Testimonial for Jennifer Monaghan, CD(DONA) HCHD
I had a positive, empowering, and memorable birth experience with Doula Jenn. She was an integral part of our birth process. I look back on our birth experience fondly – especially some little moments of joking or irony!
Jenn was our Doula for our first daughter, who was born in 2020 during the pandemic. It wasn’t until almost 34 weeks in pregnancy that I decided to change doctors and hospitals. I was so grateful to be accepted to UCSD Jacob’s Center with the Midwives where an in-person Doula was permitted. My husband and I met with Jenn over Zoom and determined that she was the Doula for us at 35 weeks! We had planned to review my birth plan and things to do in the last month of pregnancy. Much to our surprise, I was diagnosed with pregnancy cholestasis and we were going to be a family of three much sooner than we expected. We met with Jenn on a Friday and went in to be induced on the following Monday. Not only did Jenn help us adjust, but she also helped us with so much information about the processes and the uniqueness that comes with each birth. She was supportive of me and my decisions, but also of helping my husband navigate the emotional roller coaster and staying supportive. After being at the hospital for 3 nights, we finally started to see some contractions. But it wasn’t enough. My water had to be broken, so Jenn talked us through it, but she made it clear at each step that everything was my decision. After that, my back labor accelerated quickly. Jenn was prepared with peppermint oil and a positive, coaching and reassuring attitude to help me work through the challenge. In the end, I succeeded with a natural and un-medicated birth, despite our roller coaster! Best of all, we brought our daughter into the world and she joined our family! Jenn was an important part of our birth experience and we hope that we get to share any future births with her as well!
-Marisa & Andrey
March 27, 2021
Jennifer Monaghan, CD(DONA) HCHD
Doula Jenn
Birth Fee: $3000
