Testimonial for Jeni Dansand from Ben Hallett

Testimonial for Jeni Dansand

When my wife and I began thinking about labor and delivery for our first little one, a doula did not even make it on the list of considerations. However, after some prodding from friends, we decided to explore. After meeting with Jeni, we were convinced of the benefits and selected her to be a part of our birth story. From that point, never did we question whether that was the right decision. Jeni went above and beyond anything we could have hoped in navigating us through the choppy waters of labor and delivery. She was readily available for questions by text or phone and gave excellent material and suggestions leading up to the birth - providing book recommendations as well as credible sources for research and information. She also gave excellent intros to birth and newborn care in our meeting times. When it came to the labor, she displayed knowledge, skill, and an innate sense of awareness during a much longer than hoped for labor. This allowed me as the husband to be a part of the birth and provide hands on support for my wife without requiring me to have all of the answers. She also took care of so many behind the scenes things such as tidying up the house before leaving for the hospital and making up beds for our overnight stay at the hospital. Each allowed me to focus my attention on supporting my wife. She did all of it without having to be asked. She was a stable presence when things were difficult and contributed ideas and evidence based feedback which allowed us to avoid what would have otherwise been a certain c-section. In the end, she stayed with us far longer that we ever would have expected of her (including an overnight in the hospital). We are convinced of the benefits of a doula and wholeheartedly recommend Jeni for that role. She was such a gift to us and her guidance and stability allow us to look back extremely with nothing but positivity on our lengthy birth experience.

-Ben Hallett

July 23, 2019