Stacey C

3/8/2022

I always knew that I wanted to hire a doula when I was giving birth, partially because I wanted an advocate in a hospital setting and partially because my husband is very squeamish and I knew I needed someone there for me during that time. We interviewed a few doulas before finding Jo and I am so glad we chose to work with her. As a type A personality, I knew I needed someone to help me go with the flow and I ended up getting so much more.

The birth of my daughter was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am constantly nostalgic for that day - filled with knowledge, confidence and excitement without a shred of concern or worry that things weren't going to go perfectly. Frankly, I don't know many other people who have had such a positive birth experience, but I credit 100% of that to Jo Thelusma.

Jo was there through my entire pregnancy, providing education and support as I navigated through having hyperemesis gravidardum and not being able to fully enjoy the experience. Helping my husband and I prepare for the transition to parenthood was wonderful enough, but where Jo really shined was the actual labor and childbirth experience. She kept us calm through three days of early labor, asked the right questions while still instilling confidence in us, and made sure we were taking care of ourselves, all during a pandemic. Throughout our time in the hospital, she always ensured we understood our options and felt comfortable with what was happening. 

To top it all off, Jo took the most beautiful photos of the day, without us even noticing she was taking them. She captured the first moments with our child effortlessly, while still being fully present to ensure we were all thriving. 

I hope to work with Jo when we have our next child because I know, no matter what happens, she will help us create a positive experience we will look back on fondly for the rest of our lives.

Ashley M.

12/29/2021

For my husband and I, having a doula was about having support and advocacy during the birthing process. I'm a first-time mom and I didn't know what to expect, how many options I would have, or how to organize my thoughts and intentions once the day came. From our very first meeting, Jo was kind, organized, and a great listener. She gave us things to think about and addressed our fears and concerns all throughout the process. And, when I went into labor, Jo was not only a support to me but also to my husband- keeping in contact with him via text and ecouraging him to rest since the process was so long :) We can't recommend Jo enough and we're so grateful for her expertise!

Jasmine

8/12/2021

I'm a first time mother who delivered in spring 2021. The main reason I wanted a doula was to have someone help me advocate for my needs in a hospital setting & to feel empowered to make my own birth choices. Jo was the perfect fit for my family. My husband & I hired Jo for labor doula services & labor photography. She mostly supported me through phone/text/email/Zoom due to the pandemic but at the last minute (Iiterally when I was in labor at the hospital), she was able to provide in-person labor support! She was informed, kind, & generous with her time & her expertise (very  prompt in responding to emails/texts). She was particularly helpful in facilitating discussions between my husband & I about our unique concerns about labor & made both of us feel very listened to. I wanted someone who could discuss the scientific evidence about birth-related matters, & she was great at sending me a specific article or summarizing scientific findings. On a personal note, it was important for me to have a woman of color as my doula - as I am often the only person of color in many spaces, it was incredibly meaningful & reassuring for Jo to be there for me during my birth, especially during a difficult experience (including a rather sexist comment) from one of my doctors during my birth experience. Jo's support throughout helped me feel empowered to make my own choices & advocate for myself, including in discussing the incident with my OBGYN postpartum. Also, I cannot gush enough about the amazing documentary-style photos that she provided of my birth experience. Being able to be completely present during my labor experience & not worry about photos, while also having professional, tasteful, beautiful photos of moments, including those that I would otherwise not have seen (e.g., my son being weighed, my husband's first moments holding him when I was busy recovering post-birth) - I will treasure them for the rest of my life.

David Bloom

8/1/2021

We signed up with Joann in the middle of the COVID pandemic for support with our first baby. It was wonderful to have Jo as an unbiased ear as we figured out what we wanted for our pregnancy and birth journies. Our little girl was breech, and Jo helped us with the emotional processing of the decisions to try to turn her and ultimately have a C-section. Even though Jo couldn't come the hospital with us due to COVID restrictions, it was great to know she was there for support whenever needed. Jo was also an amazing help as we transitioned home from the hospital, helping us figure out how to get through the nights, and also taking a shift so we could sleep. I could not recommend her more highly.a

Alisha

7/27/2021

We absolutely loved working with Jo!

