Neville and Eva

10/15/2023

Outstanding service from Jessica and worth every penny!

Jessica gave us loads of great advice from day 1 that went above and beyond other advice we had received from prenatal classes and our midwives. When it came to assisting with delivery, Jessica was right with us all the way from early labor through to delivery of our child. She helped us navigate some tricky spots in labour and supported both of us in such a big way. Afterwards she came to visit to check up on us and our brand new baby and has continued to be a huge source of support.

One thing I really appreciated about Jessica was her evidence-based, no-nonsense approach to birth support. Every single idea she came up with was backed with loads of evidence and data. We never felt as though her ideas were being pushed on us, more like she armed us with every single bit of helpful information she could.

You should hire Jessica if you are looking for a Doula =)

Johanna Wagstaffe

8/15/2023

Jessica was our doula for the birth of our second baby. We didn't have a doula for our first but she came so highly recommended by our midwives this time around.

I immediately clicked with her evidence-based research approach to offering options. But she is also so warm and compassionate. She gave me confidence, options and answers in the lead-up and the night of she was truly an integral part of the team for both my husband and I as well as the midwives. So incredibly intuitive when it came to our needs that night.

Thank you Jessica for making my experience and journey one of empowerment and support!  You will forever be part of my daughters birth story that I can't wait to share with her one day. 

Julianna Chen

7/18/2023

Jessica was our doula for the birth of our son in May 2023. We had a wonderful experience working with her through pregnancy, labour, and delivery, and recommend her in the strongest possible terms.

From the start we were impressed by Jessica's communication with us. She was always prompt and precise, while also warm and empathetic. We appreciated the way she responded fulsomely to all of our questions, whether in our prenatal sessions, by phone or email, and shared many helpful resources. Our sessions together helped us clarify our needs and preferences. We especially appreciated how Jessica took the time to review and give feedback on our birth plan, to ensure that it would be clear and useful to everyone involved in our care.

When labour began, we felt supported by Jessica every step of the way. She was there for us when and how we needed her, from coming over for a check-in during early labor (and getting us set up with the TENS machine, which was so helpful!), to applying hands-on comfort in active labor and joining us in the transition the hospital, to supporting us through the many hours until the successful delivery of our baby.

When we encountered several high-stakes decision points at the hospital, Jessica's ability to help us understand the wide range of our options, and unflagging attention and energy made a huge positive difference. Jessica's empowering, pragmatic, evidence-based approach to working with us within the hospital system helped us make important decisions with confidence. We highly recommended Jessica!

Ivan Drury

6/25/2023

My partner and I started working with Jessica a couple months before our son's birth, and she was a wonderful doula.

I went into the process with no experience and little knowledge, and Jessica helped walk me through everything I needed to know – from general processes of what to expect, different scenarios of what could happen once the labour process started, and specific checklists of what to prepare and what to do.

My partner went into the birth with more knowledge and familiarity than me, and Jessica was able to work with both of us through our different positions. She supported us though workshops on birthing, and we felt prepared without going to separate birthing classes.

We also worked with a midwife team and wondered if it would be overkill to have both a doula and midwives (and nurses and doctors – because my partner gave birth at the hospital), but Jessica had an existing relationship and good rapport with both the midwives and the hospital staff and they all worked together as a team.

Once labour began it was a huge relief to have 24 hour access to Jessica's advice and guidance, which we did not have from others in our support team.

In the context of a hospital birth, Jessica was able to act as an advocate independent of the official protocols and demands of the medical system – an independence that midwives don't have. It felt like we had a trusted team of advisors as we made difficult decisions and worked to understand what was happening through the travails of labour and birth. Jessica felt like an essential part of that team.

I recommend hiring Jessica as a doula regardless of whether you plan a home or hospital birth. Without ever being overbearing or overly passive, she offers the clear and confident guidance and support that we needed, depended on, and feel so grateful for. Thank you Jessica.

