her.
I was mid contraction when she arrived. Instantly she had me breathing calmer and feeling better.
Throughout the rest of labor she was encouraging, positive and empowering. Her knowledge and suggestions were exactly what my husband and I needed. Jeni made sure my husband was involved in every moment.
I would highly recommend Jeni as a doula to family and friends for their birthing experience. Without her, my natural childbirth would not have been the same.

Ashlee Rahmlow

12/11/2018

Working with Jeni far exceeded all of my expectations. She was an incredible source of information and support throughout my pregnancy and an invaluable part of my birth experience. She answered all of my questions in an honest and non- judgmental manner and made me feel safe and comfortable.

During my labor and delivery is when I began to realize her true magic. She provided suggestions and encouragement to try different things to help progress labor naturally, which she knew was important to me. She seemed to anticipate my needs before I even knew what I needed. She offered food, juice, water, a breathing or pain control technique that was exactly perfect in the moment without my ever asking. At one point as the contractions were becoming more painful, she applied pressue to the outside of my hips, which provided such pain relief and was something I never would have though of myself.

One of the things that my husband I appreciated most was how much she included my husband. She gave him suggestions and showed him some of her pain management techniques so he and I could be near eachother and he could take an active roll.

Jeni functioned seemlessly with the rest of the hospital staff. She was a professional throughout. I know that my experience would not have been the same without heri. I only wish I would have had her involved with my first child. I have no regrets in my decision to hire Jeni and highly recommend her to anyone seeking a doula.

Emily Schmitz

11/19/2018

Jeni was such an incredible blessing to us and an intergal part of the calm, relaxing environment of my home birth. She was technically a back-up doula for me, but I truly could not have been more pleased with her from the moment she walked in, and I would heartily recommend her to anyone! As soon as Jeni arrived, she was friendly, relaxed and eager to help. She jumped in and started massaging my feet and provided comfort during contractions. I loved her intuitive nature that often anticipated my comfort needs. She was willing to do anything that would bring me relief such as pouring warm water down my back in the birthing pool and putting cold cloths on my forehead every few minutes.  I also felt very comfortable with her personality and quickly felt like I had known her for a long time!  If you are looking for a wonderful, well educated, kind and calm doula, look no further! Jeni is a source of joy and thanksgiving and will bring her wisdom that comes from her detailed work and study of birth and her genuine care for a mother to any birthing situation. She worked very well alongside our midwife and my husband and truly completed our fantastic home-birth team.

Kevin Decker

11/9/2018

My husband and I have known Jeni for several years from our time together in our church choir.  When we first announced we were expecting Jeni planted the seed to us about being our doula.  My husband works nights at a local hospital in Green Bay so we decided to hire Jeni kind of as a back up plan in case he got stuck at work if I went into labor.  For our first pregnancy we pretty much did what our doctor said.  With Jeni's help and education while meeting w/ here we learned that we needed to voice our opionions in how we wanted this labor and delivery to hopefully go.  With her encouragement we came up with a plan that we were very comfortable with.  The best thing was our doctor was totally on board as well.  Unfortunately we ran into a few issuses that led our doctor to induce my labor.  From the moment our plan got thrown a curve Jeni was right there by my side w/ several suggestions to try and keep our birth plan as unchanged as possible.  I had an epidural for my first delv. very eary on so I never really experienced the constraction process.  My goal was to hold off on any pain management as long as I could.  Jeni was w/ me side by side for the entire process.  Her constant coaching/encouragement/spirtual guidance helped me the entire process.  At one pt I said to my husband I don't think I can do this anymore.  30 mins later our son was born.  I couldn't have made it through this labor w/o Jeni.  She was an absolute God send.  If you are on the fence about hiring a doula please consider hiring Jeni.  You won't find a doula who is more educated, informed, supportive, empathethic, and dedicated to getting you through the process than Jeni.  Not only is Jeni a friend she is now a part of our family.  Please reach out to Jeni it will be one of the best decisions you will make.

Melissa and Kevin Decker

Proud parents of 2 miracles!!

May Yang

8/24/2018

Hiring Jeni as my doula was the best decision I could have made for myself.  Every decision I made throughout my pregnancy was one that was well informed and based on actual facts.  I was able to take back control of my decisions, something that I had lost with my first pregnancy due to lack of experience and information.  Not only did Jeni help with educating me, but also she helped me greatly emotionally.  I experienced a death in the family while pregnant, and Jeni went above and beyond to help me recover emotionally so that I would be in the best mental and physical shape for labor.  Jeni was worth every penny and I highly recommend her to any pregnant woman out there.

Naomi Montsma

8/20/2018

I met Jeni about halfway through my pregnancy. She was actually my backup doula and, after our delightful meeting, I told my husband I had NO worries about when I went into labor--I was as comfortable w/Jeni as I was w/my doula friend. I went into labor 2wks early, on a day my doula friend was unavailable. Jeni hit the road as soon as I needed her & offered SO much support on the phone until she could get here. I was feeling a lot of anxiety/overwhelm at the beginning of labor & Jeni was incredibly understanding & spoke words of hope & empowerment. I had constant back pain (from the very beginning of labor until the very end) and she immediately started offering support to assist with that when she arrived.

I had a VERY long intense labor. When we discovered that I had been stalled at 5 cm for several hours, she immediately jumped in with words of light & affirmation, position changes to encourage dilation, new relaxation techniques, etc. She supported my husband, gently coaching him on how to best help me through different stages labor. When nurses wanted to do something outside of my birth plan or comfort zone, she so graciously assisted my husband & i in communicating our desires & wishes. Her birth bag was like a Mary Poppins bag, packed full of surprising & helpful goodies & tools.

