Testimonial for Jessica Gillan: Bellies, Boobs, Babies & Bliss from Samantha Lewis

Testimonial for Jessica Gillan: Bellies, Boobs, Babies & Bliss

I selected Jessica after a "meet the doulas" event at our Birthing Center. My first impression was that Jessica was calm, down-to-earth, Educated, Knowledgeable, Poised and culturally respectful. She stood out from the rest as having an ease about her; no airs, no gimmicks, relatable, genuine and highly experienced. Just the type of person I needed for our Birth.
In planning for our birth, my husband and I were looking for someone who would help him help me, manage the scene, and help me in labor, and Jessica well surpassed our expectations. From the moment she arrived at our Birthing Suite, she went to work and did not stop until well after our daughter made her debut.
What was most amazing is that Jessica just blended in. I was unaware of many things she did until afterward, when I came out of my hypnobirthing trance and we all began retelling the birth story. What I do recall is that at the height of my contractions, all I could hear was Jessica's soft voice, calmly and quietly soothing and encouraging me to "breathe your baby down." (Ok, seriously, those cold wet towels on my forehead was like heaven, too!) She kept telling me soft, supportive phrases that truly helped me stay focused and not "lose it" when Transitition came upon us. It was all so perfect as it was empowering.
That might sound trivial now, but it was absolutely critical to my endurance. Jessica handled everything with professionalism and ease. From aromatherapy, to massage, to food and water, to keeping me in a relaxed state and keeping other people from disrupting that calm state, she was undoubtedly the most important member of my birth team. I will also speak on behalf of my husband and my mother who were both present and agree that Jessica was indispensable. She was skilled, kind, supportive, professional, poised, and real. We loved her tremendously! It is an absolute blessing to have had her as part of the best day of our lives.

-Samantha Lewis

August 13, 2017