Jessica Gonzales Doula Profile

 We hired Jessica to help us with the birth of our first baby.  Immediately after meeting her, we knew we definitely needed her there with us.  Several times before the birth of our son, Jessica stopped by our house for a visit, to answer questions, give suggestions and in general just to lend a friendly ear and support.  The day I went into labor Jessica met us at the hospital right away (in fact she beat us there), despite having a birth just the night before.  Even though she was operating on NO sleep, she was there fully alert, even perky, through my 24 hour labor.  Things didn't go as planned and Jessica was so warm and caring which made my husband and me feel so much better.  As my husband stated after we had a beautiful baby in our arms, "Jessica Gonzales-BEST THING WE EVER DID, MONEY WELL SPENT.  

WIthout hesitation I recommend Jessica Gonzales as a doula.  As a first time mother, the support she provided both before labor and delivery and afterwards was outstanding.  I feel that I would not have been as confident going into the labor and delivery process without the education and advice that Jessica provided.  On the actual day of labor, things didn't go as we initially planned however, Jessica was able to seamlessly alter our plans to fit the situation as it evolved.  I believe I was able to have a quick delivery as a first time mom due to her invaluable advice and all the work that was done before and during the labor process. 

Jessica came to help us when we had our second baby. She spend about 4-5 hrs a day for about 8 days during the week. She has a very calming prescence about her and always put me at ease. Immediately she gave me some suggestions for nursing and each day helped me get more comfortable solving the problems I was having. In addition to nursing, she cooked, did laundry, went grocery shopping, helped with my toddler when I needed it and most importantly made sure that our baby and myself were well fed and taken care of. She truly has a gift with babies and it is clear how much she loves her job. When I was doing too much, she gently suggested I rest more and take advantage of her. It was this mentality that put me at ease so that I could nuture myself and enjoy the first couple weeks with our new baby. I would recommend her to anyone and although we didn't use a doula during our labor, I can imagine that she would be wonderful as a birthing coach.

I met Jessica when I was pregnant with my second child.  My first child was an emergency c-section at 35.5 weeks.  He spent 14 days in the NICU.  I had a very traumatic birth experience and I wanted to avoid the same experience with my second.  Since I had a c-section before, I would be going for a VBAC.  My OB was very supportive.  Jessica and I came up with a plan and my OB was on board for it.  My water broke on July 4, 2011.  Jessica had me labor at home.  When the contractions were about 1-2 minutes apart (as I recall), we headed to the hospital.  After a few more hours of laboring, my blood pressure rose and I had protein in my urine.  We were given the option of a c-section.  After discussing all options, we went ahead with the c-section. 

Even though my birth did not end up exactly as I have hoped, Jessica gave me the confidence that I had control; that I was calling the shots.  She helped us through all the decisions, listened to us and the doctors and was there during it all.  Without her help, I feel that it would have not been such an amazing experience.

Jessica also encapsualted my placenta.  I would highly suggest it.  I battled low milk supply with my first child and gave up breastfeeding at 8 weeks.  I am currently into my 7th month exclusively breast feeding Logan.  Thanks to an amazing supply, I have donated over 600 ounces to 2 local Houston moms.  I personally think it was due to placenta encapsulation and my wonderful birth experience. 

Again, Thanks Jessica...

Love, Kendra, Chris, Christine, Andrew and Logan Dillard

Jessica is an amazing doula and I'm thankful for all the love and support she's given me and my family.  Being a first time mom, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Jess stepped in and helped us prepare for pre and post delivery of our healthy baby girl, Isabella:)  She's an expert at this and she guided us through the whole experience in a calm nature.  I couldn't get Eric (daddy) to commit to the 8 week lamaze classes, so Jess came to the rescue and provided us with birth classes that we completed in one weekend. 

To me, it felt like my sister was at my side in the hospital because she never left my side.  She was also much appreciated in terms of dealing with Eric ....he was like the second patient and she kept our hospital room a calm and joyous environment for us both.  After Izzy's birth we moved to Austin, but if I had stayed in Houston, she'd be my doula for the next baby :)  We love and miss you much, Jess!!

God bless,

Veronica, Izzy and Eric Werner

In 2009 I gave birth to our 1st son and while he was nice and healthy, I left feeling like I had missed out on something. I desperatly wanted to have my "Honey, It's time!" moment. So when I became pregnant again I decided this time would be different.
 

On May 7th 2011, I gave birth to my son and my experience was so wonderful that I wish I could do it again. My birth experience left me feeling so satisfied and empowered. I am so glad Jessica was able to be a part of it! She was amazing,  so full of knowledge and really encouraged me to stand up for what I had wanted out of my birth experience. She helped me to understand it was MY birth. Not the Dr's or hospitals. I was able to aviod an unnecassary induction; because my Dr wanted to go on vacation, and the birth I had was unforgettable. I can still feel myself in her arm rolling on the birth ball, completly relaxed, working through the contractions. Even when things got tough, she was there calmly bringing me back to my center.

