Jess Smith

4/4/2024

I don't know how we would have made it through the first few months after our daughter was born without Jesse. I knew I would need additional support postpartum mentally, emotionally, and physically, but Jesse exceeded our expectations and went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. They really helped to relieve the cognitive and invisible load of motherhood for me during the first few weeks and allowed us to get much needed time for rest and self-care. We also enlisted Jesse's help for some overnights which was one of the best decisions we could have made as new parents. They helped me to gain my confidence, footing, and grounding as a new mom and always reminded me that I knew my baby best. Jesse also helped me to listen to my intuition as a new parent while also gently guiding me in the process. She supported me with everything from pumping and breastfeeding to housework and cooking a meal to assembling and using baby furniture. Jesse wears so many different hats and wears them all so well. Our little one absolutely loved her and I always felt safe and secure knowing Jesse was with her. She was literally a life saver for our family during one of the most important times in our lives and I would highly recommend connecting with Jesse for doula services. 

Kelsey B.

3/27/2024

There aren’t words to capture what Jesse means to my family. I cannot imagine my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum without Jesse.  I will fully admit I was somewhat of a doula skeptic—I didn’t think we needed one. But when I found out I was having twins, I knew we would need the extra support.

To say they are exceptional is an understatement. It was important for my wife and I that we had an LGBT+ affirming doula who was also evidence-based. Jesse was always available for questions (and I had many!) throughout pregnancy and postpartum too.

Having twins was a big surprise, and quickly my plans and thoughts of what my birth would look like changed. Things suddenly felt very uncertain and out of my control. They helped me feel prepared for all the possibilities, and supported me through labor to help me succeed in my goal of a vaginal delivery for both twins.

Jesse was a powerful advocate for me, especially when I wasn’t for myself. Whether it be for hydration, comfort items, questions for the medical team—she anticipated my needs before I even knew I had them and ensured I had all I needed. My wife has some medical anxiety, and Jesse specifically paid attention to her and supported her simultaneously. 

I am not sure what we would have done during labor without them. One twin ended up needing some NICU time, so my wife accompanied the baby and Jesse remained with me. Not only was she able to keep in contact with my wife, she supported me through some unexpected complications. I truly can’t imagine it without her.

In the midst of all of that, she got photos of the entire process. I have nothing but glowing, positive things to say. Jesse has undoubtedly had the same effect on all the families they work with, and anyone who chooses Jesse as their doula is so lucky to gain her warmth, knowledge, skills, and compassion.

Molly

3/26/2024

Hiring Jesse to be my doula was the best decision I made during my pregnancy, especially since it was my first baby. She really took the time to get to know me and make sure we were a good fit which I really appreciated. She helped me and my husband both feel as prepared as possible for the labor and delivery process and walked us through step by step for what to expect when we showed up at the hospital. She was so supportive both during and after my labor and delivery and continued to check on me after we got home with our son. She made such a positive impact on my experience both pre and post partum! I will definitely be asking her to be my doula again if my husband and I are lucky enough to have a second child. I cannot reccomend her and her services enough!

Chelsea Bookbinder

3/25/2024

I chose Jesse as my doula after the traumatic birth of my first child, recognizing my need for dedicated support during the birthing process. Jesse provided exceptional support throughout my unexpected c-section, despite my initial plans for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Their caring demeanor and extensive knowledge were invaluable during such a challenging time, adapting seamlessly to the change in circumstances. Jesse's presence helped me feel empowered and informed, guiding me through each step of the process with compassion and expertise. Their ability to provide emotional and physical support was remarkable, and their dedication to my well-being continued beyond the delivery room.

In the postpartum period, Jesse would drop anything to be helpful and supportive, offering guidance and encouragement as I navigated the challenges of recovery and life with two kiddos. As time has gone on, Jesse has come to mean a lot to our family. Jesse remembers the baby's birthday and loves receiving updates about his growth and milestones. Their genuine care and ongoing support have made a lasting impact on my parenthood journey, and I am incredibly grateful for their presence in my life. I can’t recommend Jesse enough!

