Codi Johnson

7/21/2024

I flew in from GTMO at 34 weeks pregnant to give birth because I had some health concerns and complications so my OB in GTMO decided it would be best for me to travel to Jacksonville to have the baby.

At around 36 weeks pregnant I received the most devastating news of my life, my grandma passed away. My husband was on his way to JAX at around my 37th week and before he arrived I shared the news about my grandma and I mentioned that I wanted a doula for extra emotional and physical support, so that's when I started my search for JAX doulas. 

I ended up being connected to Doulas of Jacksonville. I chatted with Christina for a bit and told her my situation and that I needed a doula immediately because at this time the OBs in JAX wanted to induce me at around 38 weeks. So now I had about 10 days or so to find a doula. 

Christina was so warm and kind and told me that Summer would be available to support me. I called Summer to ask if she would be OK with meeting in person and without hesitation she said yes. We instantly connected and I hired her within a day. I was induced on May 1st. Summer was there from May 1st up until I had to go into the OR for my C-section, on May 3rd. She never left my husband and I's side. She decorated the hospital room with low lights to set the mood. Though I didn't have the unmedicated low-intervention birth I wanted and ended up being bed-ridden the ENTIRE induction because of high BP and preeclampsia markers, Summer was still very supportive of every decision we made, consulted with me when I had questions, and was a joy to have in the hospital room during my induction days. She helped me work through contractions and showed me different techniques to progress labor along, and was a major advocate for us.

I would 1000% hire Summer again as my doula. She is a kind, friendly, no-BS kind of person and every woman needs someone like that in their birth corner. Thank you Summer! 

Devon Schlegel

2/16/2024

Oh my goodness. I don't know what our experience would've been like without Summer. From the first time we met, I immediately felt her warmth and kindness and she made me feel totally supported through pregnancy, answering every question I had. 
On the day of my birth, she provided guidance via text until it was time to go to the hospital. I was grateful that she helped us decide when was best to go in, as it kept us in the comfort of our home as long as possible. 
I had the unmedicated hospital birth that I hoped for, and Summer helped me to stick to that plan, advocating for me and helping to support my husband through it all. I know he felt relieved having another person there to support and guide me, and to normalize everything we were both feeling.
We're eternally grateful for Summer for helping us bring our baby boy into the world in such a loving and calm environment. 

Fátima

12/28/2023

Summer was our doula for the birth of our first baby. During the weeks prior to labor not only was she available and resourceful but always reminded us that we had choices. During my very long labor (36 hours), she was there the entire time. Providing her experience, compassion, and uplifting attitude every step of the way. Her dedication surmounted what most medical professionals would provide and we felt so incredibly supported the entire process. I hope that anyone who goes through labor has the same amount of support, and can look back at their experience with the same positive outlook we have (despite a slew of complications) thanks to Summer's dedication. ????

Bailey

11/9/2023

I cannot recommend Summer highly enough! My wife and I went through a long 36hr labor and Summer was through it all helping with different positions to cope with the pain before the epidural, help baby lower position and helping mama find rest when there was an opportunity for it. She also helped with movements after the epidural - even when legs/lower body was numb, summer was able to move a 230 lb + laboring woman into hands and knees position! She also added thoughtful, personal additions when she brought battery candles, twinkle lights and other beautiful touches to make our hospital birth feel like home. We could not have done it without her support during birth and even afterwards, she brought us warm soup, cookies and beautiful flowers to help us in those first few days with our sweet baby girl at home.

Jennifer Harris

8/31/2023

When it came to getting a doula it wasn't something I knew much about. I heard about Summer through a friend who used her for her birth and she had nothing but great things to say about her. I quickly contacted Summer and got a better idea of what she had to offer. Let me just say that I will never not have summer by my side for my future births. She even made my husband feel at ease during our entire birthing experience taking care of me. She not only advocated for me during labor but was there for me every step of the way whether it was using a heating pad on my back, massaging my back during contractions, getting me into different positions to speed up my labor even with having an epidural. She is the complete package. I highly highly recommend Summer for your Doula needs!! 

Lisa

5/3/2023

We were absolutely so excited to be blessed with Summer as our doula. She is caring, compassionate, and very intelligent. Once in intense labor, she came to our home and gave a choice to either calm or pick-up the labor. When the choice was made to push through the labor pain, and keep going strong, she gave constructive advice and we worked together positions to get the baby to drop. My water broke shortly after, and we were off to the hospital, where I arrived 9.5cm dilated!! Summer was fearless as she knew how to maneuver me in a number of various pushing positions. With a natural birth I had always wanted, she helped to deliver our baby girl, and became a true pillar in our life that day! I truly will never have another birthing experience without Summer. She is strong, confident, and I trust her with our lives! A doula is the way to go, but I would highly recommended Summer as she went above and beyond for every appointment- showing up, and giving us 100% of herself, making us feel like the only client. I’m so happy and grateful to this day, and hope her and I will remain as close contacts for the next baby. Thank you Summer!

Marisa Hayes

4/21/2023

Our experience with Summer has been absolutely wonderful!