Hiring a doula during a pandemic for your first birth is slightly nerve wracking and confusing, but we are so glad we decided to work with Jo! We only got the chance to meet with Jo over video and email before the birth, but she made sure to learn about us, our needs, and our hopes for the birth and afterwards. When we met Jo in the delivery room, though it was a bit strange, it was like having an old friend coming into the room. She knew how to support both me as the birthing person and my partner. When my partner needed to take a break and get a snack but wouldn't leave my side, Jo said exactly what I would have and stayed by my side so they could take care of themselves for a minute. Jo was supportive and understanding all the way through. When I decided to change my birth plan after an exhaustive labor and get an epidural, she supported my partner who was unsure how to proceed and me through the mixed feelings I had about changing my plans. 

I could explain all the things she did to help us prepare for our birth, but I think what stood out to us about our work with Jo, is that she just understood us and helped us feel more comfortable throughout the process.

Sam manning

7/21/2021

Jo was our doula for the birth of our first child on November 10, 2020. Jo was such a great listener and provided so much support and experience from the day we first spoke with her. She listened carefully to my wife Katie's goals for her labor experience and asked helpful questions to guide our preparation. During labor she was steady and calm, supportive and flexible. Her wisdom and support gave us such value peace of mind, especially when things inevitably did not go exactly as planned. Would highly recommend working with Jo as your doula!

Lyn Allen

8/10/2020

Incredible experience from beginning to end. My husband and I reached out to Jo when hospitals began restricting doula support because of COVID. I was on the fence about having a doula at that point, but reached out to her just in case. We connected with her right away - from the welcome email to the times she would answer my questions in the middle of the night. She always used a really reassuring tone and made sure I was educated throughout my pregnancy. When we prepped for my labor, Jo offered 2 different birth plans - one with her there in-person and the other with her providing virtual support. Thankfully, my hospital allowed doulas back once my due date was a week away. It was amazing and such a relief to know I would have her support, but that she prepped me to do it on my own because she knew I could. Jo was exactly what we needed during the labor - quiet, kind, focused, and encouraging. She worked so well with my husband and stepped right in when he needed a break. Jo, I appreciate everything that you have done for my family. I am so happy I moved forward with you especially when everything was scary and uncertain. I couldn't have asked for a better doula and now, friend. Thank you. 

Cyré Coleman

2/21/2020

My family and I LOVED working with Joann. From the interviewing process onward, she was so thorough and very punctual. She made sure she answered every question, and was willing to have phone and face to face conversations to ensure that we were a good fit and comfortable enough to move forward and start working with each other.

She made me feel at ease as a first time mom by validating all of my question and concerns even when I thought they may have been silly. Each meeting, Joann broke down every aspect of what to expect during the pregnancy, labor, and recovery period and provided evidence based, non-biased info via reading materials and visuals for each. When creating my original labor plan, she provided the risks and benefits for each procedure and let me arrive at my own conclusion instead of swaying me with her opinion.

During labor she was a godsend. She arrived very quickly and was always there when I needed her. My labor plans changed drastically and last minute (a few times) and Joann was not judgemental and rather easy going about the changes and helped me remain positive when the changes were out of my control. She was also there to make sure I was being heard by hospital staff and my support team and that I was comfortable with each decision being made. My labor was VERY long but she made me feel it was ok to take my time and not rush along. Actually at times she was the most supportive and calm person in the room.

During my immediate recovery, she was able to capture the first few hours of my baby girl's life. This meant so much to me considering I was bed bound and didn't remember much of anything. Now, in my postpartum period, I can definitely count on her for support. I'm glad we had the opportunity to work with Joann. I appreciate all of her kind words, generosity, and support. If I decide to extend my family in the future, I will definitely work with her again! 

SM and LM

9/11/2019

I cannot imagine my birth experience without Joann there! My husband and I were expecting our first child and wanted to receive as much information as possible. We found Joann through an online doula database. What stood out to us was not only how professional/ beautiful her website was but her 6 main philosophies. Upon meeting Joann for the first time I really loved how attentive she was to my husband and I. Her demeanor alone made us comfortable. Going into my labor/delivery I had many fears and concerns about the unknown. Joann helped me to feel comfortable and confident in the fact that my body was "made to do this". Due to health reasons, the week before my due date I had to be induced. I went from being totally healthy to suddenly ill. The birth plan that I mapped out for months was completely thrown out the window (you can imagine how I felt!). Joann helped me to come to terms with the unexpected and focus on the important picture - my health and delivering a healthy baby. Joann was super respectful, supportive, understanding, self-less and loving throughout the process. I truly admire the way she not only helped me but my husband throughout the process. If it be the Lord's will for us to have another baby, we would definitely rehire Joann as our doula. I no longer consider Joann as just my doula but she's family! I couldn't have asked for anyone better. If you're looking for a doula who cares Joann is your girl! Thank you, Joann!