Kristen

6/4/2023

We almost didn't get a doula this time around but I'm so thankful we did. Jessica was amazing and so eager to help and be there even for unexpected visits to the hospital she offered to be there for support. She went out of her way to be in my neighborhood well in advance, knowing I might go into active labour quickly and she was right. She came early to track contractions and knew when it was time to call our midwives. She went above and beyond with care before, during and after and even helped with clean up that wasn't part of her job. I can tell she is passionate and loves what she does. Thank you Jessica! Oh and she took amazing photos that captured our beautiful home birth, extra bonus i wasn't expecting, thank you!

Helena & Liam

4/11/2023

When we decided to hire a doula, we were looking to move from a medically managed pregnancy (led by an OBGYN) to a more holistic approach. Jessica went above and beyond to educate us on our options and helped us change our provider to one more in line with our goals. In the lead up to my birth, Jessica was pragmatic, evidence based and particularly skilled at helping us decide which options worked for us. During my birth, Jessica was with us for over 24 hours. She was practical when we needed her to be, humourous when we needed her to be and direct when we needed that. At hospital she was attentive, clear and made us feel comfortable and in control throughout the process. When the management plan needed to change, she never wavered and continued to help us understand our choices. I know without a doubt I would not view my labour experience as positively if it wasn't for Jessica. That back pressure and tens machine are worth their weight in gold too! Thank you ??

Kevin Inaba

3/5/2023

My partner and I had the pleasure of having Jessica Medrea as our Doula. Her presence, skill set and dedication to our birth was beyond exceptional. She was an integral part of our 50 hour home birth. Her nurturing presence and knowledgeable skills easied my partners labouring discomforts and forged a close bond throughout the whole birth. She became a great partner to myself as she tag team the responsibility of labour and allowed rest breaks and time to nap to regain energy. She also cooked and cleaned when moments arised. She maintained the birth pool at a comfortable temperature, and over the course of many hours in the pool that can be alot of work. If we decide to have another child down the road, Jessica will be the first doula we call.

Kevin Inaba

New Dad.

April P.

3/3/2023

Jessica played an instrumental role in the planning, labouring, and birthing of our first child. Under her guidance, we made it through an unexpected precipitous labour. It was beautiful, trauma-free, and better than we could have ever hoped or even planned for.

Despite being early in her Doula career, she brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to help with our planning and delivery.

Jessica has an extensive knowledge of the process of birth and has a wide variety of techniques and tools available to assist with coping. She has a solid understanding of the pros and cons of what is offered in a hospital or medical setting and communicates these clearly. She keeps up-to-speed with evidence-based practices and information and is supportive and respectful of her clients' preferences and wishes. She brings a wholistic, human perspective to the experiences of pregnancy, labour, and birth that tend to be covered by prenatal classes in a more mechanical/procedural/clinical way.

As a birthing person that lives with an anxiety disorder, I felt safe and well cared for. She provided the reassurance, tools, and emotional support I desperately needed for my experience of labour and delivery. My partner was also very well supported. We simply would not have had such a positive experience if we had not found her. THANK YOU, JESSICA!!

Should we decide to bring another child into the world, she will absolutely be there to help us through the experience once again.

Having Jessica as your Doula is a no-brainer. You will NOT regret having her on your team.

Denise

12/1/2022

Jessica was the perfect doula for me. I am someone who feels better if I know all the risks and benefits, from multiple sources, and also to have a few studies and statistics also in the mix for me to read as well. I wanted the evidence-based research to help guide me through my birthing journey and Jessica helped me do just that.

I recommend Jessica as your doula if you want someone fierce and strong in your corner so that you can be as fierce and strong as you need to be through it all. My partner and I didn’t have to worry or think about anything other than the contractions and meeting the little one and it was an amazing weight off our shoulders. I felt confident in all of my birthing choices and it was an empowering experience and I am so glad that Jessica was there to support myself, my partner, and our little one.

