Jan Saunders Doula Profile

Jan was our doula for the births of both of our daughters. Jan is incredibly experienced, kind, nurturing, calming, smart, and highly skilled at what she does. She is always professional, incredibly available, and is deeply respectful of her clients' individual wishes, advocating and coaching appropriately during the birthing process as needed. She deeply loves childbirth and her role as a doula. With our first daughter's birth, my labor progressed extremely quickly, and I was terrified. Her calming, expert presence helped immensely. She got me through the contractions by coaching my breathing and talked me off the ceiling. She guided me through some scary moments during delivery and helped me ask the right questions, made sure I was getting what I wanted out of the experience and ultimately even helped my husband with a migraine after the delivery. She remained with us for quite some time, helping to guide breast-feeding, and relieving my husband's migraine (she also has massage and cranio-sacral skills and training). She met with us after the birth and was clear and practical in her advice about how to survive the first few weeks post-partem, always encouraging me to take good care of myself. With our younger daughter's birth, I was in the hands of a new doctor and considered higher risk, filled with fears about the safety and health of the baby. Once again, Jan stepped in and did a great deal to calm me. She was able to provide outstanding support through the contractions and even provided laughter in between contractions. She once again provided all the support I've already mentioned. I will forever be grateful to Jan. She is an incredible, gifted woman who allowed for the births of my two daughters to be the most amazing, touching, beautiful events in my life.

Jan allowed me to have exactly the birth I imagined, and more.  She prepared me in the weeks leading up to the birth by getting me mentally strong for this life changing event.  My impression of Doulas, before meeting Jan, was that they are primarily support DURING labor.  Jan showed me that preparation before hand is equally important as the work you do during labor. 

Jan LOVES to talk about having babies! It was very comforting being with someone who just can't get enough of the topic. I felt like I was always in good hands by someone who is the top in her field. You don't need to be told she's witnessed over 400 births, you can just FEEL it.

 

Jan was our doula for our first child and she is amazing! I had a back surgery which was painful during pregnancy and obviously labor and as Jan used to be a massage therapist it was an add on. She took all the time to understand us and our needs along with how my body works during our pre-natal visits, so she knew exactly what to do and how to help during labor. She has a very casual and personal approach which is very comforting. Even after the birth she was very concerned and kept checking on how baby and I were doing. In summary, if you want a great, experienced, pleasant and someone with a personal touch, Jan is your best choice!