Laura

4/6/2024

We hired Jill to be our doula for our second child's birth. We had a doula at our first child's birth and knew we wanted a doula again because we found it to be super helpful, but our first doula was unavailable for our second baby's due date. Jill came highly recommended in the doula / birth community in Denver, and she managed to meet or exceed every expectation we had for our doula experience. 

We had both of our babies at Birth Center of Denver (which I also cannot recommend enough!). Jill came to our house during my early labor to help me engage the baby in my pelvis, which immediately intensified labor in a very helpful way. She then accompanied us to BCD and worked so smoothly with the midwife, nurse, and my husband to provide an amazing birth experience. 

Working with Jill leading up to and after the birth was so easy and helpful! She's exceptionally communicative and has a wealth of experiences. I appreciated how open and receptive she was to all of my birth preferences, and felt confident that she would advocate for those preferences if the circumstances required it (luckily, birthing at BCD, the midwives were also super receptive to my birth preferences and this advocacy wasn't necessary). 

I think its also worth noting - the midwives at BCD remarked to us how impressed they were with Jill, both with how she was able to effectively accelerate/ intensify labor and how easy she was to work with once we were all together at the birth center. They specifically said "we need more doulas like Jill!".

I HIGHLY recommend Jill. We hope to have more kids and I plan to work with her again - I want her on my birth team every time from here on out! Thank you Jill!!

Chanai Vaznonis

2/18/2024

I learned about Jill through a tour at Advent Castlerock Hospital. I had never heard of a doula until then and Jill came highly recommended by the hospital staff. 

As a first time mom, I was really looking for extra guidance and support. I am so glad we found Jill for our birthing experience.

Immediately when I talked to Jill for the first time, I felt trust. I could tell she had a lot of experience and because she knew my hospital and staff, I knew I'd be in safe care with her. My experience was absolutely wonderful with Jill, from education, to responsiveness, to resources, all the way to the live labor and delivery where Jill was with me every step of the way and also made me feel so cared for. She learned about me and my husband, our wishes and helped to support it all. We tried several things, she guided me and gave advices and feedback. I could really tell she cared and kept me in her focus always. A couple of the most meaningful moments was when I hugged Jill during labor pains just so grateful for her and again when my birthing plan changed and she reminded me not to be hard on myself. I remember saying just how lucky I felt she was there and I knew I could get through it as long as Jill was there.

I would 10000% work with Jill again, she was kind, warm, knowledgeable, incredibly experienced and a great person. I felt safe, trusting, secure, and capable with her and I cannot thank her enough.

Megan Mann

2/5/2024

Jill was beyond personable and at the same time very professional and honest. She was very clear on her scope as a doula, which is super important to understand going into it. She provided the comfort, confidence and support that my husband and I needed from someone with so much experience in welcoming babies into the world. We are so happy we crossed paths on this crazy journey and we wouldn't have wanted anybody else. She was kind, understanding, compassionate and direct, which fit us perfectly. She and my husband were instrumental in helping me process what had happened that very quick "day" (9.5 hours from the first contractions and 13 hours from losing the mucous plug and we had a baby!). We are so glad she was part of our birthing experience even though it didn't go as "planned". She had great follow up care with phone and text with myself and my husband.

Megan Etter

1/23/2024

Jill made all the difference in our birthing experience for a successful VBAC! When my water broke seven weeks early, Jill was right there alongside us. She was able to come to the hospital when my labor picked up and was so helpful during several hours of natural active labor. My husband was able to work with Jill and he felt confident in helping me the whole time. When we figured out that baby was "sunny side up", she knew exactly how to position me to get baby turned - and it worked! Jill was so knowledgeable from her years of experience, and was a supportive presence and helped guide us through the decision to get an epidural without being pushy or opinionated. After a successful delivery, our doctor actually asked Jill for her contact info so she could refer women to her in the future. If we ever find out we're expecting again, we're calling Jill right away! She was 100% worth the investment.

Mara Sikorski

12/23/2023

Jill was an absolute blessing to my husband and I! As new residents to the area, we found her services via quick Google search. After our first conversation with Jill, I knew she was meant to be a part of our prenatal and postpartum processes and a part of our lives! She is kind, knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, attentive, hilarious, and human. She has a huge respect for the wishes of the parents and for the expertise of healthcare professionals involved. During pregnancy, she supported me across the wide spectrum of questions, concerns, and re-directed my apprehension to joy and excitement. During labor and birth, she always listened, guided with kindness, and advocated with the strength of a mama bear. She was my absolute rock for the entire process, and I truly believe I would not have been able to achieve the birth of my dreams without her by my side. Very happy and grateful mama, baby, and daddy would recommend her to anyone and everyone! 

Brooke Fraser

12/7/2023

Jill was the absolute best part of my labor and birth experience. Leading up to the big day Jill was constantly available for all my questions or concerns. She helped me prep with information and helped me make my birth plan. We walked through it together and she was extremely educational on every aspect and situation I could encounter. Because of this I felt relaxed and certain when I went in. On the day I gave birth she was completely available for me and even showed up to the hospital early when I had to start making big decisions about next steps. We talked through the different procedures and she helped me stay as true to my plan as possible. When I changed my plan in the middle of labor she was flexible and made me feel confident in the new direction I took. She was welcoming and kind to my family and helped everyone I wanted to be involved feel important. Based on our planning beforehand, she helped my support team through my birth. She was professional and nice with the staff which really improved the atmosphere. I had a great experience because of her and will absolutely be requesting her services for my next birth. My sister who was at my birth even hired her because she's just that amazing! Jill is an expert in her field and anyone's best choice for a Dula. 

Janelle

7/17/2023

Jill is amazing!  I hired her to be my doula when I was about 20-weeks pregnant and she checked in on me every step of the way--prior to my delivery and after.  It is evident in her behavior and check-ins that she truly cares about her clients and her involvement is more than "just a job".  She even offered to go to prenatal appointments to support me, since I was going through the process alone.  I delivered via a planned C-Section and she was flexible and willing to provide whatever support I requested and take pictures of the baby as soon as she was born.  Jill is knowledgeable, reliable, and put my mind at ease--she is the one you want by your side and I am honored that she was part of such a special event in my life.  I wholeheartedly recommend Jill--not only is she a fantastic doula, she is an amazing person.  Through this process, she has also become a great friend. 

Allison Pascale

3/29/2023

We loved working with Jill! I connected with her immediately on our intro phone call and that trust carried through to our birth. She was always available for questions during pregnancy and I was so impressed with how responsive she was. When I went into labor I texted her and her communication with me did not stop. She is so in tune with mothers and knew what was going on in my body before I did. She was such a calming, welcome presence in my birth process. I never doubted for a second that me and my baby were her number one priority. She let me trust my body and offered expertise when needed. She was such a calming and helpful presence for my husband as well. We completely trust her and can't wait to welcome her into our next birth one day!

Baylie

2/15/2023

I can only say positive things about Jill! I’d 10/10 recommend her to any momma-to-be. The love, support, and education she provided was exactly what we needed. We took classes through her prior to our birth and she provided excellent education, answering any/all questions we had. Months leading up to my labor, she was a text/zoom call away. During labor, she was supportive and knew the perfect hands-on balance between supporting me and allowing my husband to support me as well. Post-labor she’s contacted me several times to check-in and answered so many post-labor questions.

Vanessa

2/15/2023

We highly reccommend hiring Jill as your doula! We initially hired Jill because I wanted a natural birth, and my husband wanted help and guidance in figuring out how to support me through it. After hiring her, we met with her to discuss our birth plan, for her to get to know us better, and she answered questions we had about the birth process, birth plan, things to research, etc. Then, after we had a few birthing classes at the hospital, Jill met with us again at our home to answer questions we had and to make sure she was comfortable getting to our house before the big day. Along the way, we had text check ins (my preference) to chat about things that had come up at doctors appointments. When I had concerns about a certain policy from my OBGYN, Jill was able to send me resources to read up on my options and educate myself to make an evidence based decision. Once I went into labor, I was so thankful to have Jill to text in the middle of the night.  When we realized that I was having an odd pattern of contractions, Jill encouraged us to call our doctor to let them know. Once in the hospital, we were so thankful to have Jill there with us. It was incredibly helpful to have Jill explain things, keep eyes on the monitors, and check in with us to make sure we were okay when things weren't going as planned. Unfortunately, I ended up with a c-section and Jill was not allowed in the room. But not only did she help prepare me and calm my nerves but she also supported my husband. He was afraid he'd be sick during the c-section so she helped him calm down and even gave him peppermint essential oils to smell to help with any nausea. Overall, we highly reccommend hiring Jill. Even if you think your doctors office is supportive, it really helps to have an in-between person that is totally committed to you. Birth is an unpredictable process, but hiring Jill is like having a really good insurance policy to take care of you no matter which direction it goes! 

Megan Mann

12/2/2022

Jill was beyond personable and at the same time very professional. She provided the comfort, confidence and support that my husband and I needed from someone with so much experience in welcoming babies into the world. We are so happy we crossed paths on this journey and we wouldn't have wanted anybody else. She was kind, understanding, compassionate and direct, which fit us perfectly. We are so glad she was part of our birthing experience even though it didn't go as "planned". 

Victoria

6/3/2022

I interviewed 7 doulas before choosing Jill for my VBAC. Her many years of experience, positive relationship with my Drs and the hospital staff, and wonderful personality made it clear she was the perfect fit for my husband and I. She was so encouraging and caring on the big day and our son's birth went so well! We would absolutely hire her again. 