Morgan

11/22/2022

I am 13 days postpartum following a c-section at Burnaby General, and my partner and I are so grateful to have had Jessica there supporting the birth of our son! Jessica is evidence-based and very current with the latest birth practices, as well as the birth/cultures at the main Vancouver/Burnaby hospitals, and she works really hard to ensure that she advocates for your birth preferences while in a hospital setting. My labour plans were originally meant to be to spend as much time as possible at home before going to the hospital in active labour, but this wasn't possible due to an induction- Jessica was instrumental to promoting my own relaxation and feelings of safety within a highly medicalized hospital approach to birth. In addition, Jessica helped my husband stay on top of things, kept me hydrated, and supported my decisions. I'm sad to have had to part ways with Jessica after the birth, she was such a friendly, passionate source of support and we will always be grateful to her- and will be using her again in the future, should we have another baby! Jessica is highly recommended for anybody who wants an approachable and informed doula (and access to her TENS machine!)

Henna

11/13/2022

We hired Jessica for the birth of our second for a VBAC attempt. She was so wonderful and SO knowledgeable!! During our prenatal sessions, I learned so much more beyond what I had learned at prenatal classes (for my first born) and from the midwives. She knew/had a lot of experience about VBAC too which was very helpful. The prenatal sessions put my mind at ease and I felt more confident going into labor. The sessions also helped me to make decisions regarding things like approach to pain relief, newborn procedures, etc. During labor, she was so helpful in ways that my husband would not necessarily have been. My husband was doubtful about hiring a doula in the first place, but after labor he was wondering aloud how we would have survived without her! I really enjoyed working with her and I would highly recommend her to other families!!!

Sydney

11/5/2022

I would highly recommend Jessica as a doula she made a huge impact on the birth experience of my daughter. She was so supportive and helpful, her words of encouragement  made me feel safe and capable in a time that can feel pretty scary and weird! Thanks so much Jessica! 

Amber Butterworth

10/6/2022

Hire Jessica! I had a hospital birth where I did the majority of labouring at home. Jessica understood and respected all of my choices, she ensured all consent was informed and she was very flexible/adaptable.

I can't imagine having gone through my birth without Jessica. She is professional, an advocate and champion, and so knowledgeable. Jessica has great relationships, she knows the hospital and she was able to anticipate all my needs.

Jessica ensured my birth was a positive experience through comforting and coping techniques (that actually work!!) and by enabling my partner to be the absolute best birth partner for me.

Jessica's approach included meetings prior to the birth and I found those meetings so helpful. I gained so much knowledge from her and I was able to make a solid birth plan (which was amazing and so helpful on the day). I enjoyed Jessica's approach most on the day of my baby's birth as I was able to focus on her voice and birth a beautiful baby boy without any medications or interventions.  I can't speak high enough about Jessica - you need her on your team! 

Chan Kim

4/15/2022

Jessica was the best!

honestly at first, i was skeptical about having a doula at our birth. I wanted to help!

But now, i regret being skeptical at all. Jessica helped so much throughout the process. 

I do not know how to help a woman going through labor. And my girlfriend did not know how to cope well too.

Having Jessica and her extensive knowledge of birth and labor helped my girlfriend.

She helped teach my girlfriend to cope better throughout the process of labor. 

She helped me to be there by her side when she needed me. 

Overall, Jessica helped the whole operation go much more smoother than it could have.

I will always be greatful for her and commend her to everyone.

seneca

4/15/2022

She was amazing! my partner didnt want a doula at first as he wanted to be my support but he soon changed his mind when we met her and learned more and on the day of she really helped guide him in how to be the best support for me. I feel like i wouldnt've made it through labour coping as much as i could without her help.. forever greatful:)

Catherine Ballachey

2/16/2022

I'm not sure where to start! Our experience with Jessica was incredible. We originally were connected with her through Apple Blossom Families, and we had an interview with her when I was about 26 weeks pregnant. I knew from the start that we were a good match! Right away, I appreciated her pragmatism. Her focus on evidence-based birth options was reassuring and incredibly encouraging. She took the time to discuss all of our options to make sure we were as informed and empowered as possible, without pressuring us in any particular direction. Through her guidance, support, and encouragement, we had the home birth that dreams are made of! Honestly, I didn't know I was capable of a home birth (I always had a hospital registration in my back pocket, just in case), but she helped me find the strength that I needed to get through it. If you're looking for a realistic, no BS, but loving and supportive doula, Jessica is your lady! 

