Roxanne Johnson Doula Profile

My experience with Roxanne was a little unusual. We hired her a couple weeks before my due date. However, when I was already several days overdue, Roxanne had to go to the east coast for a family emergency. When I found out, I think Roxanne was more bothered by the situation than I was! She handled the change of plans in a very professional and caring manner. I know she never would have left if it hadn't been a true emergency. She immediately found us a good backup doula. I went into labor while she was away, and she routinely checked in with us, even at strange hours. She gave us good advice from afar. I was in labor fo 49 hours, and ultimately ended up with an emergency c-section. When Roxanne found out, her flight had just landed. It was 8 am, and she had been traveling all night. She had been delayed and rerouted, and she was traveling with her young son. Even though she had just gone through a very difficult trip, she came straight to the hospital to check on us. Then, she spent the following two nights in the hospital with me so that my husband could go home and get some rest. My delivery was nothing like what I planned or wanted, but childbirth rarely is. My experience with Roxanne shows how committed she is to her clients. I would definitely recommend her.

I found Roxanne only 3 weeks before I had my 2nd baby, as I was looking for someone to help me through my first unmedicated labor and delivery.  We met and I felt that she would be a great fit for my husband's and my personalities, to help us and coach us.  I was excited that she was also a lactation educator, and would be able to help us through any issues with feeding after the birth.  I was in touch with Roxanne through the early stages of my labor, and she was prepared to come at any point that I felt like I needed her.  She ended up meeting us at the birth center, since my labor progressed faster than any of us expected, and my baby was born quickly after that.  She stayed with us through the whole period after delivery, and made sure we had everything we needed.  She also followed up with us at a home visit, after a week to make sure we were doing well and the baby was feeding well.  I highly recommend that you meet with Roxanne - she is very knowledgable and experienced.

 Roxanne helped me make a connection with my newborn daughter that would not have happened without her help. I would not be breast feeding if it weren't for her. It was such a struggle and I didn't believe I could do it and I almost gave up but with Roxanne right there supporting me and believing in me, I did not give up. Thank you Roxanne. Thank you with all my heart. I didn't know you before this experience but I can't imagine you not in my life now. 

How can I describe Roxanne as a Doula other than I can't imagine going through childbirth without her emotional and physical support, extensive knowledge, guidance and unwavering advocacy.  I feel that the universe led Roxanne to us to help us through the most terrifying,  painful and vulnerable moments of my life, in fact, I feel a sense of panic when thinking about having to go through that experience again without her. Roxanne is a Doula only for the love of the art and her passion and commitment emanates from her. I especially appreciate her honest, forthcoming approach and strong, positive personality and hope she will be in our lives for many years to come. I highly recommend hiring Roxanne for your birth or postpartum needs, she goes above and beyond and will be there for you, your partner and your baby in every way possible.

Roxanne provided invaluable assistance during Sarah's labor and delivery. Sarah delivered at a birthing center and was attended by two midwives. Because of Roxanne's clear competence in labor support, the midwives were able to fall back mainly into a medical oversight role.

Sarah entered the birthing center at 5:00 in the evening and her water was broken at about 6:00 (the midwives wished to start labor because of a preeclampsia risk). Her labor didn't progress much in the first few hours. I firmly believe that Roxanne's direction to get outside and walk got Sarah's labor moving. Resting in the birthing center hadn't sparked much action, but walking regulated and strengthened her contractions.

Roxanne offered many suggestions to ease Sarah's labor pains: yoga balls, kneeling positions, etc. She also physically provided support when it became clear that Sarah needed to stand to get through the later, stronger contractions. She helped with breathing rhythm and ensured that Sarah felt encouraged and relaxed.

Roxanne aided Sarah in delivery, as well. While the midwives handled the actual birth, Roxanne ensured that those of us present to help Sarah were effective and efficient. I'm very glad Roxanne was there for us!

Roxanne was very professional and diplomatic in her approach to determining what a father might want to get out of a birthing experience. Her knowledge of breathing and massaging techniques were invaluable to helping me feel confident supporting my wife in her labor. I highly recommend her doula services.

Because of concerns of preeclampsia, my labor was naturally induced at our birth center. Roxanne walked the hallways with me for hours, motivated me to remain determined to have a birth center birth, and demonstrated various positions and pain management techniques that reduced my pain. When I was transferred to the ER after my son's birth to have my blood pressure monitored, Roxanne came and stayed with us for hours. Roxanne is very patient and gentle and knows a great deal about the labor and delivery process. I felt encouraged and well-supported by her throughout my labor. Roxanne was an amazing advocate for me and was integral to my positive birth experience.