Carly Moenich

1/6/2024

Immediately after meeting Jesse we knew we had to lock her down before she was snatched up by someone else! My spouse is non-binary and we wanted to find a doula who was works with queer couples. In our very first meeting, Jesse's energy was so warm and caring and generous. We were put at ease by their wealth of knowledge and experience with birth, as well as their willingness to be available for any and all questions that either my partner or I had during any part of the pregnancy! (And boy did I have a lot of questions! Haha) I wasn't sure what I wanted my birth experience to look like exactly. Jesse provided us with so many resources that focused on evidence based birth information that aided in our decision making and planning. I went into my labor and delivery feeling confident in our plan and was able to have the birth that I dreamed of! Jesse was so incredible every step of the way, but especially during labor and delivery! I called at 2:45 in the morning to report that my contractions had started, Jesse checked in regularly and made my partner and I feel completely supported and sure that we were in good hands. Jesse came over and helped with doing massaging and different positions to get the baby engaged to make his debut! When we got to the hospital I wws already 6cm dialated because Jesse was able to coach and support me for so long at home where I was most comfortable! I get horrible anxiety in medical settings and Jesse made the delivery room so cozy and beautiful with tea lights and kept me comfortable and hydrated so I could labor naturally and unmedicated as I'd hoped. Immediately after meeting our baby Jesse was helping me get him to latch and coaching me through what the next 24 hours would look like. I never felt surprised by anything at the hospital because Jesse prepared us for it all! She checks in regularly and I know that I could ask Jesse for help or support or advice about ANYTHING and she would be there for us! 

Jenina Segovia

1/3/2024

Jesse is an exceptional human and I am the most grateful for her life and her calling. Labor was and had always been a terrifying thought for me; one that I knew was inevitable given that my desire was/is to birth children. At 25ish weeks, I reached out to Jesse looking for support and stability and what I received from her was that and so much more. She was there for my husband and I at every turn. Patiently answering questions we already had the answers to, lovingly reassuring our doubts and concerns, and knowledgeably informing us about all the things we had no idea about while respectfully reminding us of our autonomy to make these decisions. And then when push came to shove (literally), she assumed the momma bear role and took care of not only myself but also my husband. She set up the room with calming lights, hung picture cards on the walls with empowering words, and we'll never forget her crockpot of herbs brewing in the corner for the wet compresses. All of which completely helped to suppress that fear I had. She was there with us - mind, body, and soul. And ON HER BIRTHDAY! She advocated for us and with us when things went awry. Our experience with Jesse is one that we'll cherish forever because she gave us more than we could have ever asked for. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us and with Santi. We love you always!

Jenina Segovia

1/3/2024

Jesse is an exceptional human and I am the most grateful for her life and her calling. Labor was and had always been a terrifying thought for me; one that I knew was inevitable given that my desire was/is to birth children. At 25ish weeks, I reached out to Jesse looking for support and stability and what I received from her was that and so much more. She was there for my husband and I at every turn. Patiently answering questions we already had the answers to, lovingly reassuring our doubts and concerns, and knowledgeably informing us about all the things we had no idea about while respectfully reminding us of our autonomy to make these decisions. And then when push came to shove (literally), she assumed the momma bear role and took care of not only myself but also my husband. She set up the room with calming lights, hung picture cards on the walls with empowering words, and we'll never forget her crockpot of herbs brewing in the corner for the wet compresses. All of which completely helped to suppress that fear I had. She was there with us - mind, body, and soul. And ON HER BIRTHDAY! She advocated for us and with us when things went awry. Our experience with Jesse is one that we'll cherish forever because she gave us more than we could have ever asked for. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us and with Santi. We love you always!

Christie Thompson

1/2/2024

It’s hard to accurately describe how much I appreciate what Jesse did for us. From the beginning, we picked Jesse to be our doula because I connected with their straightforward approach and deep well of knowledge. They immediately made me feel comfortable and taken care of, like I was in good, capable hands. Jesse brought evidence based advice as well as support that helped me stay connected to my body.

During my pregnancy, Jesse was constantly in touch, offering advice and resources and anytime they didn’t immediately have an answer, Jesse would research it and get back to me.

When l finally started laboring, Jesse was by our sides guiding us for nearly 20 hours. At home, Jesse helped me move through the labor, encouraging good breathing and coping techniques. They helped us know what to do next and centered the experience between my partner and I.

Once we made it to the hospital, Jesse continued to be our guide. From positions, to talking to our midwife and nurses, to ensuring we both had enough calories.

When things got tough, Jesse made me feel capable but also listened when I was feeling unsure of being able to continue unmedicated. They physically supported me so much as well with hip squeezes and holding my legs during pushing, and so much more.

Once my son was born and had to be taken to the NICU, Jesse stayed with me while my husband went with our son. It was an incredibly scary, vulnerable, overwhelming moment and to not have any other family there, Jesse there was so calming and reassuring. But it was more than that, I felt their love and care so deeplly, it was like having my mom with me. 

Saying thank you or writing a review feels so trivial compared to what we received. Jesse still regularly texts sweet notes asking about our son, even 7 months after his birth.