Jay & Teresa

2/12/2022

We would highly recommend Jessica Medrea. Going through our pregnancy with Jessica was amazing! She was helpful, supportive and provided a lot of advice when we needed it. We had gone into labour with the intention of pushing for an unmedicated and natural birth. Jess really came through for us during our labor, particular near the end post-9cm, where she coached and encouraged us in a reaffirming and positive way. Prenatal, she walked us through what to expect and helped us set up a birth plan. Postpartum, she checked in to see how things were going for us. Thank you Jessica!

Christine & Corey

2/2/2022

Jessica is a very knowledgeable and passionate doula. She helped us prepare for our home birth through Zoom and in-person meetings, which left us feeling confident and in control. In the weeks leading up to the birth, she guided us through the process of creating our birth plan and made sure we had everything we needed for a successful home birth.

On the night of the birth, Jessica kept in contact with us throughout the early labor phase, shared tips, and calmed our concerns. When we needed her, she came over promptly and used a rebozo to alleviate pain. Once we were in active labor, Jessica was there to support us and left space for us when we needed it. She was a calming presence for both of us, and we're super happy that she was part of our birth team.

Diana Chan

1/13/2022

Our experience with Jessica was nothing short of amazing. She is truly an incredible Doula and I will recommend her to anyone looking for a Doula, forever. We started working with Jessica pretty late into the pregnancy (I was ~31 weeks), but I am so grateful that we did because so many stars aligned after meeting her. All the information that Jessica taught us was so valuable. We felt like we were completely informed at every step with everything we needed to make decisions/choices for our breech baby. Most importantly, Jessica helped me to trust myself and my body in the process. I "successfully" delivered our breech baby at home with zero issues or complications. Had we not met Jessica, I don't think I would of had such an amazing birthing experience. It would have been entirely different. Jessica is so special to us, we can't thank her enough for the work she does and for the experience she helped us create.

Kenny

12/16/2021

Leading up to the birth, Jessica helped us gain more confidence in planning for the birth by providing us with a wealth of evidence-based information. At the birth, she was a great source of support that helped me feel safe throughout the process as a birth partner. After the birth, Jessica continued to be present to make sure we were doing okay and were given a safe space to ask questions. I highly recommend her as a doula!

Jon F.

11/25/2021

From a Dad/Birth Partner's perspective, 

Having Jessica as part of our birthing team was invaluable. 

During the pregnancy, her regular meetings really supplemented the information we received from our midwives and prenatal classes. She provided more information on all the main topics and was present as my wife and I talked through our thoughts and concerns. Her friendly unbiased input helped us identify our individual biases or incorrect assumptions so that we could decide together what was best for us as a family. 

Throughout our entire labour, having Jessica with us, gave me as the birth partner confidence and comfort, both in a physical way, e.g. in the comfort measure I was suggesting as well as the knowledge that she would have more options once my mind inevitably blanked from exhaustion/adrenalin; as well as an emotional way by listening to my own thoughts, concerns and worries so that I felt heard without adding distracting my wife, the midwife or nursing staff from the task at hand. 

Our early labour progressed much was described in the birthing classes, quicker than  Jessica's intuition on this matter helped me mentally prepare for an immediate admission to the hospital when we were 'only going for preliminary pain management.  

During active labour Jessica helped my wife with many of the pushing positions and transitions, allowing the midwife to focus on my wife's condition and me to focus on her emotional needs.
Jessica was able to address some of my needs (Food, drink, Tylonal etc.), which meant I was able to spend more time focusing on my wife and less time navigating the hospital labyrinth looking for food/trying to find my way back to our room. 

I would very much like to have Jessica at any subsiquent births we may have. 

Hilary

11/25/2021

Working with Jessica for the labour and delivery of our baby was incredible. I cannot say enough good things about Jessica, and hope that many more families get the opportunity to meet her. She made us feel cared for, supported, heard, and confident. She ensured our wishes were met during labour and delivery, and not only supported myself but my partner as well. I would not want to do any of it again without Jessica, she made all the difference. She is a big part of what made our birth amazing and beautiful,  and I can't begin to thank her enough for all she did. 

Tyra Moorcroft

11/22/2021

My partner and I hired Jessica during my third trimester when I was terrified about giving birth.

