Jessica English Doula Profile

I can't say enough positive things about my experiences with Jessica. She was present at both my son's births, and if we decide to have another baby she'll definitely be with us again.

From our very first meeting, I knew that she would be an incredible resource to guide my husband and I through the birth process. Any time I had a question, she responded quickly with an answer or suggestion. The sense of calm and strength she brings into the birth space is phenomenal. She manages to be gentle and comforting when you need it most, but will also step up and be the strong voice you need to hear when things seem tough. Her supportive ways don't end once the baby is born. She takes the time to follow up and see how things are going, which has meant so much to me.

Knowing that she would be there for both my son's births took a huge weight off of my shoulders. I felt that as long as Jessica was with me in the birth space, I could get through anything.

Jessica was amazing!!!! I attended her Natural Childbirth Class and asked her to be with us for our birth. The Natural Childbirth class is truly unmatched!!! Jessica created a class based on all the best evidence based practices. Her knowledge and experience is priceless!!!! I feel like I entered my birth educated about my options but most importantly, empowered.

When Jessica arrived at our home when I was in labor, I immediately felt a sense of calm. I felt like the "logistics" of it all were taken care of and I could just focus on my body. She was able to make suggestions to my husband to help him be more involved and supportive. We unfortunately experienced a placental abruption and required an emergency c-section. I was devastated to not have my natural birth and my husband was very scared. I can't imagine going through that without Jessica. She helped us wrap our brains around what was happening and reassured us. She was able to capture memories I would have otherwise missed while in recovery. She was the one constant throughout, from our home in labor until she ordered my lunch as I held my baby. You won't know exactly what role Jessica will play, until she's doing it and you'll thank your lucky stars she's there.

As a single woman, I cannot say enough words about the support and strength my doula Jessica English provided for me. She helped guide me through my journey with compassion and understanding. Leading up to the birth, she was a wealth resources. I had many questions on my road to natural birth, and she was always there to provide me with just the right information to help me make my choices. It was also wonderful that she taught a natural childbirth class through Birth Kalamazoo. This allowed me more time with her, and it made me feel even more connected. Going into this pregnancy, I didn't even really know what a doula was. I was led to her and Birth Kalamazoo by friends and instinct, and I truly cannot see giving birth without her.  I see how valuable a doula is, and how they can completely change a birth experience. The cost was a consideration for me as a single woman, but I look back at it now as the best investment I could have made to achieve the birth I wanted. The day I gave birth, her energy pulled me through the tough moments, her confidence in me gave me strength, her gentle ways of encouraging gave me the power to push through....literally!  I truly believe it is because of Jessica that I believed I could have a natural birth, and I achieved this. She is objective, kind, loving, gentle, informed, strong, available, present, and believes in a woman's ablility to birth. I would never give birth without her, and I am so grateful that our paths crossed. My son and I are blessed she was there guiding us and believing in us. It was a beautiful way start to motherhood. I am thankful for this gift, and what she does for women. I wish all women could experience birth with a doula like Jessica!!

You are a very lucky family if you get the opportunity to have Jessica as your doula.  Just having her present created a sense of calm and positive energy in the birth space.  She really is able to read people and meet their needs accordingly.  She was exactly what I needed every step of the way.  My husband also respected her and appreciated all of the knowledge and experience she offered.  I really wanted a natural birth and I am confident that Jessica helped make this possible.  I was never afraid and I felt in control because I knew she would protect the space and inform me if things were going differently than our birth plan.  She is one of the most trustworthy people you will ever meet.  This is not her job-- this is her calling.  Jessica was meant to help women and families with the birth process and we are so fortunate that she was there for us.  She supported us every step of the way and continues to be a support system.  I cannot say enough positive things about Jessica.  Best wishes to all of you--healthy mom, healthy baby! 

 Jessica was my doula for both of my boys.  While I was pregnant she was incredibly helpful with answering my questions, providing me with informational resources, and supporting both me and my husband.  During labor she suggested I try various positions and used numerous comfort measures to try to help me.  As it turned out, I was the type of person who liked to labor without anyone talking or touching me.  But Jessica was great in that situation too.  She (and my husband) respected my needs and helped make sure the people around me respected them too.  I attribute my positive birthing experiences to Jessica English!

As a doula, Jessica was amazing in her support and guidance throughout our labor and into postpartum. It was a blessing to have her with us, supporting us each step of the way. Her presence at the hospital and her kind words to us and the staff helped to create a calm and supportive atmosphere. She made it possible to focus solely on the birth of our daughter. Throughout my labor Jessica kept a timeline of events and took photographs; these helped Matt and I reflect on our birth afterwards, when the fog of labor had set in. In times of uncertainty she was able to help Matt support me by reminding him of tips from class that were eluding him in the excitement, and by taking over when he needed time to rest through 17 hours of labor. Jessica continued to help us after Emma’s birth by calling to check in and stopping by to help with breastfeeding. We’re lucky she doesn’t charge what her help is worth!