It all becomes a hazy memory, but I will never forget how capable and cared for Jesse made me feel.

Elizabeth Stearns

11/17/2023

We chose Jesse as our doula for my third pregnancy and planned home birth and could not imagine a better provider. We chose to interview Jesse after doing some research and finding that she aligned with our values— evidence based practice,  member of the LGBTQIA community and informed on issues that impact gender and neuro-diverse families and had the experience with lactation and massage which we felt would be helpful to us in that period. During the pregnancy, Jesse was always available with information and a non-judgmental listening ear when problems arose or when a decision needed to be made; anticipatory guidance was always timely and without bias. I told them that I hadn’t had any photos at my last birth and somehow Jesse managed to take a ton of great photos while supporting us through labor and postpartum. She anticipated my needs before I even noticed them (hydration, comfort measures) and provided a calm, reassuring presence. Things like counter pressure, a fan and a heat pack seemed to just appear at the right time. My labor was unusually fast and furious, and Jesse was the real MVP helping me get myself back together after the birth. They’ve been available since the birth for any questions or updates I’ve had or wanted to share and a relentless encourager of all the rest and recuperation I needed to allow myself. If I am ever crazy to have one more, Jesse would definitely be my first call.

Kendall Moore

9/13/2023

Having Jesse be a part of our support team was the single best decision we made during our pregnancy. From the moment we had our interview with her, we knew that she was the perfect fit for us. Her evidence-based approach to birth, unbiased and non-judgemental guidance (we had a medicated/hospital birth), pro-science, calm but strong demeanor, and kindness were unparalleled. 

I had a traumatic start to my pregnancy, along with HG all pregnancy where I was incredibly sick. Jesse knew this and did everything she could leading up to and at the hospital to inform us to make sure the hospital environment didn't feel like a hospital environment and carry that trauma. From helping us think through our birth preferences ahead of time to ensure we were able to make informed decisions, to talking us through the "what if" scenarios that could happen so that we were prepared, we went into labor as first time parents feeling as prepared as we could be. 

The night I went into labor she was available to provide guidance (in the middle of the night multiple times) on comfort measures and supported us when we felt it was time to go into the hospital. When we got admitted she got there as soon as she could and in the hospital her unwavering support made for an extremely smooth birth experience, and I know that even if our birth experience hadn't been smooth she would have helped us work through it. During labor Jesse was both a calming presence and an advocate for us, serving as a sounding board, partner, reminding us that we can take time to think through decisions. 

In the days and weeks after birth she has been just as present, only a text or phone call away, helping us through the challenges of having an infant with jaundice and low birth weight. We are so grateful to have had Jesse as part of our birth team, and as a continued support as we work through the challenges of being first time parents. 

D Adams

8/24/2023

I'm incredibly grateful for finding Jesse. Her calm presence and unwavering support made a such a positive impact to my prenancy and labor/delivery. She not only helped me make informed choices but also provided the assurance I needed to advocate for myself. Jesse's attentiveness during early labor over the phone allowed me to follow my instincts, and her support extended beyond birth, guiding us through postpartum challenges with valuable advice and resources.

Jesse's unique qualities truly set her apart. Her balanced approach, blending a calming demeanor with assertive advocacy, is truly exceptional. Her expertise and passion shine through, creating a strong sense of trust and collaboration. What stood out was her support for both me and my partner. She provided coaching and comfort measures for him, ensuring he was a crucial and useful part of the experience. Her toolbox of techniques, including aromatherapy and massage, added to her valuable support during labor and recovery.

Jesse's commitment goes beyond childbirth – she's a doula for life. Her continued presence and genuine care during the postpartum period and beyond exemplify her dedication. Her celebration of my achievements after childbirth was truly uplifting. If you're seeking a doula who brings knowledge, unwavering support, and a balanced approach to your journey, Jesse is the doula to choose.

Laura Sant

8/3/2023

Can’t say enough good things about Jesse! We hired her in the midst of a pregnancy where I was feeling pretty miserable physically and anxious about birth. She was exactly what we needed — calm, science-minded, & positive without pressuring me to feel any particular way about my experience.

Through my pregnancy she was 100% supportive of my choices in situations when I knew what I wanted (a hospital birth, an epidural), & helped me talk through my options when I didn’t, always reminding me that there is no right way to have a baby.

