Testimonial for Jenny Gillespie
Jenny was my doula for the birth of my first child 3 years ago, and for the birth of my second child just 2 months ago. She was fantastic and I highly recommend her without any reservation. She is very knowledgeable and experienced, having attended more than 100 births and studied very widely on the topics of pregnancy, birth, and lactation. She is also very kind, helpful, attentive, and supportive--and she's a lot of fun to be around.
Jenny met with me several times during each pregnancy, had me call her as soon as I went into labor, came over as soon as I wanted her to, provided excellent advice and invaluable support during labor and delivery, and visited several times after each birth.
With my first baby, labor began with contractions and my water didn't break, so Jenny suggested I stay home as long as possible. It was great advice, and meant I could get some rest, labor in different positions, get massages from Jenny and my husband, take a shower, etc. It also meant that I could have the natural birth I wanted. We finally went to the hospital 20 hours after my labor began, and my baby was out 3 hours later.
With my second baby, my water broke first, so my doctor wanted me at the hospital right away. She felt things were moving too slowly and kept pushing Pitocin, warning that a C-section might become necessary. My nurse encouraged me to have an epidural. I very much wanted a natural birth, though, and Jenny's support enabled me to stand my ground and assert my preferences. When my cervix was taking a very long time to dilate and I was still at only 3 cms after 20 hours, Jenny suggested a sequence of 3 laboring positions that might help the baby get into a better position. An hour later, I had breathed my baby down and he was out with one push.
I almost chose not to have a doula to save money. But I'm so glad I hired Jenny in the end. Worth every penny--and more!
-Julia Pollak
October 21, 2015
Jenny Gillespie
your doula
Birth Fee: $2500 to $3000
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $45