Jaimie Haugen

4/30/2022

I can not even begin to express how grateful we are for the opportunity to work with Jill! I was pregnant for the first time and felt very overwhelmed by the entire process. I started looking for doula's because I knew I needed support, but I did not even know where to start. I truly believe Jill was a God-send and God brought us to her. She was responsive, available, and very communicative. She always made me feel comfortable asking about anything and everything from what to expect to suggestions for pediatricians. She provided me with resources and knowledge through the entire process. There are times I would come home from a doctor's appointment feeling confused or unsure and it was so helpful getting her perspective and thoughts. She was also an invaluable support to my husband who was also very nervous as a first time dad. When I went into labor, I texted Jill and later on Jill was the first person that my husband called to get her thoughts on when we might want to go to the hospital. She always listened and wanted to know what was important to us in the process. She was an advocate for me at the hospital when I had no idea what was going on. Since my husband does not do well in hospitals, she was able to step in and hold my hand through the entire process. 

I was honestly a bit unsure at first if I needed and/or wanted a doula. I was planning to have a hospital birth and I wasn't sure if a doula would be important. I could not have been more wrong and I am beyond grateful that we found Jill to support us through this process. Saying she was amazing is an understatement!! She will always be a part of our story and we feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her. If we have a second child, she will be the first person we call to try and get on her schedule! 

Katherynn Swayzer

3/4/2022

From start to finish, Jill was incredibly supportive and brought so much excitement and joy to our family. After our first meeting, my husband truly was able to understand how helpful a doula could be, and we both agree the Jill was great at involving him and was focused on not just baby and I, but our family as a whole unit. Due to another (more complex) birth she was unable to attend ours but ensured we had a backup doula present and still stayed in constant contact with her and my family to check on my progress. After baby's birth she reached out to me and later came by with food and her wonderful supportive self. Despite having a backup doula, I still felt that Jill was present and providing care from afar and I'm so grateful to have had her throughout our pregnancy and postpartum experience! 

Fei Xue

9/11/2021

My husband and I are so grateful to have found Jill on our journey of becoming first time parents. She is a wealth of information, resources, and support. Her passion and experience put us at ease and made my pregnancy much more enjoyable.

As this was my first pregnancy, I relied on Jill whenever I had questions. She was always happy to answer them tirelessly. Jill's prenatal visits helped both my husband and I prepare for the big day. She checked in with me after every one of my OB visits to stay up-to-date. Through Jill, we found a fantastic chiropractor that helped me with sciatica and shoulder pain, allowing me to have a pain-free pregnancy. When I got closer to my due date, Jill kept a constant communication and made sure I was prepared to all the things that could happen during labor and delivery.

Jill provided all the support for my husband and I during the labor, working with nurses and doctor. Having her with us, allowed my husband and I to focus on each other and the process. Jill was encouraging and helped me through the labor, navigating options presented to me by the nurses. She explained them to me while allowing me to make the decision. Jill guided me through the pushing phase of labor while I waited for my doctor to arrive. She even took pictures for us to ensure all the magical moments are captured. 

Postpartum, Jill visited us and gave us a meal so we didn't have to worry about dinner. She checked in and made sure that we are settled into our new role and doing ok. When we mentioned challenges with breastfeeding, Jill referred us to lactation consultant and pediatric dentist. Both resources are incredibily valuable to us new parents navigating taking care of our baby.

We are so lucky to have found Jill and would recommend her to anyone, she definitely will be one of the first person we call if we have a second baby.

Elena

6/18/2021

Jill helped enormously with my home birth. She knew exactly when you step in and help, and when to step back and let my husband help, and I know my husband felt confident in the birth because Jill has so much experience, and was so calm herself through everything. Honestly the midwives helped with after the birth a lot, but Jill was really more important than them in the birth itself going so smoothly! Her calm, jovial energy was also very helpful for my mental state through the whole process. I cannot recommend Jill enough!

Kaiti

6/7/2021

Most women wouldn’t want their mother in law in the room during their labor & delivery, much less be their doula, but with Jill it was an absolute no brainer. Being a first time mom, I had no idea what the next nine months had in store for us. From the minute she found out I was pregnant, Jill was always there to answer any question I had. She checked in after every doctors appointment and always informed me on what to expect each week. The childbirth classes were very informative and in depth, and I left feeling very empowered  with any decision I would make in my labor journey!

During labor & delivery, she completely respected my wishes on pain management. She created a relaxing atmosphere and helped labor progress with an array of different options. I got an epidural after painful back labor and she helped me get into different positions since I couldn’t do it myself. When it came time to push, she was vital in telling me when I should push, focusing my breathing, and resting in between contractions.

My labor & delivery journey was a beautiful experience and I left feeling like every decision I made was the right one for me and our baby. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I would HIGHLY recommend Jill to anyone who is expecting!

Brittany and David Wiebenga

5/31/2021

Jill was exactly what we needed when looking for a doula. At the beginning of our pregnancy journey, we really had no idea what a doula even was but when we met with Jill, we knew that we needed her by our side. She was patient and kind throughout the entire process and met with us in our home several times throughout my pregnancy. Jill even recommended the person that would end up encapsulating my placenta after my son's birth and because she was recommended by Jill, I trusted her and the process 100%. Jill was so great at listening to what we wanted as far as a birthing experience and was so great at suggesting so many different things to help make sure I was at my healthiest for my baby. Specifically when it came to the actual birth, Jill was available by text and phone the entire time I was in early labor before she arrived at my house (close to 2:00am). When she arrived, she immediatley suggested different positions and tricks to help lessen the pain of my contractions and they all helped! Even my husband said that having her there with us during the birthing process allowed him to be the best partner he could be and really focus on what he could do rather than what he couldn't do. He said her presence put him so much at ease, and I completely agree. She was so encouraging and helped me relax and felt completley empowered the entire time I was laboring. After the birth, Jill brought me delicious snacks so I could regain some strength and took my placenta to be encapsulated. And even weeks after my birth, Jill continued to follow up with me and my son, brought us meals and even arranged a face-to-face meeting to make extra sure we were doing okay. I cannot put into words how thankful I am for everything Jill has done for me and my family. I would absolutley, 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a kind, encouraging, commited and reliable doula. 

Olivia Leary

4/28/2021

Jill was our doula for our first baby. We hired her at 16 weeks and she checked in with me several times throughout my pregnancy. Life got stressful during that time and she was a sounding board who helped me stay calm when pregnancy emotions got the best of me. During labor, she was a critical part of the team! I could not have done it without her. I had an unmedicated birth in the hospital and while I was totally out of it during labor, she was there making sure I was taken care for the entire time. She and my husband worked very well together to help keep me focused during labor. I would highly recommend Jill!

Elizabeth

3/10/2021

Jill was a fantastic choice of doula for us when we delivered our son. This was our first child and despite (or perhaps partially because of COVID) we didn’t know what to expect during labor and delivery so wanted someone there who had experience. Prior to delivery, Jill was great getting to know us virtually, answering questions, and assuaging my fears. She was also great when we met in person prior to delivery, taking COVID precautions seriously. If she didn’t know the answer to something (which was rare) she knew someone who did and reached out. When my OB recommended an induction, she was helpful in talking through whether and when to induce without pressuring me one way or another. For a first time mom, my labor went really fast - from first contraction to delivery was 9 hours. Jill was there in plenty of time and was super helpful in positioning me to minimize pain and help the baby descend. I ultimately got an epidural, which was part of my plan, and Jill was so necessary during pushing. She was especially valuable in talking through what the nurses were recommending and suggesting questions to ask or commenting if something seemed off. The hospital was extremely busy when I was there, so having someone as knowledgeable as Jill in my corner the whole time was priceless and made the birth experience super positive. Also, the postpartum visit with Jill was a helpful time to reflect with her on the birth experience and the food she brought was delicious. I highly recommend Jill.

Emily Olsen

2/28/2021

We are so glad we found Jill! She was absolutely fantastic, and provided essential support and expertise before, during, and after our birth. She made both my husband and I feel so comfortable, eased our fears, took the time to understand what we wanted... and was just so easy to get to know! Ultimately I had the birth that I wanted, which was so satisfying, and I owe it to Jill! She's just the best. 

Kristen

1/20/2021

Jill's many years of experience gave us confidence that she'd be able to support us through any labor and delivery scenario.  Having Jill as a resource helped us to make the best decisions for the health of me and my baby.  She was supportive of my goals and preferences and advised accordingly.  I'm so glad that I had Jill in the room during labor and delivery to provide ongoing support and guidance.  

Taylor Trask

12/28/2020

Many of these reviews come from the mom's POV, so I'd like to offer a dad's impression.  From the moment we met Jill, we felt like she had been our friend for years.  That level of easy familiarity allowed us to work very smoothly through the pre-labor and birth process.  Jill is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable and able to adapt to any situation.  She can quickly assess any birthing scenario as it happens and provide guidance based on her many years as a doula.  She was also able to provide a level of service and comfort to my wife that I wasn't able to provide and we had a successful birth as a result. 

Her follow-up communication post birth was also fantastic, and she even brought us an amazing meal during that 1-2 weeks where we were still getting our feet under us as new parents.

I couldn't recommend Jill more highly - you will be in excellent hands if you choose to work with her.