We found her to be incredibly knowledgeable about medical interventions and what to expect at the hospital. She also gave me loads of confidence to birth my baby naturally.

When my active labor started she was immediately by my side and helped keep me feeling calm. When I chose to birth the baby at home in bathtub, she was very respectful of my decision and made the paramedics at our home aware of my goals, which allowed me to focus on pushing out my baby and achieve a positive birth story.

Every time I think about my birth experience, I thank my lucky stars I found Jessica and would happily hire her again if we end up having a second child.

She has such a practical take on what women are capable of and has loads of knowledge about pregnancy, labour and postpartum too!

Pedro & Jessica Hood-Chamale

10/18/2021

Jessica was amazing. When we reached out to Jessica we had a lot of questions about our home birth, a water birth and just what might happen along the way. After our first meeting I have to say that all of those questions were answered and our worries that we had about a home birth were gone. As we kept getting closer to our delivery day we felt so supported by Jessica. She was always willing to answer our questions and made sure to clarify anything we were not understanding. With her help we were able to create a birth plan that we felt very comfortable with. 

 We eventually descided to do a home water birth and it was good to know that Jessica had all the equipment we needed so that we did not have to add another thing to our plate as our delvery day was getting near. 

On the day our Franklinwas born, Jessica arrived ready to support both of us and was able to help so much. She provided great options for Jessica to help manage the contraction pain and was able to keep Jessica focused on relaxing as well as keeping her hydrated and reassudred. When it came to the later stage of delivery all her support proved invaluble as Jessica Hood was exhasted but Jessica M was right there helping her get out those strong pushes and words of affirmation. 

As the birth partner I have to say that I never felt excluded from the lead up and birth. Jessica sub me out when I needed rest and I was able to do the same for her as she showed me what she was doing so that I could help more than just being present. Once our baby was born her after care and quesrtion answering was so great. 

I can't recomend Jessica enough as I dont know how we would have done it without her. 

Dustin Anderson

10/13/2021

My wife and I hired Jessica to be our doula for our second baby which was a VBAC.  We weren't sure if we wanted a doula but we thought that we could use some help and it wouldn't hurt to meet her.  We were quite convinced that it was a great match very quickly.  She is very fact based, giving you the options that you have and explaining them so that you can make the decisions that you won't regret.  She worked very well with the hospital staff making our experience very smooth and conflict free.  She made us comfortable with the amount of time we spent in early labour at home.  This made our time at the hospital as small as possible.

We really loved the follow up visit after we were home with the baby.  The birth experience is so overwhelming that it's hard to take it all in and remember it all.  She went over every aspect of the day with us so we could have a lasting clear memory of the day.

If we have another baby, we would definitely have Jessica be a part of our birth and would recommend her to any of our friends.

Beverly & Shakir

9/18/2021

We gave birth to a beautiful little boy back in August. Out of the doulas we interviewed we knew from the get go that Jessica would be the one we'd team up with thanks to her kindess and professionalism.
We met several times virtually and in person and she each time made sure we felt reassured and comfortable.
Jessica was intrumental thoughout this whole journey and worked very well alongside our midwives for a successful homebirth.
We definely found what we were looking for with Jessica and would recommend her to any family in an heartbeat.
Thank you again for all and the soup :)

Christina Novak

9/14/2021

I am so lucky that Jessica was part of my birth team. Based on our initial conversation of what I wanted my birth to be like, she went out of her way to find me a midwife team that would support me in my 'ideal' birth. Jessica provided us with prenatal education classes that guided us through labour and what that could possibly look like for us. I never felt that jessica was trying to push a certain kind of birth. Through all of our discussions, my husband and I felt really excited about our journey ahead. Once I was in labour, I felt in control and powerful because I knew what to expect and that my body was made to do it. During my labour Jessica provided support to me and to my husband, making sure we were taken care of, and most importantly, that my husband had the tools to support me. I felt really cared for during this vulnerable yet powerful time. Overall, my labour and birthing experience was really empowering and beautiful because of Jessica's guidance. I will forever be grateful to her for this experience.

