Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC Photo

Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

Rooted In Birth - Supporting Families Since 2013

Poland, ME Service range 40 miles Serving families in Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Oxford Counties.

http://www.rootedinbirth.com

Birth Fee

$1300 to $2800

Postpartum Rate

$50

Availability Remarks: Helping families to achieve positive birth experiences through support, education, and guidance.

Birth Fee

$1300 to $2800

Postpartum Rate

$50


Birth Doula Experience

11 years

Postpartum Doula Experience

9 years


Birth Doula Certifications

  • DONA International - Certified Birth Doula

Postpartum Doula Certifications

  • Madriella Doula Network - Certified Postpartum Doula

Doula Training

  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, November 2013
  • BirthWorks International, November 2014
  • Madriella, July 2015
  • Placenta & Postpartum Association, July 2020

Type of practice: Solo practice

Clients per month: 1 to 2 births and 1 to 2 postpartum families

Postpartum limits/restrictions: No cigarette smokers

Attends hospital births? All Hospitals

Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers

Attends home births? Some Home Births
I do not attend unassisted home births.


College Education

AA/AS


Special Services Offered

  • Antepartum doula support
  • Childbirth education services
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Lactation consultant/counselor services
  • LGBTQIA+ Support
  • Military families support
  • Newborn care specialist
  • Parenting consulting
  • Placenta encapsulation
  • Reduced rates for women considering adoption
  • Satellite doula (for remote and rural clients)
  • Sibling support (for your older children at the birth)
  • Surrogates and intended parents
  • Virtual and remote doula support

Training Documentation

credential


Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

Why Not Home? Homebirth Advocate, PALS volunteer(Philadelphia, PA), Birth Works Workshop Host, Birth Works Conference Committee, Community Doulas Board Member & Program Director (Portland, ME)

Languages Spoken

  • English

Fee Details

It is very important for the services offered at Rooted In Birth to be accessible to anyone who desires them which is why we offer our services on a sliding scale. No matter what your personal financial experience or which tier you pay you will still be provided with the same quality and quantity of care.

Service Area

Poland, ME Service range 40 miles Serving families in Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Oxford Counties.

Certifications for Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

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Certification

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Client Testimonials for Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

Post a testimonial for Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

Adam

9/22/2023

Working with Jessica was such a great experience. She was so kind, caring, attentive and knowledgable. She met with us multiple times before the birth and after the birth, and of course was at the hospital for the entire birth itself. 

We couldn't have gotten through the birth without her. It was a very long birth, and she was constantly there for my wife, coaching her through contractions and offering support when she needed it but I needed a break. She also talked with me as well through the entire thing, which kept me awake and helped me be more supportive for my wife.

Before and after she always checked in via text message to see how we were doing, and answer all of our (many) questions.

Valeen M.

5/16/2021

Jessica was the best thing for me and my daughter!! Without her we wouldn't have been able to breast feed! Jessica would call and make sure we were doing good, text and even came back just to make sure we were good!! This went a long way for me, because the LC (Lactation Consultant) in the hospital couldn't of been any harsher, and if it weren't for Jessica I would of given up and missed this beautiful chance to bond with my little girl!!!

Heather Skarbek

3/19/2019

I was a little late to the concept of having a doula at the birth of my daughter. I was more than eight months pregnant in fact, when I met Jessica. I felt the connection to her was instant. Jessica’s authenticity and empathy created a supportive space for my husband and I to share our fears and hopes about the birth of our rainbow baby. Knowing we did not have much time to prepare for a natural birth, Jessica met with us as often as needed to ensure we felt safe, our needs were met and we were empowered for this life altering experience. She stayed late with us and answered all our questions. Her knowledge and passion for breastfeeding and natural birth continued to demonstrate that Hubs and I made the right choice in having her join us. The day I went into labor, Jessica was the grounding force. She honored both my desires for a natural birth and my fears about birthing my rainbow. She arrived immediately when asked, and immediately began skillfully integrating herself into the medical environment I chose to deliver in. Jessica advocated when needed, as well as encouraged me to use my inner stength. She never hesitated to help or provide unbiased, non judgmental feedback. When my daughter arrived, Jessica stayed until my daughter latched. Always patient and always understanding, Jessica made me feel like you are the strongest almost capable mother to ever deliver a child. Jessica came to our house after my daughters birth and continued to guide us in breastfeeding journey and post natal care. It marks nine months this week that I have breastfed my daughter. When I say this, people often ask “what keeps me going”. I share I had a doula who encouraged and inspired me. Who normalized breastfeeding and was honest about the joy and hardships. The journey to meet my rainbow baby and our breastfeeding journey has been beautifully shaped by the guidance of Jessica. Thank, you. Thank, you.  