With our first, we had no idea what to expect and had a less than ideal birth experience. When we got pregnant with our second, we knew we wanted a doula by our side. We met Summer at the Jax Bump and Beyond Expo and from the very first conversation we had with her, we knew she’d be an amazing advocate during our labor and delivery.

Summer was there throughout my pregnancy to answer any question I had; whether it was regarding our plans for laboring or just odd questions about my body during pregnancy.

I had so much anxiety leading up to the delivery of our son but knowing that I was going to have that extra support took so much of it away. We even had plans in place on how to induce labor naturally to avoid a medical induction.

When I went into labor, it was FAST! We almost didn’t make it to the hospital in time. I was able to deliver my son naturally without any medication and I fully believe it was the divine intervention of having a doula that manifested the events of our labor and delivery.

I am so so grateful for the amazing support Summer provided before, during, and after the birth of our son. She will forever be a part of our lives!

Sara Heninger

4/4/2023

I can't recommend Summer enough as a doula for anyone expecting a child. She was an incredible source of support for us during the birth of our first child. Summer provided us with emotional and moral support throughout the entire process and was always there to answer any questions we had. She also advocated for us inside the hospital, making sure our wishes were respected and that we had all the information we needed to make informed decisions.

But perhaps most importantly, Summer provided invaluable physical support during labor and delivery. She helped me with breathing techniques and positioning, and made sure we were both as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. Thanks to her guidance and support, we were able to have the birth experience we were hoping for.

Overall, I can't imagine going through this experience without Summer by our side. She truly made all the difference in the world and we're forever grateful for her help. If you're looking for a doula who is caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated to her clients, look no further than Summer!

Michelle Blimbaum

4/4/2023

Summer was absolutely fantastic to work with; I could not have asked for a better doula. I had quite a long prodromal phase of labor and Summer came to my house the day before labor to help support me during the contractions. When the contractions got increasingly frequent and intense during the transition phase at the hospital, Summer was instrumental in keeping me focused and calm. Just holding her hands and staying focused on her strong, reassuring words really helped me get through that difficult part. G-d willing I would definitely like to work with Summer for future pregnancies. She has an excellent nurturing as well as strong nature that made me feel very supported. If she is available, I would not hesitate to book with her.

Rebecca H

2/16/2023

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Summer! We hired her as our doula for my first birth.

I knew I wanted a doula to support us during birth to be an advocate, educate me, and be a cheerleader and coach, and she was all of that for us. 

She really listened to what I wanted and helped me feel confident in my goals, even when they changed throughout my pregnancy. 

Ultimately, I was able to have the vaginal birth I had hoped for and I am completely confident that would not have been the case without Summer.

For other moms-to-be out there, I did have my baby at UF Health North as they have a wonderful team of midwives and are really open to working with doulas. Having a doula gives you the support you need during such an important time. Absolutely hire one, and if you want a great doula - hire Summer!  

Olivia Jabbour

12/16/2022

My husband and I both agree the reason for my successful VBAC was because we had Summer guide us through the entire birth process. With her in depth and vast knowledge of the labor and birth process; she tailored each intervention to mine and the baby's specific needs in that moment. Summer started my labor with me in my home, keeping me calm and comfortable by repositioning me to get my baby into optimal position. Summer Advocated for me when my provider started down a path of wanting to augment my labor when it was not yet necessary. She also helped me be informed regarding the different types of epidurals and the benefits of each. This knowledge gave me the freedom to make an informed choice and ultimately making a world of a difference for my labor and pushing especially. My husband, who before this experience was a skeptic, now says he will never not have Summer a part of our future birthing experiences. She is the reason I look back on my birth as the fondest memory and most joyful and rewarding experience. Thank you Summer, you will forever be the reason we have been blessed with such an amazing birth experience. 

Leleitia urquhart

12/4/2022

As a first time mother I had so many uncertainties.  I went back-and-forth wondering if I needed a Doula.  After having Summer alongside me I quickly realized it was the best decision I could've made.   Not only did Summer help educate me on my rights as a patient, her knowledge and guidance kept me calm and made me feel safe through the birth of my daughter.   She was my voice when I needed her and she was incredibly educated on exactly what was going on every step of the way.  I will forever be grateful for Summer and I'm so happy she was there beside me through such an amazing and beautiful experience.  

Petronela Whitman

4/12/2022

We feel so lucky to have experienced the labor and birth of our son, Liam, with our doula, Summer. We couldn't have asked for a more kind, calm, strong, skilled and helpful doula. With Summer's strong support and help I had the childbirth experience I had dreamed for. During the 14 hours of labour, 6.5 hrs at home and the rest at the hospital, Summer was constantly supportive and proficient in providing excellent emotional and physical support, and she also created a very relaxed atmosphere at home and at the hospital.
Summer helped me deal with the medical staff more easily and she also did an amazing job at having me switch positions during labour when the doctor said that my baby was occiput posterior. I owe most of my positive experience to Summer and I would not change a thing about it. As a matter of fact, I'm looking forward to our next baby and to have Summer as our doula. Thank you for being part of our birth memories. We could have not done it without you! You forever have our deepest gratitude!