Jocelyn & Alberto

9/5/2021

Our original doula had to step aside about a week and a half before the delivery date, and so she referred Jessica to us. After meeting with her we decided to work with her, and it ended up being a great decision. Jessica was an absolute godsend.

We planned for a home birth, and Jessica brought all the necessary equipment, including a specific-sized hose we didn’t have! Once pre-labor and labor came, Jessica came at a moment’s notice and walked us through everything, encouraged us both, and applied plenty of physical pressure. After many hours we thought the baby was getting closer until, well, it wasn’t. Exhausted and demoralized, the birthing person asked what could be done. Jessica gave us all our options and explained them.  We decided to go to hospital, leaving behind a full pool, towels and drinking cups everywhere… a mess!

At hospital we had to wait for hours on doctors and space, but Jessica was there every step, explaining what was happening, securing juice, applying more pressure, and even putting together a resting table (long story!). She clearly knew her way around a hospital. More hours later, the birthing partner was approved for an epidural and room. Jessica was exhausted like us, yet she remained clear-headed. She helped get us comfortable and then went to get a warranted rest and food.

And then, unexpectedly, the baby was on its way. It happened so fast and our phones were out of reach, thus we didn’t even have a chance to contact Jessica. Once we did, Jessica appeared quickly with coffee, pastries, and plenty of unnecessary apologies for not being there for the 14 minutes(!) of pushing.

Since we were going to have to remain at hospital for a while, Jessica went back to our home to clean the mess we had left. When we got home, our home was clean! In the following days, Jessica brought food and yet more encouragement.

We can’t recommend Jessica enough!

Alexandra Warren

8/23/2021

After interviewing a number of potential doulas, we hired Jessica to guide us through our first pregnancy and birth. Our personalities meshed immediately. We were so lucky to find her. Like us, Jessica likes to research and was able to provide evidence-based information and care throughout pregnancy and birth. It was great to be able to contact her with questions and feel confident in what she told us. We had monthly meetings where we discussed everything from feelings and fears about pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood to the types of pain management the hospital would offer if we ended up going there. We opted for a home birth and felt that Jessica was able to provide wonderful support for that choice. I also know that she would equally support parents-to-be who chose a hospital birth as well. Jessica is a very inclusive person and truly believe she would be wonderful at supporting all types of families. I would absolutely, unequivocally, hire her again! 

Mike

4/19/2021

Jessica made it possible for Stephanie and I to have a home birth and for that I am forever grateful. Jessica was amazing and I felt totally calm knowing we had her experience on hand. Thank you for knowing what to do and when to do it.

Stephanie

4/19/2021

Jessica was truly amazing on every level, she is very well informed and knowledgeable when it comes to all things birth. Without Jessica and the knowledge she instilled in me I never would have attempted to have a home birth. I am very grateful to have had Jessica by my side during my entire pregnancy and for the birth of my daughter.

THANK YOU!!!!!

A. Bodnar

2/13/2021

Jessica was an integral part of my pregnancy, labour, and delivery. She was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also comforting, caring, and non-judgemental throughout my whole experience. During my pregnancy, Jessica  was available to answer any questions my partner or I had. She even attended my prenatal class with me which was helpful as we were able to discuss our takeaways from the session and we made plans moving forward. 

I had a long labour and delivery. For about two weeks, I had early labour symptoms where I was experiencing contractions daily. Since this was my first pregnancy and I did not know what to expect, I was very anxious. Jessica always made sure to check in with me during this time. This really helped with my anxiety as she always knew just what to say to make sure I felt calm and confident.

When it came to my actual labour and delivery, it took 39 hours. Jessica ensured she was available and provided me with a wealth of knowledge. As per my request, she met me at the hospital and made sure I was well taken care of. She said kind and empowering words, made sure I was comfortable, checked in with my partner, and stood by my side through the delivery. All of these things combined made me feel like Jessica was more than a doula, but a friend.

After the delivery, Jessica stayed behind to make sure that we were all okay. A couple days later, she came over to our place to check on our new family. I was so surprised when she brought over soup and a gift for our baby. Her generousity and kindness made us feel so special.

Jessica was such a significant part of this experience for us. I highly recommend that she be a part of your journey too!