Abby Louise Williams

9/3/2018

I had a wonderful experience with Jessica! She was always available by phone or text during my pregnancy and labor. I am a Doula myself and knew I wanted her to be my Doula before I was even pregnant. I had a very fast labor and I was pushing when Jess walked through our kitchen door and heard me yelling from my bath tub. All I remember was her holding my hand (my eyes were glued shut from me yelling) And her telling me to take a deep breath because I was going to meet my baby today!! Even though my husband was fantastic, having Jess there was another level of comfort that I needed.

She takes being a Doula very seriously and I highly recommend her!

Nichole Croft

8/22/2018

When I first found out I was pregnant, I knew the day was coming when I would have to squeeze something the size of a small pumpkin or watermelon out of me. How was I going to accomplish this? I was scared to death. Crazy enough though, after some research, I had decided I wanted to deliver my baby intervention-free and non-medicated. I believe if it were not for Jessica, I would not have been able to achieve this. She was always there to answer any questions I had throughout my pregnancy (and after) and provided me with the resources and tools I needed to achieve my goal. Because of Jessica, I felt ready for my baby’s arrival and was no longer scared of giving birth. The support she had given throughout the pregnancy, and during labor and delivery had put us so much at ease that the L&D nurse had commented how laid back I had seemed for a first-time mom. I will definitely reach out to Jessica again if we have any future pregnancies.

Clarissa Caprario

1/21/2018

I just had a birth with Jessica and she was absolutely amazing. I felt as though she could read my body language and my mood during labor, she knew exactly what I needed without me having to say a thing. She was so supportive, loving, nurturing and incredibly strong... I was 200+ pregnant woman and she supported much of my weight during my labor without complaints! I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica without hesitation, she is a wonderful and very genuine person that listens to your needs and provides excellent care.

Claudia Susana

1/14/2018

jessica was great! Super helpful throughout the entire process not just l&d. answered all my questions and offered resources in order for me to get more information when needed.   She is a very positive person and knows how to make you feel the same way. Empowering me through each step. During L&D she helped me stay on track with my birth plan, even when things didn't go as "planned". She reminded me of my strength and was very calm & encouraging. She also checked in with me once Baby was born and helped me with lactation questions & techniques. I'd recommend her services over & over!!

Steph Carlin

1/14/2018

Jessica was so amazing. She took the time to truly get to know my wife & I, to ensure we were getting the birth experience we were looking for - several visits before and after birth, as well as a long birth experience right by our sides. Speaking from the partners perspective, I was so happy to have Jess with us to show me different positions to support my wife, and to truly be a team during the birth of our son. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our birth plan went out the window, and Jess was able to help us remember that even though it wasnt the experience my wife was hoping for, that it didn’t mean the birth was any less special. She helped us stay informed and ask the right questions to the caregivers so we felt comfortable with all our decisions. We couldn’t recommend her more highly!!

Amie Marshall

6/24/2017

Jessica is a caring and knowledgeable Doula. After our pre-birth meetings I felt extremely informed in all areas of childbirth (cesarean, natural and drug assisted).

From the moment I met Jessica for a one-on-one introductory meeting, I knew she was the calming personality that I would need throughout my birth experience. She made me and my husband feel important, confident and prepared for any and all possible scenarios.

I would highly recommend Jessica and truly believe she was the reason I felt great going into my first birth and why I look forward to the next one.

Lauren H

9/4/2016

Jessica was a great doula during both my pregnancy and labour. She was always supportive and had great information and resources available for me, or even simply as a listening ear. She helped me put together my birth plan and I felt like I was ready and able to make my own healthcare decisions before they came up in the delivery room. She always replied to me very promptly throughout my pregnancy and was very punctual on the day of actual labour, and was flexible for meeting times and places. She was never judgmental about the kind of birth plan I envisioned. Jessica was extremely helpful during my labour by helping me manage my pain, and I am confident that all of her help and support made my birth a very positive and healthy experience. She was also very helpful post-partum checking in with me that everything was going well with both myself and my baby and sharing resources. I would recommend her services to any of my friends.