This was such a wonderful and intimate time for my husband and I, even with Jessica there. She was so supportive yet never once did we feel like she was taking over.

I would encourage anyone to seek out a Doula for their birth and if you have the chance to work with Jessica, your birth is bound to be memorable. I would highly recommend her, she is very compassionate about what she does. Her tender personality, knowledge, guidance and support are exactly what a laboring mother needs!
 

 I knew I wanted a doula from the very beginning and I knew I wanted to deliver naturally. Jessica helped educate me and my husband on labor techniques and relaxation during labor. She took the time to answer all our questions and educate us. She made us feel confident. On May 25, 2011 I went into labor she was there bright and early. My husband and I thought we were prepared, but I had no idea the pain I was going to endure. Jessica was my human epidural. I am still amazed at how she knew exactly what to do and where to massage during my contractions. If she had not been there I would have gotten an epidural 3 hours into it. She encouraged me, she helped me cope, she cheered me on, she got me through labor! This was my third child, but every pregnancy and labor is different. I am so grateful that I had her there. My husband and I will never forget her and the support she gave us to make our experience a wonderful, memorable one.

Childbirth is submission in the truest sense of the word. You must trust someone with your life, values, and body. I was recommended to Jessica by another mother. Giving birth naturally was important to me. Having a team that respected that was equally as important. When I met Jessica, she was kind and honest. We hit it off instantly. She reassured me of my strength as a woman, and she told me what she provided. From that day I trusted her with the care of my body. I still wasn't sure of what to look forward to during my actual delivery.

So, the day came, Oct. 15, 2010. Jessica was there bright and early. She delivered beyond all my expectations. She fulfilled her promises in regards to what she provides as a doula. She knew what I needed before I even said anything. She made me remember my strength. We even laughed during the process. I was a demanding laborer I'm sure, and once everything calmed down, I noticed she was sweating. She was in labor with me. She wasn't on top of me, hounding me. She knew the space that I needed for comfort while still being agressively attentive to my needs at the time. Post partum care was amazing as well. She came by to make sure my breast feeding was successful. I had millions of questions, and she was there to help me along the way. Her suggestions were very helpful.

I can honestly say that I could not have made it without her there. My experience would have been completely chaotic if I had to rely on my own self-assurance. She was so good that my midwife thanked me for bringing her, and wants to partner with her. When choosing a doula I realize that it's not about how it looks it's about how it feels. From the day we met, I felt Jessica's maternal instincts immediately. I knew she was meant to be a doula because she sincerely cares about childbirth, motherhood, and child care. When she touches my child, I am reminded of that every time. I will not hesitate to call her again when I have my next baby.

My baby girl was born on September 20, 2010.

I waited till today, Thanksgiving Day, to share my experience with Jessica Gonzales because of the heart filled gratitude I have for her.

She was my first Doula and she help me tremendously from beginning. I met Jessica during the late part of my 2nd semester. 

From the start, she made me feel comfortable and at ease. Prenatal visits to house visits, Jessica was there.

My delivery was the best. A natural couch who can keep "you" focus as well as comfortable....

-this is her destiny and anyone looking for a GREAT Doula, she is the one!

If I could do all over again, I would. A wonderful memory (Jessica). Since my delivery, I have recommended Jessica to several other women.

I will never forget her. She is now and forever a gem in my family, for me and my new daughter.

I love you Jessica and again,thank you!

-HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Brittney

I became a first time parent on October 20, 2010 to an 8lb 3 oz. baby boy. I read many theories about having a birth Doula as well as theories on natural childbirth. Since giving birth, I now understand that birth is unpredictable, but having a Doula is something I would bet on each time. I believe having that assistance helped reduce labor as well as create a positive and peaceful atmosphere.

The service Jessica Gonzales provided was impeccable. She was innately in tuned with the needs of my husband and I during the entire process. She provided precious assurance and a level of support and encouragement that was priceless.

Jessica gave constant encouragement. Whether it was a massage, a shoulder of support to the restroom, or assuring my husband and I that we were doing great. It was a relief to have her there. She was definitely a God send. In addition, she also acted as an advocate for my desired wishes even though at some point I was unable to communicate exactly what I needed.

Jessica has what one does not see on a resume. She is passionate, intuitive, and very much apart of your present moments. She is a rare find. As a result, I feel a sense of deep gratitude towards Jessica for keeping the atmosphere so peaceful and comfortable. It was in that moment I realized the power of encouragement, and support. I will carry that experience for a lifetime.

Rebecca Alexander
Houston, TX