Karyn Brackney

12/28/2020

We hired Jill when I was 20 weeks pregnant. It was our first baby, and having a doula was an important part of feeling secure and prepared for the upcoming birth, especially with the unknowns related to COVID and my pre-existing health conditions. We knew within 2 minutes that Jill was the doula we wanted; she has a level of enthusiasm and expertise that is unmatched and clearly loves her job! Throughout my pregnancy, she was easily available and supportive. She did a great job of connecting with my husband. We got way better childbirth education through Jill than we could have gotten through the hospital, and it was great to have her when in-person childbirth classes were canceled due to COVID. While I’d wanted a natural birth and a chance to labor at home, I ended up having an induction. Jill was wonderful at supporting me and being flexible as the birth plan ended up changing quite a bit. When my health conditions flared during labor and I needed an epidural, Jill helped me feel good about the decision, even though it wasn’t what I had planned on. She helped me focus on my top goals of feeling safe, cared for, and in control during the birth, whatever else happened—and those goals were met 100%, even when the experience was different than what I’d envisioned. Jill had prepared us well for how to deal with the unexpected that inevitably happens in labor and birth. It was amazing to work with Jill as we brought our daughter into the world. Jill came early to the hospital because it was an aggressive induction and stayed for over 14 hours, positive, energetic, and engaged the whole time; she was a great coach through contractions and pushing, and she got some fantastic pictures that I will treasure forever to help me remember those precious moments of meeting my daughter. I would highly recommend Jill to anyone hoping to have a positive, supported birth experience, and I would call her again in a heartbeat with any future pregnancies.

Kathleen Irvine

11/22/2020

For my first birth, I wasn't sure if a doula was necessary. My husband and I met will Jill and instantly felt comfortable with and reassured by her. Despite being essentially tied to the bed (blood pressure monitor, iv, and calf circulation things), Jill helped me get the unmedicated birth I was hoping for. 

Fast forward to my second pregnancy and I contacted Jill almost as soon as I knew I was pregnant. I had more concerns before birth this time including how to deal with a toddler and she answered all my questions through text or in person when we met up.  My baby was also an acrobat going breach to head down and back again, and Jill walked me through what options I had to try and keep baby head down. 

The actual birth was completely different from my first (as expected, haha) and once labor finally got going, jill helped me through every possible position until I found what worked best for me. Also, had Jill not been there, my husband would have been the one to catch my baby. As it was, Jill was only seconds away from having to catch as the Dr. didn't seem to understand "get here now, she's pushing!!"

I truly feel I've made a lifelong friend with Jill.  She's able to roll with the punches and really walk you through all the options, whether it's positions, medications, or even the possibility of a c-section. She's incredibly down to earth and personable. She's also completely non judgemental; this is your birth. It's your decision how it looks, not hers!  She is there to try to being about that vision or else help you with whatever curve ball your pregnancy /birth throws at you!  She's able to make a scary, stressful, painful experience one you look back on and almost want to do again. 

Miranda Brinkman

9/23/2020

My husband, BJ, and I found Jill through a simple Google search in the 7th month of my first pregnancy. We decided last minute to look for a doula and are SO grateful that we landed with Jill. Neither of us were really sold on the need for this professional, thinking the role was more of a "nice theory". Though with all that was happening with COVID and lack of outside support we decided to give a doula a chance. Now we will never do pregnancy or labor/delivery without Jill. Doulas who truly care for you (and your husband and baby), are knowledgeable and exercise it well with hands-on relaxation/pain relieving measures, has the respect of your hospital/birth center, and is with you every step of the way are crucial - Jill is that doula and more as she has become a treasured friend in our family. 

Prior to delivery we met with Jill a few times. She helped answer questions, provided us resources (such as setting us up with an acupuncturistto prep for/induce labor - it definitely worked!), checked in about appointments, etc. She has awesome communication! Jill is always ready for a call or text, especially nearing the due date. On the day of our labor Jill walked us through what was happening by text and came right away in the middle of night as labor progressed. Jill was a huge support to both my husband and I at home and in the hospital - she got less sleep than both of us. Although I hoped for a natural birth I ended up with an epidural 17 hours later. Jill was incredibly encouraging and continued to be actively engaged even through the 4.5 hours of pushing. After delivery Jill texted occassionally and came over to follow up on our well-being and provided us precious pictures she took of the delivery. 

If you are on the fence about a doula, we can promise you won't regret having Jill by your side. 

Bri and Jay

9/12/2020

We were so grateful for Jill throughout our pregnancy. My husband and I started our doula search because hoping for some extra support because our parents live out of state and we felt a bit clueless! Jill was so helpful during our pregnancy and was always there to answer any questions or offer encouragement.  She checked in after every appointment and was always so positive. Toward the end of our pregnancy, we were faced with some really tough choices and Jill was there to talk through our options for as long as we needed her. When I knew my birth wasn't going to look like I'd planned, (baby was frank breech and had decided he was NOT going to budge, despite trying the many, many amazing suggestions from Jill) she helped me come to peace with it and even connected me to another client who had a similar situation to help me see it in a positive light. In the end, she told us, we wanted a safe delivery with a healthy baby. Even though we ended up having a scheduled c section, Jill was there every step of the way. She met us at the hospital and helped keep me calm before surgery. After I left our room to get prepped, she stayed with my husband and helped calm him down until he could join me. (I think he was more nervous than I was.) Having a baby during COVID and discovering I would need a C section a week before delivery was not the way I had envisioned our experience, but Jill helped us to truly make the very best of it. We were both SO grateful for her and her positive, gracious presence.

After burth, Jill kept in contact and wanted to know all about how we were doing as a new family. A few weeks after birth, Jill came over to meet our little one and it felt like connecting up with a good friend. She truly cares about her clients and is very knowledgeable, but even more importantly full of grace and positive light. Thank you for everything, Jill!

Shayla

7/20/2020

My husband and I are first-time parents and we are so grateful we found Jill! We interviewed seven other doulas before we met Jill and as soon as we spoke with her we knew she was the one! She is so positive, which is what drew us to her in the first place. And her support does not begin or end with labor and delivery. She always remembered to check in to see how our prenatal appointments went. Anytime we ran into any medical issues or had to make certain decisions, she was there to talk through it with us and give us some perspective. If she wasn't sure about something from a medical perspective, she has people she can reach out to to give us a second informal opinion. She is so well-connected...she has so many amazing resources for both prenatal and postnatal support. She is very responsive and plugged in, so if you need her for something, she is really good about making herself available. Overall we just felt like Jill helped us navigate the experience of being first-time parents...something we definitely needed. We had a partner in Jill and we felt like she gave us that extra support throughout our entire pregnancy! We are just so grateful we found her and that we were able to share this experience with her. Jill has a friend in us for life!

Mike

7/7/2020

Jill was the savior that we desperately needed for the birth of our first child. My wife was eight months pregnant when I was seriously injured in a ski accident. Needless to say, we both needed help to get through the birth process. We contacted Jill and she was so compassionate and comforting towards us in a bizarre situation.  She met with us and listened closely as we discussed our birth plan. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders knowing that Jill and all her experience would be there with us. 

My wife was induced which led to a long labor. I am so thankful that Jill was there for us every step of the way. She talked my wife through her contractions and used her experience to help in numerous ways. Since I couldn't walk at the time, she was so kind to make sure I was included the best I could be. 

As a dad, hiring Jill was one of the best decisions we made in preparing for the birth of our first child. You can read all the books in the world, but it will never replace the experience Jill has. She was so kind and gracious to us, I would recommend her to anyone!

Lindsay

7/1/2020

Jill was our doula for our first birth, and it was so great to have her on our team!

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was really excited, but also terrified of the birthing process. I did a lot of research and found that I  wanted to try for an unmedicated birth, and learned that a doula was a going to be a essential to help us acheive the birth we wanted. We did an initial call with Jill and I knew she would be a good fit. I got off the phone feeling empowered. Throughout pregnancy Jill answered any questions we had, and I really felt like nothing was too trivial or small to ask. 

Because of the coronavirus, we thought for a while that Jill might not be allowed in the hospital. We decided to plan on laboring at home as long as possible, with Jill's support, and then we'd go to the hospital and she'd help via video call or phone once we got there. Fast forward to the day I went into labor, and we found out that doulas were going to be allowed once again! I was so excited. Jill was such a great support during labor, her upbeat and positive attitude really helped lighten the mood and make the time go faster. All of our nurses were great, but with so many people in and out, it was nice to just focus on what Jill was saying and follow her lead. She also took photos for us during the birth, and I will treasure those forever. 

I highly recommend Jill as a doula, she was such an asset to our birth team and I felt so much more secure having her support!

Trista Gray

5/29/2020

From the moment I spoke with Jill on the phone for our initial meeting, I knew she was going to be a perfect fit for our family. As we were going over my history, what I was looking for in a Doula and my birth goals it was like she had known me for a long time. It was like talking with a friend. Her prenatal care was wonderful and very helpful for us. When my water broke I knew there was no reason to worry or be scared. Jill was amazing at coaching me through contractions and helping my husband and I decide what we needed to do next. I will never forget the love and care I felt from Jill through the entire process but especially during and after labor. My husband has said many times how Jill helped him remain calm as well as helped him through everything else. We both believe that Jill played a huge part in the success of my VBAC and we are forever grateful to her for that. We won't birth again without her! 

Sarah Henry

4/16/2020

Jill was a great resource for the birth of our baby girl. She was incredibly supportive and guided us through the whole process. This was especially helpful as our baby came unexpectedly early and before our schedule allowed us to take a birth class with her. Our baby coming early wasn’t an issue for her - she made herself very available and we learned on the go. From our early morning weekend call of my water breaking to helping us make choices when it became clear I needed to modify my ideal birth plan, Jill made sure she was there for whatever we needed. She was an incredible asset to us and it was reassuring to have someone by our side with her wealth of experience. It was truly wonderful to have someone caring for and supporting us through the birth process. Although medically I wasn’t able to follow my ideal birth plan, she turned what could have been a negative into a positive experience. We are so thankful for her!