Cameron Logar

6/27/2016

Jessica came to our house when our baby was just under a week old. I reached out to her last minute and she was very accommodating. She helped me with the baby's latch as well as finding more comfortable nursing positions. She's incredibly sweet and down-to-earth and I'd definitely use her again for lactation services in the future, and would even use her as a doula for baby #2!

Morgan Silk

12/22/2015

There are truly no words for how valuable having Jessica as part of my pregnancy, L&D, and postpartum experience has been. My partner and I recognized our need for support with our first child when I learned how few options I had for labor due to allergies and medical considerations unique to me. We began to look for a doula and instantly connected with Jessica because of her warmth, knowledge and passion, and relatable personality. Our preliminary sessions helped us prepare a birth plan, understand options for l&d based on my needs, and learn comfort measures that could help us achieve the natural birth we hoped for. I ended up needing to be induced 3 weeks early and very unexpectedly, and Jessica was there by phone and text every step of the way to help us understand what was happening, why, and what our options were (and this was a process that lasted 3 days in the hospital!). With active labor, Jessica was right by our side. She provided many options for comfort measures (massage, positioning, etc.) and helped keep me calm and focused and my partner calm and involved in every step. Many things diverged from my birth plan, but Jessica was there to help me understand fully all my options at every turn so that I felt comfortable no matter what I was presented with. She stayed all afternoon, night, and the next day for active labor and was right there with my partner and me while my son was delivered. She helped me advocate for immediate skin-to-skin, helped with lactation support, and made sure I was taken care of and understood my options for postpartum care (for me and my boy) after delivery. My partner and I had such a terrific L&D experienice because of Jessica's support. We have also benefitted from her postpartum and lactation support tremendously. I look forward to continued work with her and if I ever have another child she'll be the second, after my partner, to know! If you're considering working with Jessica my advice is to do it!

Kim Hart-Paulsen

12/9/2015

We met with and interviewed several doulas and felt an instant connection with Jessica. She was very knowledgable and available during our entire pregnancy and helped my husband and mom feel comfortable with being my support team during our unmedicated birth. My mom was very nervous about watching me in pain during labor however Jesica helped her feel secure and educated about my decision so that when it came time to deliver she was 100% on board with me and my husbands Birth Plan. After the birth of our daughter, Jessica was SO supportive and helpful at the hospital and at our house as a postpartum doula. She taught me how to clean, care for and use my manual and electronic pumps, answered MANY, MANY questions about nursing and caring for our newborn and was always available by text or phone.

We had a wonderful experience with Jessica and HIGHLY recommend her!!!!

Katherine Q

9/26/2015

Jessica was a great resource throughout my pregnancy. She was always available to answer any questions and to alleviate the nerves that come with being a first timer. I especially appreciated her follow-ups once the Baby was here.

Victoria Morgan

7/19/2015

Jessica was always available and full of positivity.  She was full of resources and always followed up after wach meeting.  She knew my birth plan and provided all the support, love, and encouragment to get me to my goal (even when I didn't think I could do it).  I would recommend her to any mom to be!!

Brittany MacAdams

4/27/2015

I cannot recommend Jessica highly enough! My husband and I wanted a doula for my first birth, but didn't know any in the area and found Jessica online. We met with Jessica for the first time and immediately connected. We were impressed by her warmness, respectfulness, and knowledge. She emphasized how important it is to feel like it's a good match as the doula will be there for such an important and intimate day! After we left our meeting, my husband and I already had our minds made up to work with Jessica. And I am so very glad we did. Jessica was a huge support throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. She was incredibly respectful,  informative and empowering. She lent me resources and was available 24/7 to us. It was refreshing to be able to ask her my every question instead of having to call my OB or to search Google! My labor and delivery did not go as I had hoped, and Jessica helped me and my husband make informed decisions along the way.  I really don't know how we would have done it without her.  After I delivered my husband was especially grateful that Jessica could stay by my side so he could stay with the baby (who needed to be checked out).  I had a difficult time processing the whirlwind of that day and everything that happened and Jessica's postpartum visit was life-giving. It was so impactful for me to be able to process that day with someone other than my husband/mom. If you are on the fence about hiring a doula, regardless of what kind of birth you hope to have, do yourself a favor and schedule the first meeting. Doing that with Jessica was one of the best decisions my husband and I made throughout the pregnancy. Thank you Jessica! We look forward to working with you again one day.