During pre-labor & early labor she was a calming presence on the phone, giving us suggestions for moving things along & for coping with contractions. Once at the hospital she was such a helpful & reassuring person to have in our corner, someone who had experience with many of the doctors & nurses, knew where to grab a popsicle when I was feeling nauseous, & could talk us through what was happening & what was coming next. She came armed with everything we could have needed & turned our room into a calm cocoon where I could labor in peace.

She faded into the background when she sensed my partner & I could use a few moments alone together, & then would appear with something I didn’t know I needed at the exact moment I needed it — a hip squeeze during a challenging contraction; a fan & cool cloth on my forehead when I began pushing.

Since the birth she’s been an amazing resource for us as first-time parents, checking in on us regularly, giving us some very helpful newborn baby intel, helping me process my birth experience, & always available to answer an ‘is this normal?’ text.

I credit her 100% with how smoothly our labor and delivery went & for turning an experience around which I felt a lot of fear into one of the most positive & empowering events of my life.

Sherita

6/1/2023

I'm not sure where to begin when I think about my journey to finding Jesse so I will start with my first birth. It was traumatic to sum it up. I was desparately trying to advocate for myself the entire time and no one seemed to be listening to me even though it was my body they were operating on. I had an unplanned C-Section, violently shaking, scared, alone for the beginning of it even though I begged for them to make sure my husband was in the room before they started. It left me feeling "not human" for lack of words.

Flash forward to my second pregnancy. 

I knew I wanted to do things differently and I knew I wanted to have a doula on my side. It was as if Jesse and I were destined to meet. From the moment I first interviewed with Jesse, I could tell there was something special about her. Even when she was just introducing her background and experience I also appreciated how she was advocating for her colleague as well. Jesse listened to my full story and without having to share all of my intimate thoughts of my first birth, she could relate to my experiences because she had also gone through similar experiences and I just loved her natural and caring presence. 

My second birth turned out to be everything we wanted. With Jesse by my side, I overcame my internal battles throughout the entire birth. She reminded me that I was safe, she reminded me how to breathe, and she encouraged the strength in me that I constantly doubted I had. Not only was Jesse caring for me, she was caring for the environment, people and any element that could impact my birthing experience. Jesse came ready! I know that I would not have been able to bring my baby into the world with no medical interventions without Jesse. When you put your trust in her, she will help you unleash your power and strength. Do not hesitate to have her on your team!

Ashley G.

5/17/2023

We were so very lucky to have Jesse step in last minute as a backup doula! She and our initial doula Melanie worked seamlessly together to ensure that we were covered for every minute of our labor. Jesse is an incredibly kind person and we're just so grateful to have a bonus doula of her caliber. In addition to being the most calming presence in the room, Jesse went out of her way to massage me for literally four hours straight during active labor -- truly, I fell asleep, woke back up, and she was still massaging! She had the exact right kind of energy for the calm and beautiful birth I wanted, and coached me every step of the way, helping me get out of my head and into my body through deep breathing. I seriously could not have done it without her. (Bonus: She asked if we wanted pictures, and took the most gorgeous birth photos, all while doula-ing away!) I don't know how she's so magical, but we love her oh so much and we're so lucky to have her as part of the family now.

Laura Jo Cramer

1/18/2023

At 32 weeks pregnant, my husband and I thought we had decided not to hire a birth doula; then we met Jesse through a birth education course at MyBirth and knew that we wanted her to be part of our birth team.

During the remainder of pregnancy, Jesse offered an evidence-based perspective that helped my husband and I make informed decisions about our birth preferences. In our experience this was not a common approach for other birth workers, which made it difficult to distinguish anecdotal storytelling from more representative data. At a time where I was feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, Jesse shared resources that helped me feel better prepared to give birth.

Throughout my labor/delivery, Jesse was helpful, unbiased, and empowering. As I worked through nearly 6 hours of active labor, Jesse was unwaveringly yet unobtrusively present. She set the ambiance in the room, made suggestions to aide with my progress and comfort, and offered consistent support to my partner so he could best show up for me. Jesse made sure the focus of the day was on me, my partner, and our baby. While Jesse knew my birth preferences inside and out, and communicated them to the midwife and nurse, she was never attached to a singular path. This helped me consider my options every step of the way and feel confident that there was no one right way to have a baby. Ultimately, Jesse’s leadership during my birth experience helped me feel empowered to make the right decisions for me to bring my baby into the world.

My husband and I are so grateful that Jesse was a major highlight in our experience. We went from being certain that we weren’t going to hire a doula to not being able to imagine giving birth without Jesse on our team. At a month postpartum, I continue to feel cared for by Jesse through her home visit, sharing photos, and checking in. If/when we decide to have another child, our first call will definitely be to Jesse!