Testimonial for Janice Miles Birth & Postpartum Doula/Birth Educator
I didn't expect to hire Janice, because I wasn't pregnant and I wasn't thinking of myself as postpartum anymore. My son was ten months old, and I was returning to work (I'm a freelance writer). I thought what I needed was a nanny, and I asked a friend to help me find one. She suggested a postpartum doula, and since I was out of options, I decided to give it a try.
One of the first things Janice said to me was how she loved to come into an environment where there was a new member of the family, and support the parents. I could have cried. My kitchen was heaped high with dishes, the laundry overflowed its bin. After spinning up the flywheel of my business, landing a big contract, hiring and then letting go someone whose childcare skills didn't match our needs, and coping with an early-walking baby who seemed to hate sleep, my husband and I were run ragged. I had thought all we needed childcare, but we also really needed some support.
Janice was marvellous. Calm, centred, organized, warm, and wise, she took care of my son, answered my questions about developmental stages, sleep, and breastfeeding, and did household chores too. I left her a list of things from the practical ("please do the dishes") to the fantastic ("please bake a cake"). She did it all.
While Janice was a huge help to me, maybe the best thing was how well she and my son got along. Our previous caregiver had probably been in over her head, and things had gone rather badly sideways. But Janice let my son come to her on his own terms. She talked to him and played with him, and from the very first my son absolutely loved her.
A few weeks after her first day with us, I found myself referring to her as "Aunty Janice". That's what we call her now. It feels like she's family. I'd recommend her to anyone.
-Tam MacNeil
February 28, 2017
Janice Miles Birth & Postpartum Doula/Birth Educator
Heart Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1800 to $3250
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $40