David Abt

3/12/2015

Jessica was amazing. Meeting her and getting to know her before the birth was great. She was reassuring, encouraging, and it was exciting talking with her about the impending birth of our baby!

At the birth, she was so relaxing and encouraging to be around. The delivery happened very quickly, but because of her, I was able to fully relax between contractions - I was nearly asleep. I appreciated her presence very much.

Her visits after the birth were so helpful as well. It was great to talk through the experience and process it with her. And she brought my older son a wonderful book that is one of his favorites!

Jessica was a kind and empowering doula that I would (and do!) recommend, and I look back fondly on her role in the wonderful delivery of our second child. Thanks Jessica!

L.B.

3/3/2015

Jessica is truly a fantastic doula, and I would very warmly recommend her to anyone. I can easily say that I would not have been able to have the birth I had, had it not been for Jessica's presence and support during those many long hours. I was very committed to a natural birth, which happened in a hospital environment. It ended up being a very different experience than I had envisioned (I suppose that tends to be the case...) and Jessica helped me and my husband through all the unexpected twists and turns, and offered support all the way from the early labor to the epidural I ended up having, almost 30 hours later. She stayed with us all the time - and the nurses and doctors commented on how amazing my support team was, which consisted of my husband and Jessica. I know too that my husband would not have been the incredible support he was for me, if she had not been there to help him. Her presence was reassuring and comforting, in a very non-imposing way. Jessica is very knowledgeable on anything and everything birth and baby-related. During different stages of the pregnancy she offered information and answered questions, pointed me to websites etc to find resources, and was just always genuinely interested, caring and helpful. What I think makes Jessica a fantastic doula for any couple, is that she is one hundred percent respectful of the couple's wishes, and works with you within the parameters that you set. She has no firm ideas about what a birth "should" be like for anyone, other than the fact that she wants to make sure every new mom and dad make informed decisions. After the birth of my son she has continued to be an amazing support person; she genuinely cares very much, and that shines through all she does.

Melissa Tait

1/22/2015

Jessica made our experience with our 1st child wonderful.  With so many personal questions, she was always available & offered the best information.  Since my husband & I were dealing with the stress of selling our home & moving while pregnant, Jessica's home visits were extremely helpful.  I would absolutely refer Jessica to any couple!  Whether it's your first or third pregnancy, I believe having the most up-to-date information is important.  Jessica provided us with many options from her experience & continuing education.

Talking with family & friends about pregnancy may be helpful but also frustrating. Every woman has a different experience & feedback can be confusing at times.  Jessica usually had an answer for most of my questions based on her wealth of knowledge.  I honestly feel it was money well spent for peace of mind.

The only regret I have is not hiring her earlier in my pregnancy.  If my husband & I are ever blessed with another child, she will be one of the first people contacted.

Sharee Haigler

1/4/2015

I can honestly look back at my labor and delivery experience with immense satisfaction and joy, largely in part to Jessica's wonderful demeanor and radiant presense. She has such a sweet and calm but empowering aura surronding her.  She always made herself available for my many questions, concerns, and anxieties.

She offered amazing resources before and after labor. She also was a wonderful support when I first began breastfeeding. I had many breastfeeding obstacles, but her kind words and encouragement helped me remain diligent.

Simply put, without Jessica I couldnt have met my personal goals for my birthing experience. Words cannot describe how terrific she is and anyone would be extremely fortunate to have her as a part of their labor support team.

Brittany Gager Cook

12/1/2014

Jessica is a wonderful support to have

llppppduring the pregnancy and birthing experience. She is happy to support your goals in childbirth and is fully knowledgable on different options for the new parents, before, during, and after bringing your new baby into the world. As a lactation consultant, her support through the first week of breastfeeding made the transition far easier than all the horror stories I heard about breastfeeding baby. I wouldn't trade my birthing experience for anything, which includes the support of having Jess with us along the way.

Birth Availability for Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

= Available. Calendar last updated: 03-04-2024

Postpartum Availability for Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC

= Available. Calendar last updated: 03-04-2024