Amanda

1/30/2022

Hiring a doula was a choice that came because of the uncertainty delivering for the first time in the middle of a pandemic where only one support person was allowed. Choosing a doula was not an easy process, due to the nature of how personal this experience felt to us. During our initial consult, Summer instantly made me feel confident in her ability to gift us the knowledge and support we would need to navigate through the birth of our baby boy. We met with Summer twice during pregnancy and she walked us through various scenarios and options we may run into, to help us figure out our preferences for childbirth. Little did we know, that would all be less than relative in the moments of labor and delivery, however Summer did everything in her power to honor our wishes through each stage when the time came. We had a less than desirably labor process that involved a spontaneous trip to the hospital after elevated blood pressure readings at my 39 week appt, a 12 hour induction, laboring with and without an epidural and Pitocin, pushing for 3 hours before finally having to succumb to a C-section. None of which we "planned" for or wanted, but Summer stayed with us EVERY step of the way helping us to navigate the decisions, emotions and physical exhaustion we endured during that time. Simply put, Summer's services were invaluable to us. She took much of the worry, stress and fear that my fiancé and I both had and pushed it away for us so that we had the strength to bring our beautiful baby into the world safely. As a man wanting to provide but not quite sure how to comfort me, my fiancé was so grateful to have someone there for me during labor to have dim lighting, candles lit, aromatherapy filling the air, cool rags, position suggestions, massage techniques, and positive vibes all around to keep me calm. Our experience with Summer will forever be irreplaceable and we will forever be grateful for the genuine care, love and support she gave us. 

Sam Briers

12/16/2021

Having summer as my doula was beyond words. I was fortunate enough to experience having my best friend as my advocate during labor and delivery. Our journey as friends began 7 years ago, and the adventure leading up to, and delivering Henrie, will forever stay with us.
Summer was a crucial part of helping bring our little man into this world. From counter pressure and drawn baths at home and pb & Jelly sandwiches, to cold presses & holding my legs during delivery. She was there, and she was incredible. Summer was my focal point, and enlivened me to a level of strength that I did not think I had.
Love you sum ? 

Shannon Bolduc

9/29/2021

  My husband and I had such a wonderful experience with Summer as our Doula! She is extremely knowledgeable and prepared us for the natural birth we had dreamed of. She taught us how to write the perfect "birth plan" and showed my husband all sorts of different ways to support me prior/during labor. Summer was always easy to reach via text/call to answer any questions and validated the many emotions I was experiencing during my pregnancy. She connected us with Thrive for placenta encapsulation , which became a priceless resource during my PP recovery. Unfortunately, our natural birth dreams where dashed when I had to be induced at 42 weeks but Summer prepared us for the less then glamorous induction process. At the time I was admitted to Tidal Health they where not allowing a second support person so she couldn't physically be there with us but Summer was there supporting us virtually for the 60+ hours we tried to deliver our son vaginally. We ended up having an emergency c-section but she talked us through that process as well as reached out to our family members to communicate what was happening at the hospital so they wouldn't worry about us. Summer had absolutely went above and beyond her duties as our Doula. While my birth was far from the one I wanted she definitely made the process way less tramatic then I believe it would of been if we didn't have her support. I am normally a very anxious person but thanks  to her guidance during our labor I was calm and at ease the whole time, even when things got a little scary in the delivery room. I plan on using Summer as our Doula again when we decide to have another child. I honestly cannot imagine  going through the process with out her guildance and knowledge. Summer is truly a gem of a human and we are so thankful to of had her on our birthing team. 

If you are considering a Doula, I would highly recommend Summer. She is seriously the best!

Morgan

8/29/2021

Summer was absolutely incredible. This was my second son, who I delivered unmedicated. With my first I had an epidural, so this was a completely new experience for me. Summer met with my husband and I a few times before birth and we instantly all had a great connection. When it was time, my labor came on intense and quick. Summer had all sorts of positions and counter pressure that she helped my husband with as well as herself. When I was running out of stamina, she was amazing at reminding me I was capable and could do this. Summer was also great at helping my husband stay calm and collected during labor so he could be there for me. After my son was born, Summer hung around to make sure I was doing okay, helped with initial breast feeding and getting baby latched. She even took pictures and videos immediately after I will  cherish forever. All in all, Summer was an incredible addition to our team to bring our son earth side. 

Jenelle Gerthoffer

4/2/2021

The support Summer provided to my husband and I, including when we had to decide how I wanted to be induced (which was not part of our original plans), was exactly what I needed to birth confidently. This was my second birth, and it went much smoother than my first, which we did not have for a doula present at. Summer was able to provide the perfect amount of counter pressure (and show my husband how to help as well) and coach me through each contraction, to the point that I was able to go much further unmedicated, than I originally thought.  Summer was respectful of the decisions my husband and I made during the birthing process. There is something powerful about having another woman in the birthing room with you that has not only experienced birth herself, but who also has a great knowledge of the process and skills to help ease the discomforts felt during birth. Since utilizing Summer's doula services, we have, without hesitation, recommended her to every pregnant (or trying to conceive) friend.