Allison D.

4/2/2020

We had a very positive experience with Jill as our doula!  From checking in after appointments to helping us come up with a birth plan, she was always available to answer all of our questions before, during, and after birth.  Jill has a strong network of knowledgeable professionals around her, and did not hesitate to reach out to them for assistance and additional opinions when tricky situations inevitably arose.

As often happens, our birth did not go as planned.  My doctor recommended that I be induced, as I was 1.5 weeks past my due date and not showing signs of going into spontaneous labor any time soon.  Without going into all of the details, my husband and I were at the hospital for 40+ hours before our child was born, and Jill was with us for 19-20 hours.  We are so thankful that she was willing to go above and beyond to be there with us and provide support.  We are also convinced that without her help navigating all of the decisions made during that time that our child would have been born via c-section.  

Jill, we are so glad that you were a part of our birth story.  Thank you again for all that you do! 

deShea Smith

3/15/2020

I absolutely loved working with Jill! One of my favorite things was how she’d regularly check in on me. I found this to be so wonderful, especially because I would sometimes feel isolated being the first person in my friend group to be pregnant and not having any family nearby. She is extremely easy to talk to and never thinks your questions or worries are silly or bothersome. We chose to also do our birthing class with Jill, which made it really easy to tailor to my plan, and when I found out I had to be induced, we were able to focus on the relevant information and quickly get through the material since I had to deliver 3 weeks early. She has been a part of so many births that she was able to share many things that aren’t necessarily in the books, which was invaluable. With the class and throughout our engagement, she helped me manage any anxiety I had by reassuring me and letting me know what was normal and when I may want to ask more questions. During labor, she was intuitive and quickly figured out my style and what I needed to be as comfortable as possible. Also, I had assumed doulas would only be in favor of natural births, but I found Jill supportive of any birth plans and not judgmental if you don’t plan to go natural or if your plan changes along the way, like mine did. I had expected to feel guilty for getting an epidural, but I think a primary reason I did not feel any guilt is because Jill was so supportive and informed me that the induction caused particularly rougher contractions that normal. Another asset stemming from Jill’s years of experience is that she has a vast network of medical professionals to recommend when additional support is needed, such as lactation specialists, pediatricians, acupuncturists, chiropractors, etc. All in all, I’m so thankful to have had Jill beside me during this journey, and she has my highest recommendation. Just be aware that you may cry at the conclusion of your time together...

Joe Botkin

1/8/2020

From a dad’s perspective… WOW!  I don’t even know where to begin with how to explain how amazing it was having Jill there to help guide us throughout this amazingly wonderful and terrifying experience.  To all the dads out there, having a doula like Jill will make your life so much easier when your partner is delivering your baby.  Jill made it so I could concentrate on supporting and encouraging my wife so that I didn’t have to worry about a lot of the other stuff.  The moment I fully realized the benefit of having Jill with us in the hospital was when something happened and Jill asked me to get the nurse to update them.  If Jill was not in the room with us it would have been just my wife and I.  There is no way that I would have known to go get a nurse and that was one of the scarier thoughts that I had.  I remember looking at my wife and saying “I’m so glad that Jill is here” with a slightly terrified look on my face.  Jill thought of everything and prepared me so well for helping my wife deliver our son.  She is such a calming presence that you can’t help but stay calm and positive during the delivery.  It was such an amazing experience that I honestly don’t know why we would ever not have her for any future pregnancies.

If you are contemplating getting a doula, take it from a pre-natal Chiropractor and new dad to just do it.  You absolutely will not regret it, especially if it is Jill.  She is like part of our family and will be one of the first people that we call when we get pregnant again.

Brittany & Jason Z.

12/16/2019

I truly feel a higher power sent an angel to us in the form of Jill. After some unfortunate events with the first draft of our birth plan we were in search of help and we, thankfully, stumbled upon Doula Baby! via google search. Jill was unbelievably quick to respond and schedule a time to meet to see how she could help us. I have never met a more compassionate and caring person. Jill listened to all of our concerns and answered as many questions as she could; if she couldn’t answer a question she called upon her many, knowledgable resources in the Castle Rock and surrounding areas. Even though our birth experience had its own crazy agenda and Jill was unable to attend our birth, she was still there providing us with invaluable knowledge and support. If you are thinking about having doula support, Jill is hands down someone you want to meet and include in your birth plan - you will be so glad you did.

Sarah

10/21/2019

This was my first experience with a Doula. I was a photographer for this birth, and as an outsider looking in, it was hard to imagine Jill NOT being there. She was such a calm and encouraging presence for both the mom and dad. She was a voice for the mom during the hardest parts of labor, and managed to know exactly what she needed in each intense moment. It was very evident how much Jill cared for this couple. It was incredible to witness such compassion and support. 

Sara B

10/5/2019

I hired Jill around 3 months of pregnancy. She replied immediately and was so reassuring during our initial consultation via phone. It felt like I was talking to an older sister and I knew she would become a vital role during my pregnancy. My first pregnancy was extremely difficult and the labor and delivery didn't go as planned. My second pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I was anxious, nervous and excited all wrapped up in one package and Jill was able to keep me focused throughout the pregnancy.

I ended up being almost two weeks past our due date and Jill checked in every day, sometimes multiple times a day. She helped us when we were going through prodromal labor, gave advice and recommendations on what to do to possibly help move things along and was overall, a positive light while I was really miserable at almost 42 weeks pregnant. I ended up being induced and that was one of my biggest fears as my first labor and delivery was also induced and was a less than great experience. Jill helped my husband and I through a really intense, extremely quick labor that was pitocin induced and completely un-medicated. I absolutely love my second labor and delivery experience and I believe Jill played a vital role keeping me grounded and delivering a second boy into our family. I would absolutely recommend Jill in a heartbeat.

Jenelle Harrison

9/3/2019

Sierra Sustrich

8/14/2019

As soon as I became pregnant, I knew I wanted a completely natural delivery. I hired Jill based on a phone call and a vibe. That first call made it clear that she had the experience and the right attitude to support me. She has the unique ability to be informative without being clinical and put a person instantly at ease. From being accessible for the questions, funny stories, and inevitable "awkward moments" of pregnancy to being a critical pillar of support during labor and delivery, hiring Jill was one of the best decisions I could have made.

My labor was long and intense (26 hours with 4 hours of pushing!), but was still everything I could have hoped for. Jill was on the road to me within 15 minutes of receiving my 4AM call that my water had broken. As soon as she arrived, she was by my side for the entire process. Her techniques were extremely helpful, but I think her greatest asset was her ability to be steady and calm no matter how chaotic everything else felt. After 1, 2, 3 hours of pushing, when I'd say “I have nothing else to give,” I'd look up and see her unchanging face and every time she would look me in the eyes and say, “Yes you do.” There was never a moment at which I felt like she doubted me or my ability to see my delivery through in the way I had envisioned it.

After it was all over and our baby boy was in my arms, my husband also admitted his great relief at having Jill there with us. “That was nothing like the movies,” he said. “I am so glad she was here. I would have been so clueless at how to help you.”

If I had to sum it up, I'd say that having Jill by my side was like having the comfort of my mom being in the room without the stress of my mom being in the room. I would do the entire process over again in a heartbeat, and hiring Jill would be the first thing on my list.

Lea Mueller

7/14/2019

I am so happy that Jill was my doula!  First of all I felt comfortable with her right away, even from the very beginning when we were only chatting via text messages before we had an official phone conversation.  She is someone I felt instantly at ease with, knowing she was there for me.  And I feel she was crucial to me in being able to have the birth I wanted.  Coming from my first birth experience where I felt my power was stripped away, she was there to support me in reclaiming my power for my second birth.  I was able to have an unmedicated VBAC.  I had a lot of anxieties during my pregnancy and while heading into this birth.  Jill helped me to work through those anxieties and just knowing she was on my side gave me confidence.  I am very thankful for her experience and comforting ways.  Love Jill, highly recommend her to be on your team!      

Meghan

7/9/2019

My husband and I had a wonderful experience working with Jill.  We contacted Jill when we were about 33 weeks pregnant with our first child.  We attended a birth class and both agreed that having a doula with us would hopefully reduce anxiety and stress and make the overall labor and delivery experience run a little more smoothly.... we were right! After meeting Jill, we both agreed that she had the demeanor and experience we were looking for in a doula.  Leading up to our daughter's birth, Jill regularly checked in and gave us suggestions on how to make the pregnancy a little more enjoyable.  Baby didn't arrive until almost two weeks post due date, and Jill listened to all of my venting, questions and complaining as I become more and more uncomfortable. In the hospital, Jill was available, ready and supportive.  She helped by suggesting new positions, massage, aromatherapy, etc while trying to manage the contraction pain.  When our labor didn't go as planned (because it never does), Jill helped us talk through options and figure out what we wanted moving forward.   Jill stayed with us throughout the labor and delivery (a long 40 hrs!), gave lots of encouragement as I pushed for 6 hours!, took photos after baby's birth, and came to see us a few weeks after delivery. The post- birth debrief on the baby's labor was suprisingly wonderful for my own processing of such a big event! Overall we loved the experience and will be using Jill whenever we have baby number 2! THANK YOU JILL!! 

Leah

7/6/2019

We loved having Jill as our doula! When we started to look for a doula I had a few concerns. As a physician, I was nervous that they would all be a little too “woo-woo” for us. However, Jill had a very reasonable and balanced approach to birth that jived well with us. I also worried that hiring a stranger to share one of the most intimate moments of our life might be awkward, but Jill was so easy to talk to and she quickly felt like a good friend. It became clear that she was the right person for us!

