Bee

6/4/2022

Jessica is an angel. We interviewed several doulas and chose her as soon as we met her -- her soothing, gentle energy was just right for us. This turned out to be especially valuable when we had to transfer to the hospital rather than have the homebirth we'd intended. Jessica was calm, consistent, and comforting during the five days of prodromal labor at home, making helpful suggestions and supporting us throughout the long process. And her presence in the hospital was so vital -- especially as our midwife wasn't there -- to have someone who knew us, could advocate for us, could create a bit of the peaceful environment we'd hoped would welcome our son into this world. And her postpartum support was crucial, especially as she helped us process a birth experience that hadn't gone as we'd hoped. We're so grateful for her! 

Britt Michael

9/14/2018

I am so grateful Jessica is included in my sons birth story. My husband and I interviewed a few doulas before we found Jessica. We knew immediately she was the right fit! Jessica has a calm and assured presence, and is observant and an excellent listener. Jessica has a quiet authority while being unobtrusive. She is a true gift!

Jessica was an advocate for me and my birth. Her knowledge and experience were instrumental in my pregnancy and delivery.

During pregnancy, Jessica and I met several times to chat. It was an opportunity to ask her the hundreds of questions that I forgot in the OB’s office. She was available via text 24 hours a day (which worked excellent for my communication style).

My pregnancy was textbook “perfect” yet my delivery was different story. I was 12 days late (which isn’t unusually for a first child) and the doctor wanted to induce. Unfortunately neither the baby or I responded well to this. We ended up in an emergency cesarean section. To say it was emotional is an understatement. Yet Jessica was there. Her words of encouragement, her experience, her ability to be there just for my husband and I, was what I needed at the vulnerable time of giving birth. I love how she was in my corner and gave me permission to step back, just for a moment, to take a breath and remember why we were there. It was refreshing. While the medical staff was great, this was their “9-to-5”. For Jessica, this is her life passion.

After my son was born, she visited during my hospital stay and made at-home visits. We could have asked for additional postpartum assistance if we needed too as well. We found this comforting to know that if we needed extra help, we would have the continuity of someone who knew our whole journey.

I highly recommended Jessica as your Doula. I wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. It is a privilege to have Jessica included in your birth story.

Kelly Yarkosky

9/1/2018

Jessica was present for the birth of my fourth child in November of 2016. Jessica was a calming presence in the room. Throughout my labor, she advocated for me, helped me try new positions to labor in and was a great support for my husband as well. Jessica helped tend to my needs, as well as my husband by making sure that we were fed and comfortable. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge in labor and delivery. I was so thankful to have her calm and encouraging voice present as I brought my sweet baby girl into the world. If I were to have another baby, I would have Jessica present for support. I highly recommend her!

Hed M

12/15/2011

Jessica was an excellent doula for the birth of our daughter. Early on, my wife decided to attempt a natural childbirth and with no family in the area, we wanted to have a presence in the delivery room that would allow me, as the birth coach, to provide the best support I could. As a first time dad, it was slightly intimidating to be the primary support person for my wife during the childbirth, although we did not want a doula that would make my presence redundant. Jessica was the perfect choice for our birth, and she definitely enriched our experience.

From the beginning, Jessica made herself available to meet in person and answer all of our questions. We were in constant communication as the due date got closer, and when my wife went into labor, Jessica arrived at the hospital within an hour of our admittance and stayed there the entire night with us.

Throughout the labor process, Jessica’s demeanor was laid back and calming, and she offered useful recommendations (birth ball, music, candles) that aided in my wife’s comfort and worked seamlessly with the labor. She tailored her involvement in the process to how the labor was progressing and my confidence level with different techniques (breathing, helping the wife with squatting, etc.). We were also impressed with how helpful she was with the small things and Jessica’s attention to detail really made it a comfortable environment for my wife. Near the end, when it became a bit more intense, Jessica made some very effective recommendations for my wife’s birth position.

Overall, having Jessica as our doula gave me the confidence to support my wife and provide her with a positive childbirth experience.

Lacey Ehrenkranz

10/9/2011

 We liked Jessica from the start because she was very down to earth and chill.

During the pregnancy we met up a few times, talked or went for walks. Then near the end we were in daily contact. It was so great having her to ask all these questions. I would share with her what was happening with my body and she would let me know what it meant and what to do. She was very knowledgeable and I alleviated my nerves on a daily basis.

The day I went into labor we were in contact pretty much constantly. She met us at the Birthing Inn and came prepared with a whole bag of tricks and drinks and the whole shebang. Too bad my labor went so quickly we didn't get to use them! Although, the drinks came in very handy. I downed those Gatorades after I finished pushing that baby out.

