Joan Bryant - DoulaJoan Birth Service

Joan brings a special calming energy to the birthing room. Her presence has an amazing effect and was key to helping me get through both my births. My first was intense, and of course a bit frightening. When I began to doubt myself, Joan was there to pull me through. She was the reason I was able to have two natural births with absolutely no problems. My healing time was shorter, my experience was better, and I truly believe it was because of her. A doula like Joan is a wonderful, and I believe essential, support person during delivery if only for the reason that they are there 100% of the time just to support you. She was a true gift to us the first time, and we wouldn’t have been without her the second time. I’d highly recommend her to anyone, be it your first time, or your fifth. 

Posted 6/14/2010

When I became pregnant at age 39, I was excited, but somewhat scared at the prospect of giving birth. Over the years, so many of my friends have had traumatic birth experiences. I decided to read everything I could on birthing, hoping to avoid the inevitable, emergency c-section. I became convinced that natural childbirth was the way for me.

I met Joan on a birth tour she was leading at Kaiser and connected with her immediately. She is incredibly passionate about natural childbirth and when I spoke to her about my desire to give birth naturally in a hospital, she just radiated, smiled and said, “Yes! You can do it.”  It was those very words that carried me in confidence through 48 hours of labor. Joan was amazing and I really believe I couldn’t have birthed my son without her. She knew exactly what I needed before I knew it. She knew when to offer assistance, where and how to touch me, offering amazing massages that relaxed me through difficult contractions. She knew when I needed to change positions to make my labor more efficient and comfortable. She is strong and warm and interacted with the staff at Kaiser with grace and ease. They love her. Her presence allowed my husband to completely relax during my labor, taking the pressure off him, so he could fully enjoy the journey. When it came time to push, Joan helped me harness the most incredible force of energy I have ever experienced. Her calmness and assurance that I could do this, gave me the confidence that I could carry on. She breathed with me and taught me how to focus and use that energy efficiently. Very shortly thereafter, my son was born.

I believe I am the luckiest of women. Birthing Heath was the most amazing, exciting, joyful and beautiful thing I have ever done. Joan helped me realize my dream and gave my family one of the greatest gifts of all––a bond that will last a lifetime.
 

Posted 2/3/2010