It was so great to have Jill’s support via text in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. She wanted to hear about all of our appointments and she answered all of my silly questions. I wish we had hired her sooner so I could have had that for the entire pregnancy! The day that I went into labor I was in tears because I wasn’t sure if it was the real thing or not (since I had had prodromal labor for a couple of days beforehand—so frustrating!) and I remember feeling such a relief as soon as Jill came to the house. Once she was there I didn’t have to worry or think anymore, I could just focus on getting through each of my contractions.

We ended up having exactly the labor and delivery that we had wanted—laboring at home for as long as possible, getting to the hospital at 8 cm, and delivering our baby a few short hours later without any medications or interventions. I know Jill can’t promise such an outcome for all of her clients but I do feel like she was critical in accomplishing it for us. She took some great photos of the birth (and even managed to get some of baby crowning while still respecting my request for “nothing graphic!”). I am so glad that we have them to look back on such a special day!

Melissa

6/8/2019

I really appreiciated having Jill as my doula. She was always available during my pregnancy for any questions I had. She came to visit with us and I felt very comfortable knowing she'd be there to help me through my first birth. When I went into labor she even beat my midwife to the hospital! I didn't have time for any medications, and Jill talked me through the whole way. I also appreciate her taking some photos for us. After we were home for awhile she came for another visit to just talk everything through and check up on us which was really nice. I will recommend Jill to anyone I know having a baby!

Priscilla Smith

6/2/2019

Jill was instrumental in my successful VBAC - it would not have happened without her support. She worked hard providing counter pressure during each contraction for hours. Her quiet presence during that time helped me to stay calm and focused. Once I chose to receive an epidural, she stayed by my side and helped me get through hours of waiting until I fully dilated. She helped my husband and I stay positive and allow my body time to dilate. My husband was able to use the bathroom and get food for himself without leaving me alone, which made the labor experience more enjoyable for both of us. She is a true professional and worked closely with the nursing staff in a respectful manner. Jill was a fantastic support to myself and my husband and I would highly recommend her!

Gaby P.

3/28/2019

I can’t speak highly enough about Jill as a Doula. She is truly amazing, in the midst of chaos, she is calm and nurturing. She hands down, made my labor and delivery so much better. I’d hire her 100x over again!!

Steve Schrader

3/18/2019

Honestly when my wife first asked me if we could hire a doula I wanted to tell her no. Babies are already expensive and all my brain saw was more $$$$ dollar signs stacking up. Still I was not the one who was going to have to be pushing a baby out so I let my wife have what she wanted. And boy am I glad that I did. We first met Jill when she came to our house to meet with us. We discussed our birth plan and my wife got to communicate her wishes with Jill, who understood them. There was talk of birthing styles, midwives, pain relief options, most of it over my head. We met with Jill one more time near our due date but she was always available for questions whenever my wife had them.

As I was putting our first child to bed on New Year's Eve eve my wife let me know that the real contractions had started. We were about a week past our due date by this and generally tired and grouchy. Jill responded quickly and showed up at our house around 10:00pm. She quickly had my wife finding positions that were comfortable, coached her through breathing with the contractions, and had me focused on what I could do (most of which was staying out of the way). Honestly I was a mess, and I am sure that without Jill there I would have been panicking. Jill worked with my wife at home for several hours at our house and when she felt it was time we left for the hospital. She stayed with us the whole way, always coaching my wife through the contractions and she was on top of the staff in this hospital. She know what questions to ask, who to call, and most importantly how to communicate effectively with the hospital staff to match my wifes needs.

My wife gave birth naturally 8 hours after starting labor with no major issues or hiccups and I believe that Jill was a major part of that. She brought a sense of calm and positivity to labor and made sure that my wife was taken care of, to me that was priceless. I strongly recommend hiring Jill, trust me, it is worth it.

Kristen Johnson

1/31/2019

Jill is a wonderful and compassionate doula! Leading up to labor, Jill took the time to get to know our preferences and wishes, which she fully embraced and implemented. She was accessible day or night to answer any questions, and she checked in regularly as my due date approached. When I went into labor in the middle of the night, Jill responded immediately, and she arrived at our home shortly thereafter. She immediately helped me feel more comfortable through my contractions, and she helped determine the appropriate time to head to the hospital. Jill's support and comfort completely took away all anxiety about childbirth for me. With her support, I had the peaceful, uncomplicated labor that I was hoping for. I highly recommend Jill for anyone looking for a loving, knowledgeable doula!

Claire Hoffmann

12/6/2018

I recently shared with a few of my girlfriends that giving birth was the best day of my life. They looked at me confused and said that most people dont treasure giving birth but more the after math but I can genuinely say that its my favorite life memory and Jill was paramount in creating it. After watching what I percieved as a coerced birth I decided that I wanted a midwife and subsequently a doula. My hubby didnt see the point and up until wk 37 I wasnt convinced but my gut said DO IT. Jill would text me every day leading up to my due date and post DD as I ended up being 6 days overdue. The morning of, the daily text came in around 730am as I was trying to determine whether my water had broken or if it was just an uptick in the normal pregnancy leakage. Jill suggested she head over to my house and just 'hang out' and we could devise a plan to get labor started. We sat in the kitchen sipping lattes as things progressed. I hadn'notice but Jill was always within feet of me keeping watch on my movements and demeanor. Within 3 hrs the cramping had become more noticeable so Jill suggested a bath or shower and that kicked things into overdrive. As contractions grew, Jill would apply heat and counter pressure to help ease the pain. By 1130am  I was no longer able to speak during each contraction; my midwife suggested we head into the hospital to which I responded "but what if I am a baby and I am only at 2 centimeters". Jill calmly responded "but what if you're not". The final 20 minutes were a blurry chaos and Jill was right by my side. I thought I had lost all control and peed my pants (most likely the last of my waters breaking) and Jill was there on her hands and knees wiping up after me as she helped me out the door. Intuitively Jill called the midwife on my behalf and let her know that things were close! We arrived at 1255 pm. Jill remained by my side holding my leg as I pushed my daughter into this world by 1:39 pm.  It was Perfect!

BrieAnn Fast

12/3/2018

Jill was extremely helpful in the birth of our first baby! I knew i wanted to have a doula who would be an advocate for the type of brith we wanted while delivering. As with all births, ours didn't go accordingly to 'plan,' however, Jill was by our side through the entire 30+ hours of labor and was truly invaluable. She helped me with pain management during the labor and gave me the confidence and tools I needed to finally deliver our baby - nine pushes and he was out! I absolutley recommend Jill if you're looking for a doula.

Kathleen Irvine

8/25/2018

My husband and I weren't sure whether or not we wanted a doula.  Jill came highly recommended so we decided to first take the childbirth classes with her.  After the first session we signed her up as our doula and i'm so glad we did.  First, during the child birth classes, Jill was honest about what to expect and the different outcomes that may or may not transpire.  I wanted to try natural but was open to other possibilities and she let me know what each of those options were!  She helped me create a birth plan- even if I didn't write it down- and the classes helped her know my preferences without pressure to choose specific options. This is our first pregnancy and Jill make us feel as prepared as possible.

As is typical, Labor didn't go at all as expected.  I did get my natural birth, but the steps taken to it were not at all what I wished.  Luckily, through the classes and phone calls (and later in person) Jill helped my husband and I know what options we may have and what fit with what we discussed during class.  I also highly appreciated Jill being there as my husband and I arrived at the hospital around 4am- under rather dramatic conditions- and we didn't see the Doctor until 10:30am.  Had she not been there, I would have been freaking out.  The day nurses also proved to be slightly useless- especially when my body started spontaneous pushing- and it was Jill who pointed out to them what was happening and made sure the Dr. was called to actually catch my baby!

When I initially hired Jill I expected her to be there to help with labor positions and coach me through contractions.  While she was helpful for that, my labor had limiting factors and I was mostly tied to the bed.  That said, her presence and experience ended up being just as vital and necessary to the progression of my labor.  Whatever outcome you might have, Jill can help you through it!

Catherine Falbo

8/23/2018

Jill is a wonderful doula with a calm caring nature that can help you through any situation you are likely to encounter. She was there for us throughout the entire process, from developing a birth plan, to delivering our son, and even afterward when she visited us at home to check-in. She has a wealth of experience which showed with every interaction we had. When she arrived on the big day, I was so relieved. She helped me through each contraction, got me into positions to move things along, talked me through my options and even cut the umbilical cord! We are so thankful for her help and recommend her with the utmost confidence to any soon-to-be parents.

Sarah Bay

7/17/2018

It was an absoulte pleasure to work with Jill for the birth of our second daughter! I felt like Jill knew just what to do in every situation without me having to say anything!

My pregnany was uneventful until week 34 and then it got exciting. Our baby was diagnosed as IUGR at week 34 and we were told that I would be induced on or before 37 weeks. Jill was by my side the entire time. She stayed in constant contact and up to date with all my doctors visits throughout the pregnancy and then more so after the diagnosis of IUGR.

Just to make things more exciting; At 36 weeks and 5 days 1 day before I was going to be induced, I experienced false labor. Jill dropped everything she was doing and drove all the way from Castle Rock to Layfette at 5PM in rush hour traffic. She even offered to pick my 5 year old up from day camp. So awesome!

When in came to the real deal at 37 weeks, my husband and I checked in to the hospital for the induction and Jill met us there. I really wanted to experience a natural birth the second time around but I was being induced and having my water broken manually. I knew how hard and long labor could be from my first daughter/birth. Jill helped me manage the pain, anxiety and fear. Baby Scarlett was born naturally with fentanyl and nitrous oxide within 8 hours.

