Testimonial for Jennifer Monaghan, CD(DONA) HCHD
I was really happy with Jennifer as my doula for the birth of my second child. I was sent a very lengthy questionnaire to fill out about my previous pregnancy/childbirth experiences, my preferences, etc. I chuckled as I filled out the answer to the "describe your ideal childbirth experience" question, but amazingly my experience ended up being almost exactly what I had written down!
I met with Jenn at my home to talk about my past experience, my preferences for this time, and to make a plan (as much as you can plan for something like this!). I updated her after each doctor's appointment via email, and texted her when I thought I was feeling some contractions (which turned out to be prodromal labor). Jenn always responded promptly and thoughtfully. When my labor was actually getting started, she sent me links to some movements to do to help get baby into a good position. I kept in contact with her via text and a couple phone calls while I labored at home, and sent her screenshots of my timed contractions log to keep her updated. Eventually we decided it was time to go to the hospital and she would meet us there.
Things were progressing VERY quickly and luckily Jenn was able to make it to the L&D room where I was already pushing. She helped me focus on breathing (no time for the epidural I was counting on!), and helped me through the contraction where my OB wanted me not to push, just to pant. My healthy baby boy was born just minutes later!
Even though she ended up not being physically with me for most of my labor, I'm so glad I had Jenn as my doula. She stuck around for a while after delivery and helped me get some food, and helped with my first postpartum pee. She came to my house the week after to check on me and baby; luckily nursing was going fine so we didn't really need much help but I felt very comforted to know that she was there if I needed her.
-Karole
July 15, 2019
Jennifer Monaghan, CD(DONA) HCHD
Doula Jenn
Birth Fee: $3000
