Jenny Fox Ishihara Doula Profile

When my wife and I started looking for a doula to help us with the delivery of our first child it was very important that whomever we chose was knowledgeable, but it was equally important that we felt a connection to this person.  After our first meeting, it was very apparent that Jenny satisfied both of these qualifications. Throughout our pregnancy Jenny instilled confidence through education, guidance and respect. Jenny gave me & my wife the information and tools that empowered us to make informed, educated decisions.  Her calming demeanor and positive spirit kept us focused on the experience and wonder of our pregnancy and allowed us to truly enjoy the moment. Jenny started as our doula and ended as our friend. 

When I met Jenny at a free workshop through Well Rounded Momma, I knew I wanted her to be my doula for the birth of my first daughter, Sage Marie. Jenny met with my husband and me at our home multiple times during pregnancy and answered all of our questions about the birth as well as put our minds at ease about labor. My plan was to labor at home for as long as possible, then head to the hospital when it was time to push. I was disappointed and anxious to find myself hooked up to pitocin in the hospital when the "big day" arrived. With the help of Jenny, another wonderful doula, and my husband I was able to deliver naturally after 16 hours of labor on pitocin. We called for Jenny when labor hit hard, and the energy she brought to the room was exactly what I needed at the time. She reassured me that I was strong and capable of finishing labor on my own. She massaged my aching back and legs, and was at my side through the intense pushing stage. Jenny thankfully had the foresight to ask my husband for the camera and took pictures of the delivery that we will cherish for a lifetime. Once Sage Marie arrived, Jenny stayed with us and helped establish successful nursing. She also gave me some much needed TLC and joined my husband and I in celebrating the arrival of our daughter. I will surely ask Jenny to be my doula again if I am blessed with another pregnancy in the future!

My experience with Jenny for the birth of my son was transforming. I met Jenny when I was at the end of my pregnancy and I had decided that I wanted to take control of my delivery this time and not have medical intervention or be told that I must have a cesearen birth. I changed doctors and wanted to labor at home until pushing time. She answered questions and I am forever grateful for her assistancein helping me to labor at home and be in my peaceful surroundings. Jenny had a calming attitude and a very caring spirit. She was soft spoken and would tell me encouraging words when I was amidst some of the most intense pain in my life. She has understated strength and is very nurturing. She also gave relieving massage through contractions.This birth was a vaginal after cesarean birth so I had some fears that she helped me to overcome. She told me that I was strong and could do this. She let me know that what positions I was holding my body in were good for getting baby in position. When we went to the hospital after a day of laboring at home she came and helped all the way through. When I delivered my baby, she helped me with the decisions for his care. First, I found it amazing that I didn't need to bath him right away and just let him soak in the nurturing natural elements on his skin. We lay together and bonded and nursed. Second, I didn't need the ointment in his eyes and no vaccines. She helped me think. Afterwards she was available for a visit to see baby and me and helped answer questions about nusing. She also assisted me to unclog a duct that was causing me paid with a technique that I would have never thought of. She has been available ever since for questions and I am grateful that she helped me achieve the God given experience that I so desired.

 Jenny was an indispensable part of our birth team during the birth of our son, Daniel. We were introduced through a mutual friend who knew I was contemplating a home birth, and knew that Jenny would be able to answer any questions I might have. She did that and so much more, always in her calm, soothing manner. When the idea of having her attend my birth came up, I knew immediately and instinctively that she would be a great person to have there, something that I deliberated over for weeks when thinking about other people to have as part of the birth team.
When my labor began, Jenny came over right away, which was great because my contractions came on strong and fast and never let up. She stayed calm and relaxed throughout my labor, helping me get through each contraction, relaxing me when I needed it most, and showing my husband how he could help me. She made sure I stayed hydrated and ate so that I would have enough energy for the pushing stage. She answered all my questions and reassured me when I got nervous and scared. But what I remember the most is her calming touch - she would lay her hands on my shoulders during contractions to remind me to relax, and when it was time to push she let me squeeze her hands even though I squeezed so hard I'm sure I left bruises. She was absolutely wonderful and I honestly don't know how we would have done it without her!