I honestly could not have done it without Jill. There were several times I almost gave up but Jill kept me going strong. I strongly recommend Jill!

Jennifer House

6/14/2018

Jill was incredibly helpful and suppportive throughout the pregnancy and birth. It was SO nice to have someone on hand that I could regularly text with questions. I had lots of prodromal labor for several weeks. Jill patiently helped me wait to see if they continue and was supportive through many false alarms. When the day finally did arrive she helped us think through what some of the options might be that would be presented to us, specifically whether or not I would want my water broken to help encourage the labor along. It was valuable to have talked through that prior to getting in the room with the providers so my husband and I could be on the same page. Jill was so supportive with words of encouragement throughout my contractions. I really felt like a super-star because of her encouragement. We were very appreciative of Jill's presence throughout the labor, and we were able to have a successfully unmedicated delivery!

Anna Johnson

3/22/2018

Jill is fantastic!!  My husband and I cannot say enough great things about her!!  We hired Jill after my husband was in a ski accident that left him in crutches.  We were on the fence about needing a doula but thought we could certainly use the help given our new circumstances.  We hired her when I was already 36 weeks along.  After a great phone interview, we hired her right away!  Her personality is fun, kind, and she is incredibly knowledgeable!

I ended up needing a scheduled induction for high BP and Jill was right by our side from the time we arrived at the hospital through an hour or so after birth.  I back labored the entire time and Jill was an incredible asset!  She knew what positions to try and what techniques could be done to help me manage the pain.  Ultimately, after 18 hours, I opted for an epidural which was the right choice for me once I hit 8cm.  Jill was incredibly supportive once I made the decision as she knew I hit my limit.

Jill worked amazingly with my Midwife group and all the nurses.  She will support and advocate for you but doesn't overstep with the medical staff.  She can help you explore and understand all your options while helping you make the best decisions for you and the birth experience you want.  My husband and I both feel great about the birth experience we had and we know it wouldn't have been anywhere near as wonderful without Jill!

Azar Kohzadi

1/14/2018

What a seemingly impossible task it is to choose just the right person, whom you’ve never met before, to attend one of the most important days of your life in such an intimate role! For this reason, finding the right doula is an incredibly daunting task. However, I was blessed to have found Jill, someone who instantly felt like an old friend, and who over time, became a most incredible mentor and compassionate advocate. Just as is the case for so many, my birth did not go as I hoped or anticipated, and it presented numerous complications. In short, it was absurdly long and tough. Through every step of the way, however, Jill was by my side providing everything from health advice to unprecedented emotional support. She not only was resolute in standing in solidarity with my choices, but she helped have the voices of both my partner and I heard when we had grown quite weary. Also, Jill has a way of putting everyone around her at ease, of speaking honestly and clearly, especially in moments that can become clouded with the drama or uncertainty of a moment. And she’s smart, confident, experienced and warm, all at once. She’s precisely whom you need when you are undergoing a most exhilarating and colossal life event and need it balanced with a steady and confident force.

Tamara Killian

1/4/2018

We recently hired Jill as our doula for the birth of our second daughter and we were so very happy that we did! From the time we met Jill we found her to be very involved. She communciated with us on a very regular basis and wanted to know how all my prenatal appointments went. I had some complications towards the end of my pregnancy and she was very supportive and helped me cope with some of my feelings and fears. At the time of our birth she arrived to the hospital and I felt such a sense of relief when she walked in the door. She was amazing throughout my labor, talking me through contractions, helping me with positioning, breathing, and being a centered and calm presence for both myself and my husband. She even gave me a foot massage with essential oils, which was a very special treat! I was able to stay calm and work my way through many contractions because of Jill's awesome assistance. She stayed with us for quite some time after our baby girl was born and when it came time for her to leave we both had tears in our eyes. Having her with us during this special time in our lives was exactly what we needed and I couldn't imagine our labor without Jill. She feels like a special kind of friend - almost like a mother or a very supportive sister to me. We consider her a friend to our family and we're so very grateful that we met her! She's a wonderful doula and a wonderful person. Thank you, Jill!!

Nancy Truong

11/13/2017

Words cannot express how thankful we are to have found Jill. Her calm presence was reassuring and she helped guide me thorugh every contraction and stage of labor. My husband was on the fence initially about hiring a doula, but after our experience he would recommend it to everyone. He was able to focus on our 7 year old son while Jill focused on me. Having a doula was like having a girlfriend that knew exactly what you were going through and comforting you along the way. There were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel, like the moment when the nurse anesthetist came in and told me that I should just get the epidural. Jill knew how important having an unmedicated birth was for me, she helped me find the confidence and strength to push through. In the end we reached our goal of having an unmedicated VBAC. The experience was so amazing and beautiful, and it helped me come to terms with my first son's traumatizing birth. I 100% could not have done this without her. Jill you are amazing, thank you for everything!

Nichole Hardy Swann

9/26/2017

I hired Jill around my 30 week date. We live in Colorado and all of our family is back in Georgia. I was worried about my children and needed to know my husband would be able to take care of them if I suddenly went into labor. But I also wanted to be supported during this process. Jill provided that peace of mind for us. As baby #3's due date approached, doctors became more concerned about the growth rate. Baby was small. Jill stayed on top of my appointments, asked for information, and supported me with my real fears I sometimes heistated to share with others. I wanted so badly to have a natural birth, something I was unable to do in my previous labors. I told Jill I thought anything less than a natural birth would be a failure. Our doctor scheduled an induction due to concerns for the baby. Jill was there and such a supportive influence. She provided pain relief, walked with me, listened, distracted me, and allowed my husband and I the time and space to speak to each other about issues that arose in our labor. She even managed to win over my mother, which is no small feat. In the end, I opted for an eidural, which was the right decision given I had another 12 hours of labor in the end. A 29 hour labor was not what I anticipated, but Jill was there for me in a way I cannot express how much I appreciate. She listened, supported my decisions, and reminded me of my goals. She became family during this process. I absolutely love her and cherish our good work together. I will never forget she was there when my husband announce we had a GIRL! Jill saying, "I knew it" and crying tears of joy with us all. Thank you Jill. You are an absolute blessing and treasure. This birth was such a special experience and you are such a large part of that reason. I cannot imagine this process without you.

Jeanne Doyle

7/27/2017

Deciding to work with Jill as my doula was the best choice I made regarding my childbirth.

I will start out by explaining my background. I am in my early 30's and I had my first baby in May 2017. I always knew I wanted to have my baby in a hospital with a midwife. The decision to have a doula always made sense to me because although I am a healthcare provider and have seen several childbirths, I knew that experiencing childbirth would be a completely different and even scary experience for me.  I interviewed a couple of other doulas in addition to Jill and I knew right away that she was the best match for me, not only because of her vast experience, but because of her calm, practical, and down-to-earth nature. I immediately appreciated her openness to whatever intervention I may have ended up deciding to pursue.

Jill was so great during the course of my pregnancy as she would send emails to check in on me and see how I was feeling and how my prenatal visits went.  She was always very reachable via text message and email.

Jill was one of the first people I contacted when my water broke two and a half weeks early. She was very attentive and checked in on me periodically via text messages. Even 12 hours afterwards and still no contractions, she came to my house and worked with me to try to make the contractions begin before we went to the hospital.

During my childbirth, Jill was amazingly professional yet caring and reassuring. Without her, I cannot even imagine what the experience would have been like. She was always there by my side and helped guide my sleepy husband through the process. Even with me almost needing a c-section, she did nothing but reassure me and explain things.

I absolutely love the pictures she took of us and our son after he was born. It is the small things that Jill did for us that really created the perfect birth experience. I'm so thankful for Jill!

Erin

4/7/2017

Erin

4/7/2017

Kayla Bohn

12/2/2016

Choosing Jill as our birth doula was the best decision my husband and I have ever made. We met Jill when I was about 15 weeks pregnant. We hit it off from the very beginning. She made it very clear that she wanted the very best for us and that our choices and wishes were of the up most importance to her. From then, she strove to construct and guide us in developing a birth plan, teaching us our childbirth class, and always being available anytime we had a question or concern. I developed colestasis at about 31 weeks which changed my due date to deliver at 37 weeks. Jill made sure that her calendar would be cleared and she would be there for us. In fact, when I developed this diagnosis, Jill used all of her resources to educate herself as best she could on the condition, in order to help us and give us more information on what we could expect. I have never seen a person go so far above and beyond. I had to go in for NST's twice a week for about 5 weeks and she would remember pretty much every appointment I had and always wanted to make sure I was ok and that everything was on track. She played such an active role throughout my entire pregnancy.

Jill was with us throughout the entire labor (even the night before when i was admitted). She waited with us at the ER and made sure we were comfortable and not too scared. My labor ended up being very rapid in the beginning and Jill was there to provide emotional and physical support with every single contraction. I really don't know what I would have done without her. She guided my husband on how to help me as well and coached him through the whole labor. I pushed for 3 hours and she was by my side the entire time.

It's very apparent that Jill loves what she does and that this is her passion. She will always have a special place in my heart! Giving birth to my daughter was the best day of my life and Jill was a big reason as to why it was so incredible and memorable! Such a great experience!

Dani Hunt

12/1/2013

I met Jill when the company I worked for aquired the company she worked for. She came over to learn more about the systems we use, and I told her I was 20 or so weeks along. We got to talking and she offered to do our classes for us. A short time later I went to a baby shower event at the hospital where I was to deliver and talked to a doula there. I didn't feel that this doula was a match for me but liked what a doula stood for. So I asked Jill if she would be interested in being our doula. From our very first class I knew Jill would make sure I would get the birth as close to what I wanted as possible. She asked me what I wanted and that was it. Never once did she push her views of anything on me. She answered any crazy question I had.

