Jean McHenry- LMT, CD (DONA) Doula Profile

My husband and I hired Jean not really knowing if we really needed a Doula or not; however, I was persistent about it since this would be our first birth. Needless to say, we made the BEST decision possible! Jean was absolutely amazing and a very important part of our daughter's birth! Jean respected the fact that my husband wanted to be my go-to person throughout the labor process. She supported us by giving my husband ideas on ways to comfort me and worked with my husband as a team to try and help manage my pain. Since Jean is a licensed massage therapist, she was able to massage my back during contractions while my husband was in front of me ensuring that I was staying relaxed. The two could not have worked better together. Throughout my 31 hours of labor, Jean used various tricks to help manage my pain. If one method didn't work, she always had another idea for us to try. She respected our birth plan and really was an advocate for us. She ensured that I understood my options when my labor became complicated to ensure I did not make any rash decisions. Simply put, she was AMAZING and provided great comfort to my husband and I throughout the entire process. Even after our daughter was born, Jean reached out to us numerous times to ensure we were adjusting well. She baked us lactation cookies and even taught us infant massage. She truly cared about the birth of our daughter and our wellbeing. Jean has now become a friend and I hope if we are lucky enough to have another child, she will be a part of that birth as well.  =)

Jean is reliable, compassionate and truly gifted at what she does.  The support she is able to provide during the labor process is invaluable!  My husband and I could not have been happier with our decision to include Jean on the birth of our daughter.

My husband and I decided that we wanted a doula to help us through labor only 3 weeks before my due date. We did some research and were referred to Jean by another doula. Since my due date was fast approaching, we scheduled our first meeting for the following weekend (which was 2 weeks before I was due). Much to our surprise, I ended up going into labor the morning we were supposed to meet Jean for the first time. She ended up meeting us at the hospital and this was the first time she had met a client when it was time to have a baby without meeting us beforehand!

We quickly got to know each other and found Jean to be very warm and caring. She helped us follow our birthplan and was a great liason between us and the nurses/doctor. Her massage techniques were amazing and the massaging of my back during contractions helped tremendously. She even massaged my feet in certain points when the contractions stayed the same for many hours to help speed things up.

Jean even showed my husband some of her massage and labor techniques so he could stay actively involved in helping me through labor. Jean and my husband worked great together as a team to keep me as comfortable as possible. She also made sure my Mom was able to help out in making me comfortable and recognized the importance of having family there.

We had a wonderful experience working with Jean and wouldn't hesitate to use her again for future pregnancies. We highly recommend Jean to anyone who is looking for a doula.

We were very pleased with the support we received from Jean. She gave us tons of information during my pregnancy to help prepare for labor and delivery, and she was always willing to answer any questions we had. She helped us stick with our birth plan as much as possible and was flexible when we couldn't. It was very comforting to have her there with us throughout. We would definitely consider hiring her again with our next birth!

Jean attended my first homebirth (1st child) in 2006.  She was WONDERFUL! I called her "My Drug" because I felt like her assistance really soothed me and was so spot on.  I have no memory of pain, but I do remember her coaching me and massaging my shaky legs and guiding me to the shower.  She was so experienced although I was her first homebirth.  I still don't know how it would have been if I'd not had her - I don't even want to think!  I highly recommend her, and recommend that all moms having their first baby to have a doula, whether in a hospital or at home.  Thanks Jean!

When i was planning my first homebirth (4th child) and my midwife suggested i hire i doula i put out a request for a volunteer doula.  Jean was the first person to respond to my request and the person we ended up going with.  I had never met Jean until my water broke and she came over.  She was such a wonderful caring and funny person that my labor and birth was such a dream. I couldnt have done it without her. I know that for both of us it was a magical experience and i cant wait to have Jean as my doula at our next birth.