Jessica was super great during labor. She was such a calming and peaceful presence. Not only did I appreciate all her help and soothing words and actions, but so did Bill. He definitely felt more at ease with her there. When we had to transfer to the hospital she was right there with us every step of the way. She stayed with us throughout labor and hung out with us in postpartum until we were ready to be on our own. She also came and checked in with us after we brought baby Judah home to go over everything and see if there was anything we needed.

When it comes time for baby number two, there will be no hesitation. Jessica will be our doula from day one (or, you know, week 4)!

Jamie Palin

1/27/2011

Jessica was a perfect choice for assisting in the birth of our first baby, Macy. Her calm, professional, supportive and knowledgeable demeanor were absolutely essential to the success of my plan for a natural, unmedicated birth. Her presence was just the right amount - not too much but not just background noise either. I can positively say that I would not have the positive memories without having had her involved in our special day.

Many, many thanks, Jessica!

Flora

5/11/2010

Jessica was our doula for both the birth of my daughter and my son.  She was wonderful during the birth and helped me have a natural, unmedicated birth for both of my children.  She met us at the birthcenter at the start of labor and stayed with us the entire time.  Before the birth, she met with my husband and I to review our birth plan with us.  She was also available after the birth with breastfeeding support.  I would definitely recommend her as a doula. 

Laura Delgadillo

4/29/2010

Jessica and I have been friends for years and I knew she was a Doula. I was excited to ask her to be my doula when the big day came. The wonderful thing was that Jessica was there for me even months before our daughter Sophia was born. 

Jessica knew that I wanted to go the natural route and she suggested a DVD called The Business of Being Born. This DVD was wonderful and was eye opening for me and took away some of the mystery of what labor was like. We spent time together discussing different positions and exersises to help move the labor along. She was always positive and kept me motivated and gave me tools I could use to help me get through the painful contractions. She also gave me a book to read called Spiritual Midwifery which was full of first hand testimonials from women about their child birthing experiences. My husband really appreciated how she asked him questions about how he was feeling about the upcoming birth and answered some questions he had.

Days before I started contractions Jessica came by my apartment with a bag full of popcicles and juice to keep me hydrated during my labor. Jessica's presence gave me reassurance and encouragement that I wasn't in this alone.  Her lovely smile and positive attitude were always welcome!

During my labor Jessica was an absolute help! Her presence made it possible for my husband to be at my side the whole time. If I needed the nurse she would go track her down. She encouraged my anxious husband to remain calm and focused. I do not know what we would have done without Jessica! I trusted her advice. She had her son naturally and knew how painful and difficult the process was.  Her suggestions were always helpful. The nurses were there for my physical health and Jessica was there for my emotional health.

I highly reccommend Jessica as a doula and I plan to request her help in the future!

Stacy Stevens

4/27/2010

 When I went into labour I was terrified.  I wanted someone (besides my husband) there immediately.  Jessica arrived at least an hour before the midwife did.  I called and she came right away.  She was a continual comfort to my husband and I throughout the whole process.  I really appreciated that she was able to find out what I needed and what my husband needed without taking the focus away from my labour; it never felt  like she was interrupting or asking me to focus on her.  It was as if she wasn't there, yet, without her there things would not have been so peaceful and smooth.  We felt the comfort of her presence and her experience as a doula was obvious; she knew exactly what I needed.  And, throughout the entire process, she was so encouraging and uplifting, and she never stressed me out or gave me reason to worry about anything at all.  Jessica was there for my first birth, and I had no clue what to expect or what I would ever want from a doula, but now that I know, I am so grateful that Jessica was my doula.  I would recommend her for anyone, especially for first-timers who are not sure whether or not they need a doula, because you will be so glad to have Jessica help take care of you and provide you with the peace and comfort that really makes a huge difference during the intense birthing experience.  

Christa Jennings

4/26/2010

I had an amazing experience with Jessica as my doula. Throughout my pregnancy she was able to recommend literature, sleeping positions and birth preparation exercises that would help me at different stages of pregnancy. When the time finally came, I had to be induced and for two days Jessica helped me with walking, exercises, breathing and an overall sense of calm. I cannot express how much she helped in getting me through a very difficult birthing process. Jessica has a gift in this area and I could not recommend her more. She did everything from feeding me ice chips to holding my hand during contractions to taking pictures as my daughter was born. Her immense knowledge of labor and delivery provides a quiet confidence that is exactly what a labor experience needs. I am so thankful for Jessica and will have her at my side at the birth of my next child.

Kehle Andrew

4/25/2010

My experience with Jessica as my doula could not have been any better. Prior to delivery, she had great and knowledgeable recommendations on documentaries, reading materials and positions to help me prepare. The moment I went into labor, she was the first to arrive at the hospital helping me get comfortable and directing the nursing staff to my every need.  Her experience with labor and delivery gives her an edge in the delivery room and I will forever be thankful for her services. Thanks Jessica!!