The day of our last classs my water broke at 3:00 am. She answered the phone right away and answered all my husband's and my questions. She put us at ease right away about the situation. She did have to work her other job that day but was available by text and phone through out the day and came right over after she got off. She stayed the entire night with us and really helped me stay calm through the whole thing. She keep our family updated in the waiting room and helped calm our nerves when things weren't moving along as fast as they should have. We were told twice that we might have to have a c-section which is something I really did not want. Her knowlege of everything going on was helpful and we ended up with a vaginal delievery 24 hours after my water broker. She took pictures for us and make sure I was taken care of with the repair and a bit after and then let us have our time together as a new family of 3.  I really don't think my birth experience would have been the same with out her and for that I am greatful. I truely think I would have ended up with a c-section with out her.

Joyce Muratsuchi

11/26/2013

From the moment we met Jill, I felt that I could trust her. She has a calm and competent disposition and is super easy to feel at ease with. Jill knew how to help us with our birth in a way where she was present at all the right times and encouraged my husband’s coaching in a perfect balance. She was indispensable in helping me manage my pain naturally and therefore letting me have the best childbirth experience imaginable. When I had issues after the birth, I reached out to her and she helped me get through some rough patches. She’s like talking to a friend but who has all the knowledge needed to give sound advice during this important time in my life when major decisions had to be made. I thank Jill from the bottom of my heart for giving me a childbirth which was supported, informed, and one which I am very happy with the outcome. I am at peace with my childbirth experience and owe it all to Jill!

Jill Rulis

10/29/2013

My recommendation for Jill comes without even having her present for the birth of my son.  I went in to preterm labor at 32 weeks just a few days after Jill had met my husband and I.  She was on-call for my husband as we were in a whirlwind of possible outcomes with a million questions.  She answered phone calls and texts quickly, allowing us to be informed while our emotions were trying to take over.  Luckily I did not give birth at 32 weeks, but just two short weeks later, I was having contractions and heading to the hospital.  Again, Jill was available to answer questions, and even though she was going to be in a wedding the next day was willing to come to the hospital and stay with us as long as she could...right up to her hair appointment!  It turned out my baby was breech and I needed an emergency c-section, but that didn't stop Jill from joining us in the recovery room to provide support, relief for my husband to take a break, and answer more questions.  Jill continued to be available after the birth of my son via text and phone calls.  From the very first meeting Jill was warm, informative, and open - just what I was looking for in a doula!  As you are looking for a doula, know that Jill is not a one-track minded doula, she will be there for you in whatever way she can and you want her to be, for whatever your birth story ends up being.

Kelly Noble Mirabella

5/20/2013

Hiring Jill was one of the single best decisions in my birth plan that I made. Initially I decided to hire a doula to help my husband support me through my first birth. I knew he would be freaked out but would want to help and Jill would be the piece of the puzzle we needed to make the experience easier for him, plus have essentially an advocate on our side through the whole process. Little did I know that Jill would be an asset I could not live without come the big day. The birth of my daughter lasted 38 excruciating hours. My body was reacting as if I was dilated 7 or 8 but I was barley a 2. I was in so much pain that I welcomed the epidural when it was administrated. My daughter moved positions half way through the labor and I went into back labor which the epidural did not help much with. There was so much going on from my daughter moving positions to the pain to the difficulty getting her out that if it was not for Jill I just know we would have ended up in a c-section. Jill helped me through the pain, was constantly by my side with words of encouragement and I just remember when we were getting to the last push and I was totally out of energy, and they were one try away from c-section I looked at Jill and she told me she knew I could do it and I had the strength! With everything left in me and with my husband and Jill by my side we welcomed my little girl into the world! I can not thank Jill enough for her strength, kindness and guidance. I know that when we are ready to have another baby Jill will be the first person we will call. Not only were we impressed by her but even our doctor told us that he was impressed with her and enjoyed working with her. You don’t hear doctors saying that very often so you know she is amazing to work with on all fronts. I suggest everyone hire a doula and not just any doula but the best there is...Jill Wilkey.

Jennifer Daw

5/1/2013

We found Jill through Doula Match and couldn't have been happier!  We interviewed several doulas by phone and in person.  We chose Jill because we felt very comfortable with her - she is extremely knowledgeable and easy to get along with, two qualities that were very important to us.

Jill provided us with birthing classes and was an ongoing support during pregnancy when we had questions.  She is an excellent resource and if she didn't know the answer was always willing to look into it and get back with you.

My birth experience could not have been better and I credit Jill for that!  I was able to labor at home and have a completely natural birth, only needing to be in the hospital for a few hours.  I had the utmost confidence in Jill throughout the process, which helped me to relax and allow labor to happen on its own.  I have wonderful memories of the labor and birth of my daughter and am so grateful for that.

Jill was with us every step of the way and even continues to check in now.  She genuinely cares about her work and her clients and it shows.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jill and definitely want her as our doula if we have more children!

Ashley Hoffman

2/6/2013

I am so glad I chose Jill to help me deliver my first baby. I decided I wanted a doula because I felt overwhelmed by all the questions swirling around in my head, as well as the huge amount of information available. I didn't know how to sort out what was important for me to know, what was myth, and what was just plain extraneous information. I also didn't feel comfortable calling my doctor with every little question that popped into my head. In researching doulas, however, I found many opinionated women who seemed to want to enforce their own agenda on the women who hired them. I was pretty sure I wanted pain medication, but I was hoping for the extra support and knowledge a doula could offer (without the pressure to carry out my birth in one particular way).

Jill made me feel comfortable contacting her anytime with questions or worries. She was completely nonjudgmental throughout the process, and supported the decisions my husband and I had made. She took the time to get to know us so that she could help us make the birth experience as close as possible to what we were hoping for.

Delivering my daughter was an amazing experience. Jill was there for me every step of the way, even though her family went on vacation right when I went into labor. She explained to me everything that was going on, which allowed me to be aware and unafraid through the process. There was so much love in that delivery room when Lyra arrived, and Jill was a huge part of making that possible. Thank you from all of us, Jill!

Nicole Tonkovich

9/24/2012

 About a month ago my daughter gave birth to her first child. Any woman’s first experience with child-bearing and birthing is likely to include periods of anxiety, and, in the age of electronic access, this anxiety is likely to be heightened rather than lessened by the overwhelming amount of misleading information that’s available on the web. Fortunately, my daughter and her husband engaged Jill Wilkey as their doula, and from an early period in the pregnancy, Jill was there, in person and on the phone, to answer any questions that arose and to quell any anxieties. Unlike the too-readily available information on the net, Jill’s answers are grounded in her training and in her experience.

I had the good fortune to meet Jill in person during the delivery of my granddaughter. She was by my daughter’s side from the onset of labor in the wee hours of the morning, through a long day and into the evening. She offered comfort, wisdom, calming words, physical relief, and constant and calm companionship during those long hours. Her first priority was, of course, the comfort of my laboring daughter and her husband, but she also found time to keep those of us who were awaiting the delivery informed of the progress of the labor and to reassure us that all was going well.

I want to emphasize Jill’s gift of listening to her clients and of tailoring her advice to their wishes and needs. She does not push her clients into procedures and regimens that she herself advocates, but gives them full information and lets them make decisions relating to this most intimate and most important event. I recommend her with the greatest enthusiasm to anyone seeking wise, calm, and informed support during a pregnancy and delivery.

Jamie

8/18/2012

Amanda Stevens

6/13/2012

 Jill was an amazing support during the birth of my daughter. It was my first pregnancy and therefore there were a lot of unknowns about the birthing process. My water broke two weeks early and when my husband called Jill to tell her of the early arrival she was at the hospital within a couple hours and never left my side. Jill enable me to advocate for myself and my birth experience with providing me with knowledge about what I could ask for from the medical providers. Jill kept me focused and comfortable through my labor and knew what I needed even before I would ask. The birth experience I had could not have been what it was if it was not for Jill and her support. I was able to have the natural child birth experience that I will never forget.  

Tracy Candelaria

8/24/2011

Jill assisted at the birth of my second son, a succesful unmedicated VBAC. My first son was born 4 weeks early by C-section under general anesthesia and I was determined to have a better experience this time, if at all possible (the circumstances surrounding my first son's birth were unavoidable, but unlikely to happen again). Jill's support was invaluable. My husband and I were both very comfortable with her and her assistance made everything from minor annoyances (a somewhat pushy doctor) to the hardest parts of labor easier to bear. Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions I made regarding this birth. Thank you Jill for helping me achieve the birth experience I was hoping for!

Trina Cisco

6/22/2011

My husband and I had Jill as our doula for both our children and have only great things to say about her. Even the nurses at Littleton Adventist Hosptial liked her.  She is there for you every step of the way, even before labor begins and certainly available for postpartum updates and staying connected after coming home from the hospital.  No matter what time of the day it is, Jill was there to answer any questions concerning birth, postpartum, delivery, hospital procedures for checking in and getting registered.  She keeps you very focused on how to breath, choosing the right technique during labor that best makes you comfortable(especially when doing a natural birth, which I did for both children).  Jill is very professional, patient, and willing to go the "the extra mile" for anything you need throughout your labor and delivery.  Not only is she great with the mother to be but also the father.  She really made my husband comfortable throughout the entire time of having both our children. 

