Testimonial for Angela Jenks, PD CD
When I decide at 31 weeks pregnant to go for a VBa2C, I didn't know that I would be connected to an extremely beautiful and kind doula, Angela Jenks, who would play an integral part in the safe delivery of my third daughter. There really are no words to describe labor accurately to someone who hasn't gone through it. I can only say that the beginning was terrifyingly painful. Unlike the start of my labor with my second, this was hard and fast and intense. Angela's doula partner, Celeste, kept me focused over the phone and determined that yes, it was time to head to hospital. Due to the time of the day (middle of the night/wee morning hours), Angela was the one who arrived to save my sanity. My simultaneously out-of-body and intensely aware process of labor was narrated by a calm, knowing voice--that of Angela. With fear, pain intensifies. Angela was a constant reminder not to fear. That I wouldn't die. I wasn't going to fail. My baby was going to enter this world the way that God had designed. Angela reminded me to breathe and not to tense up. She coached my husband on how to best apply counter pressure to my back and stepped in to apply pressure herself when his hands were tired. When I felt like a knocked-out boxer (the room spinning and my ears ringing), Angela was able to break through the fog of exhaustion and reach my longing heart. She told me I was going to have this baby, and I believed her. I knew it was true, but she believed in me even when the taunting voice inside tried to speak lies about me not being good enough. About me being crazy to fight so hard to want a natural, unmedicated birth.
My daughter was born 10 hours after labor started--a perfect 8 lbs 14 oz. I was given so much encouragement both before and after her delivery, but only God could reach me when I was inside myself. His voice sounded a lot like Angela's. I am forever grateful that I hired Angela as my doula and will use her for any future births I have.
-Elyse Moore
November 27, 2018
Angela Jenks, PD CD
Inspire Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1800
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $45
