Emma Barbarus

12/20/2022

Every now and again you may come to a crossroads existing in this universe. The very first crossroads for me was deciding to give birth to a child. The second was getting accepted to Dental Hygiene school, simultaneously, as things do tend to happen like that. Some may say that’s too much to handle, but it boils down to the care and support you have. The care I had during this process was second to none. My lovely Doula, Jessika Houston, was non-judgmental of my need to balance being a new mom and starting a new career with school. She gave me all the supportive resources so that I could plan and find a reference for any type of guidance I needed.
During my pregnancy Jess was in touch every step of the way, checking in and offering support by sending me informative pregnancy podcasts and various meditations. She was also on call and by my side during the 56 hours of labor and delivery process, making sure I was fed, watered, calm and committed to my birthing plan. She came with me to the hospital when I requested an epidural and was respectful of all of my needs and wishes, continuing to make sure I was relaxed during 3 hours of pushing. She never left my side. Jess was a strong but calm and reassuring force that I never knew I needed, but am so ecstatic that I had. It was very important that we had her to take the stress off my partner who found my labor to be very overwhelming. The end result? We have a healthy little baby boy, which makes the process so much sweeter. Postnatal, Jess even brought me tea and food for recovery as well as made frequent check ins to make sure my emotional state was intact. Jess was the best decision I have ever made in regards to myself and my partners well being, mentally, emotionally and physically during the entire pregnancy experience. 

Noelle Burns

12/13/2022

Having a doula is so worth it! I don’t even want to imagine giving birth without one.  Jessika was my goddess helper while I birthed each of by three children. She anticipated my needs, took care of my body when I was too tired to do so, fed me, brought me water, assisted my husband and helped keep my momma calm, she kept me steadfast, mentally focused and positive. She encouraged strength and grace,  held my hand, unwrinkled my brow,  wiped my tears, cleaned my blood and vomit, smiled with me, and cried tears of joy with me when I got to hold my babies. There are so many little things that were just taken care of, packed up, thought of, reminded about, etc. everything was taken care of so that I  could just focus on my body and my baby and nothing else.

I will forever be grateful and forever feel lucky for having such positive birthing experiences and for having such amazing support!