One big thing that sets Jeni apart from other birth professionals I've worked with, is her vast practical knowledge & her binder full of evidence based studies, facts, statistics, etc. Inside are helpful ideas & answers for about anything related to pregnancy/birth/postpartum/babies. I called her many times in the early wks & she gave as MUCH time as I needed. She offered SO much emotional/mental support to me as a firsttime mom...breastfeeding, sleeping arrangements, colic, safe bottle feeding while nursing, pelvic floor issues, hormones, etc.

I cannot recommend her highly enough!!!

Brigid Rose

8/17/2018

I had no idea what a doula was a month or so prior to meeting Jeni. I met a friend who had used Jeni and just raved about her. I thought it was worth my time to meet with Jeni and see if a doula would work for us.

I remember the first time i met her we talked for close to three hours. She seemed so passionate and knowledgeable about her job. I remember going home and telling my husband i learned more in those 3 hours with Jeni than i did in all my OB appointments prior. He kept asking "What is a doula" and i would tell him the best i could from what Jeni said, but mainly that a doula is a birthing coach. After our birthing experience with Jeni, he said he would always use a doula after that and has highly suggested and advocated for doulas in any birthing conversation we get into.

All subsequent meetings with Jeni i learned so much and couldn't get over her passion and knowledge. I knew we made the right choice in our doula decision.  i am so grateful to Jeni for helping with our birth plan and educating me, helping me make the best decision for our family. One of the best decisions she pushed me to do was switch my OB at 36 weeks. I was very dissatisfied and frustrated with my first OB. Jeni had worked with her previously and told me what she knew about her and really encouraged me to switch if i wasn't comfortable. I am so glad i did!

Fast forward to the day of our daughter's birth. Jeni was absolutely amazing! I feel she kept me on track, breathing and taking my mind off the pain. She also made sure my husband was doing good as well! The whole experience was just amazing, i could not have asked for a better doula or better birthing experience, the whole thing was great. Our OB, nurses, Jeni, everyone was amazing, but if it wasn't for Jeni, i am not sure our birth would have went as it did, and instead it went better than we could have expected. I would definitely use Jeni again and recommend her to anyone!!

Carrie Prochniak

8/17/2018

Jeni's support truly makes you feel like you can thrive through anything pregnancy or post-partum life could throw your way. Jeni and I ended up living too far apart geographically for her to attend my birth, but she was still there for me literally every step of the way. From coming up with troubleshoots for second trimester low-blood-sugar-induced bouts of nausea, to coaching me through two rounds of mastitis and listening every time I felt out of sorts post-partum, Jeni's mind and heart were quick to solve any solveable problem and to just be there for me when all I needed was an ear. She is so easy to talk to and is such a calming presence. Jeni is also hands down one of the best moms I know, but she never makes you feel like you're behind the curve as you find your own footing. I would recommend working with Jeni with every bit of my heart.

Patricia Schroeder

10/11/2017

My husband and I had Jeni for the birth of our twins! Leading up to the birth I had a bunch of questions and some anxiety with how the birth would go. Jeni was great as my go to person for asking questions about anything! I could text her anytime and she always gave a prompt reply. She was not pushy or opinionated, she just shared the facts and let us make the final decision. She was also very encouraging during my pregnancy, I loved receiving her weekly congrats texts for making it another week with our babies inside me! I am so thankful she helped us set up a birth plan as well. During labor we were able to correspond with her and keep her updated with my progress and she was very helpful with ideas and telling us what was what. Although I hated it, she suggested me sitting on the toilet to keep contractions regular, and it worked! She helped us figure out when was best to go to the hospital. It was just so nice to have someone to communicate with through labor at home. We really appreciated having her at the hospital to keep my husbands spirits up through my long labor! She was respectful of my faith and recited Bible verses with me which was so helpful. She came to the birth with a shirt that had birth affirmations on it and at first I thought, "that's so cliche!" But near the end of my labor I was reading her shirt over and over to help me make it through! I had back pain during contractions and she knew just where to put pressure to help. Jeni also took pictures of the labor and delivery which I can't wait to see! And she reminded us of our birth plan and gave suggestions as to what to ask the nurses and doctor. After my 1st baby came naturally, they had to do an emergency c-section for our 2nd baby. They wouldn't let my husband or Jeni to stay in the room, so they went back to the labor room with our 1st daughter to wait and my husband was grateful she was there to wait with him. I would have Jeni attend the births of any future children of ours!

Leah Enns

11/27/2016

I cannot say enough positive things about Jeni! My husband was not overly comfortable about having another person present at my son’s birth; however, after my daughter’s homebirth, I was adamant about having an extra set of hands to help with birth prep and cleanup. Jeni proved to be so much more than that and we were so thankful to have her attend our son’s birth. Jeni put so much time and heart into things like researching ways I could improve my diet, suggestions on supplements to help control my history of post-partum hemorrhage, creating affirmation cards, and so much more. Jeni took the time to learn exactly what we hoped for during the birth process as well as our expectations for her, so when she showed up, she knew where everything was and got right to work on the tasks we needed her to do. She worked quietly in the background, as per my husband’s request, but was by our side whenever we asked her to be. It was so wonderful to not have to worry about anything except for working through labor. She offered suggestions when needed, such as changing positions, eating food, or drinking water. When the labor got tough, she gently encouraged me by pouring hot water on my back and quietly reminding me to breathe my baby down. She had warm and cold compresses readily available and seemed to think about every little detail to make the birth process as smooth as possible. After our son was born, Jeni took a few pictures of our first moments together and then got to work cleaning up so that we didn’t have to worry about anything. Ultimately she was so respectful and considerate of everything we asked for and an irreplaceable member of our birth team. My husband and I were beyond pleased with Jeni and thankful to have her as our doula!

Sara Lallensack

7/18/2016