Angela Herr

6/15/2011

A friend of mine strongly encouraged me to hire a doula for my birth. I was skeptical at first but then decided to go ahead and hire one. While looking for a doula I came across someone’s testimony of Jill that read “There is a special place in heaven for people like Jill Wilkey.” That always stuck with e and after my own birth experience, I totally agree! She loves what she does, she is passionate about her work, and she is very devoted to her clients. She was there to answer any questions I had. Towards the end of my pregnancy I had a lot of questions and concerns and I always felt very comfortable going to her. She was always there to bring me comfort and encouragement. She is very personable and I actually feel like we formed a friendship throughout the process. She made my birth about what my husband and I wanted and was supportive of our decisions. This was my first birth and it was very important to me that I did it naturally. I do not think I could have done it without her. She knew exactly what I needed during my labor, she was encouraging, gentle, and was really there to assist me in whatever I needed. I definitely will hire Ill again for my net birth.

Lindsey Goodwick

1/10/2011

Jill immediately responded to me when I wrote her inquiring about her services. We were right on the line of when she would be available since I was due around the holidays but she assured me that her back-ups were just as stellar. We got to talking right off the bat and I could tell that we just vibed. She was very down-to-earth and made it clear that she would be available to me anytime for any questions or concerns.

One of the best things about Jill is her willingness to educate. She offered us personal childbirth classes, something we were dreading to do since we lived so far away from any place that offered them and didn’t want to be the few among the many in a classroom. The first one, she came to our house in the mountains on a cold, snowy night and we had an intimate opportunity to talk about what to expect.

Although I desired a natural childbirth, it was only my optimal choice. I understood that anything could happen and she helped us understand the other possibilities that lay ahead. When it did come down to D-day, I ended up having a cesarean. But Jill was right by my side and reminded me that we had talked about this and it was all going to be okay. Jill had been there from the moment I arrived at the hospital and when all was said and done, she was hesitant to leave, it was like she part of the family now.

Layla Wren Fritz was born on January 6th, 2011 at 6:16pm. Jill was with me during my procedure holding my hand the whole time. I don’t think I could have had such a positive experience because of my unforeseen circumstances without the support she gave me. The care and love she gave my new family and me will never be forgotten. We were lucky to have her and still lucky to her as a friend.

Robert Daihl

6/14/2010

Having Jill as our Doula made the whole birthing process much less stress full and more enjoyable than it would have been, without her. Like most guys, I wanted to help my wife and do whatever I could to “fix” the situation, but one of my biggest fear was not knowing what to do or how to help. Jill provided support not only for my wife but for me as well. Providing ideas and suggestions on different positions to help with the contractions, getting water, ice chips and food allowing me to stay with my wife, and helping me keep the family that was in the waiting room up to date were just some of the things that Jill did to help.

Her professionalism and knowledge of, well lets face it guys, stuff we don’t know that much about really was able to put me at ease, which allowed me to support my wife more.

Afterwards when we were in our postpartum room, after 25 hours of labor with our new little girl I joked that I am going to add her to our Will, out of gratitude for Jill’s support.
 

Meghqan Throckmorton

5/11/2010

Chooising Jill as part of my support team was a great decision.  She was like my personal cheerleader, always on call with encouragement and helpful information.  I am a Type I Diabetic, so it was important to me to have people knowledgeable about my special circumstances helping me.  Jill took the time and made extra efforts to learn about pregnancy and diabetes.  She takes her job very seriously, and she responds to texts, calls, and emails very promptly and answers all questions thoroughly.

Her easygoing nature was a great bonus when I was feeling discouraged, and she has a knack for always seeing the bright side of things.   She is a great conversationalist, which was so helpful during the endless hours of labor.  When I ran into complications during labor, she made sure I knew what was going on and made informed decisions.  She was great at keeping me on track with my goals, even when it was tough, but she also rolled with the changes when I had to adjust my birth plan.  She made me feel like every choice I made was just the right one, and she kept me from feeling scared, confused, or uncertain.  In the end, with Jill's help, every moment of my birth story was exactly as it should be.

A doula is the one person who is there solely for the mom to be, and Jill takes this responsibility very seriously.  If you are looking for someone encouraging and positive, with a lot of knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, Jill is perfect.  She knows how to follow the lead of the mother, knowing when to soothe and when to be more upbeat.  My husband was grateful for her help, and all the medical staff thought she was incredible.  She can ease any worry, and she makes the birth experience the warm happy memory it should be.

Celine R.

3/13/2010

With the birth of our first child having a doula was so important for the whole labor and delivery. When we found out we were expecting number two we had just moved to Colorado and our immediate thought was finding a doula. When we first met Jill, her knowledge and love for ‘birth’ was beyond evident; we felt comfortable and safe working with her. It takes a very special person to be truly helpful and supportive during labor and Jill was just that. Jill was able to keep me calm, relaxed, and even more she helped my husband and I work as a team through each contraction. She was so helpful and hands-on (bringing warm compresses to place on my back and a birthing ball to sit on) during the whole experience and I cannot express how much she helped me go through labor. My plan was to labor at home as long as possible before going to the hospital, when we arrived at the hospital I was 100% dilated and ready to push. Jill was KEY to welcoming our little boy into our arms!!
…Jill, with your help we were able to have the birth we dreamed of. Thank you for sharing your knowledge throughout my pregnancy and being our rock during labor. Thank you!!
 

Alyssa Phelps

11/22/2009

When I met Jill there was such an instant connection that I decided to hire her right away even before meeting with any other doulas.  Not only did her views of labor and delivery match mine, but we got along on a personal level as well which made our experience much more fun and fulfilling.  Although my husband and I read up on quite a bit of pregnancy, labor, and post-partum topics, Jill was perfect for supplementing her knowledge and experience to enhance our experience.  She helped me create my birth plan and encouraged me to stick to it, but also supported me when my labor didn't go as we'd hoped and I had to change my plan.   What I loved most about Jill though is the way she got me so excited about my birth.  Before I hired her, my husband and I were a bit overwhelmed and wondered if we could do it all on our own, but after our meetings and labor classes I had never been so motivated.  Another amazing thing about Jill was how she brought my husband and I together during labor.  Rather than take over his job, she supported him which allowed us for one of the most amazing experiences between my husband and I.  I can't think of anyone more perfect to be a doula. 

Julie Witonsky

11/11/2009

I cannot express the level of gratitude I have for our doula, Jill Wilkey. If there are angels on earth, she truly is one of them. Throughout our whole birth experience, Jill was there for our family. I cannot begin to tell you how often I relied on her emotionally and physically throughout this whole process. This was our 4th baby and truly the best experience because I was able to rely on her experience, guidance, and pain management skills that I had not had in the past.  She knew exactly what to say and do through my pregnancy and the birth process. You cannot imagine the difference until you experience it.  I wanted so badly to go natural the entire experience. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond either of our control, I had to receive pain medication in the final phases of pushing. She knew all the pressure points, massage, the right positions, and appropriate measures to take at all times. She was absolutely positively my ROCK.   I contacted Jill on so many occasions, and she always got right back to me.  She made our final childbirth experience positive and beautiful in every way. I recommend Jill Wilky as your labor coach/doula. She will make a huge difference in your labor experience from start to finish. With the right support system, you can do anything you set your mind to. Best wishes to you and your family.  Blessings..   Julie Witonsky

Cerise VanLuven

9/9/2009

 When I first heard about Jill and what her role as a Doula  was, I was hesitant- thinking that I would be just fine delivering a baby on my own. I decided to talk with Jill and realized that her role was much more than just being there when it was time for the baby to be born.She was there for me from the time my water broke (at 2am) to the actual delivery of my baby (8:45 pm) and after to help with nursing him. Jill is very knowledgable and is an expert at what she does! I am so thankful to have had her help during my labor and delivery. She was supportive in my decision to labor without and epidural as long as I could and then have one when I decided that I wanted to. I know that had she not been with me, I would have chosen to get an epidural much sooner than I did which would have slowed the whole labor by confining me in bed. She was totally there with me for every contraction and was able to help me cope with the pain through various comfort measures that I wouldn't have thought of! Jill is such a blessing to my husband and I and helped make my birthing experience everything that I wanted it to be. Thank you Jill!!!

Stephanie Schaef

8/15/2009

My experience with Jill was wonderful. From beginning to end she was supportive, knowledgeable and engaged. She surpassed my expectations in so many ways. She was very resourceful and great with all my questions. If she didn't know the answer to something, she would research it and find out.

As far as the labor process went,she was very resourceful in helping me deal with my pain, she was empathetic and caring in a way that felt
comfortable and natural for her to be massaging me or helping me as I labored in a tub. During my labor there were a few things that came up, like giving me pitocin despite the fact my labor was progressing fine, that I was glad to have Jill in the room to help us understand why they wanted to do certain things. It can be hard during the process to take it all in and make rational decisions, but she was very respectful and informative. She did not make decisions for us, she just made sure we understood everything (sometimes they speak medical and it goes over your head) so we could decide what was best for us.

My biggest hesitation with having a doula was that I did not want it to replace the role that Steve, my husband, would play in my labor and delivery. He had worked hard at preparing-going to class, reading books..., and I really wanted the birth to be something we did together as a team. Jill was WONDERFUL at letting Steve take the lead. In some ways, she was more a coach for him than me. My husbands biggest concern was that there was so much to know and remember that he would not retain it all and be able to recall it when we needed it in the heat of the moment. It made him feel better to know that Jill was there and he could ask her or look to her if he needed to. 

I am VERY thankful for Jill. She was truly wonderful and I give her so much credit for the positive experience that was my first child delivery. I would most certainly hire her again!