testimonials

My husband and I are so very grateful to have had Jackie by our side during the labor and delivery of our first kiddo. I was initially unsure whether or not to find a doula, but decided to contact Jackie anyways. Best decision I made during my pregnancy. I was pretty scared about having a natural birth (for 9 months straight + during labor), but Jackie’s support, guidance, and constant encouragement really helped to calm my nerves. Having her guide me through movements/positions and leading me through vocalizations made it feel like I wasn’t alone in my labor pains. Even en route to the hospital and wheeling me up to the labor/delivery room, she was right there moaning along with me in the elevator. Also, I’m pretty sure my husband would’ve been sitting in a corner, paralyzed in fear as well if Jackie wasn’t there to coach/show him how to help me through my contractions (he’s definitely a believer in doulas now). At the hospital, not everything went according to plan and things got a little scary when baby’s heart rate became an issue - Jackie, again, kept me calm, suggested questions to ask my midwife, and kept checking in with me to make sure I felt well cared for. Jackie was such a blessing for us and we offer our highest recommendations for her doula services! -Becky

My wife and I just had our first child. We were obviously new to the whole experience, and my wife was nervous but in favor of a natural birth. We were both also nervous and concerned how everything would turn out. On top of that, we had several other life stresses added to the mix, so we were both a little frazzled. We hadn't considered using a doula, but when the opportunity presented itself, we seized it. Jackie, simply put, was an indispensable source of stability, safety, and peace throughout the entire labor- from the time the water broke, until our son was born (in the water) 23 hours later. Amid the excitement and fatigue of the labor, Jackie was always there to keep us focused on the fundamentals and help us make it to the end. She was never obtrusive, but rather maintained the appropriate level of involvement-always responsive, focused, and ready to help us when she knew we needed it. My wife and I without hesitation recommend Jackie to anyone in need of a doula. For our next child, we know who we are going to call. Thank you, Jackie!

We cannot recommend Jackie highly enough! Throughout my pregnancy I went back and forth between wanting to hire a doula and being unsure if it was really worth the extra expense. Despite having several friends who sang the praises of doulas, I still had a hard time grasping how a doula could be of such value…what could she do that my husband and midwife could not?? I interviewed a good handful of doulas and really liked all of them…what’s not to like about a woman who is dedicated to supporting other women during the most intense and intimate event of her life?! Something just clicked when I met Jackie, I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I guess I just felt at ease with her. I let go of the idea that I needed someone with children of their own or with tons of births under their belt, and I’m so glad I did because in the end neither of those things mattered in the least. She catered our prenatal visits to our needs. Since we had taken an 8-week childbirth class, she reviewed information that would be helpful and focused on the things that we specified as more important to us. I have a health condition I was worried about and Jackie did tons of research to help answer my questions and find holistic ways for me to work with it. My wish was to have a natural, non-medicated birth and I wanted to labor at home as long as possible. I was having pre-labor symptoms for more than 24-hours and Jackie stayed in touch with me providing encouragement. My water broke at home and Jackie reminded me to stay in contact with the midwives and to continue giving her updates of my contractions. Several hours later my husband started getting ready for bed…I was exasperated that he thought there would be any sleep since I was clearly in labor!! It was then that we asked Jackie to come over, which was around midnight. I couldn’t have told you what I needed at that point if you asked me, but when Jackie arrived she provided it. She was calm, comforting and confident. She helped me labor throughout the night, gently reminding me to shift positions and guiding my husband in the best ways to support me. It was such a huge relief for him having her there as well. Looking back I know we would not have tried all the positions and techniques without her there, despite our education and practice. In the early hours of morning I had a small complication and Jackie helped us explain the situation to our midwife. When we arrived at the hospital, she immediately formed a rapport with our nurse, and later we learned that she had previously attended a birth with our midwife. It was comforting having this team working together around me. Although I was fully dilated and effaced when we arrived at the hospital, I ended up laboring for about 5 more hours before I was ready to push. This was hard work. Jackie continued to challenge me to move, squat and lunge – whatever it took to get my baby to move down so I could push her out. Our midwife was busy with 2 other labors-in-progress, so I was again grateful for Jackie’s presence. Our nurse was great, but she was persistent about wanting me to be ready to push. Jackie helped reframe the nurse’s constant questions to give me options and assure that things were progressing as I wanted them to. My husband and Jackie formed a comradery, joking and getting each other coffee or snacks, which was so helpful since none of us had slept. After two hours of pushing my beautiful baby girl was finally in my arms. Now I understand how doulas can be so helpful and invaluable. I truly believe that women were meant to have the support of other women during labor and birth. I hope we get the chance to work with Jackie again for baby #2! -Laura

Jackie was truly a blessing to have at my side during labor. I spent weeks trying to find a doula. For one reason or another I kept having a difficult time trying to find the perfect match. Jackie was actually the last doula I interviewed but when I met her, I knew that I had found the right match. Jackie is a down to earth person who genuinely cares about the families that she works with. She is warm and caring and has a calming personality. I had a rather fast labor and Jackie was able to quicky respond to the situation. She helped me with my breathing and helped with the back pain that I was experiencing. My husband also felt great relief when she arrived because he also needed support and guidance about what to do. My intentions were to have a natural labor and Jackie helped me achieve this with her support. I really don't think I could have done it without her. I am so glad that I made the right decision to hire a doula. It made a world of difference. While at the hospital Jackie stayed with us and gave me her undivided attention. I am so glad that she was able to be at the birth of our son. I would highly recommend Jackie to anyone that is looking for a great doula.
- Vanessa

My husband and I used Jackie as our doula for our second birth. Jackie is extremely friendly and made each prenatal visit a warm experience. During the prenatal visits she would discuss with us our preferences and specific concerns and desires for birth. She was great with our older 2 year old daughter as well. She always acknowledged her and was open to helping us make her apart of the birth experience. Jackie was great at stepping in during labor and figuring out how to best serve us. During the actual pushing phase of labor Jackie was able to be alongside my daughter and help her enjoy the moment while also being out of the way. I would definitely recommend Jackie to my friends. She is an awesome doula and I even consider her a friend now.
~Anjelica

Jackie went above and beyond my expectations, making me so extremely grateful she was our doula for our first birth experience. She supported both me and my husband from doctor visits to delivery. Jackie was proactive in utilizing labor techniques that were helpful in relieving pain and making me feel more comfortable. Her positive energy kept me going strong, and her encouraging, compassionate nature was just what I needed to stay focused throughout the birthing process. Whatever we needed, Jackie would get it done. It was wonderful that even with all the help she was giving me and all excitement happening in the birthing room, Jackie remembered to take pictures and video clips throughout my birthing process. She later put together a beautiful video of the birth of my daughter, footage I wouldn’t have had if she wasn’t present. I will treasure it forever!
- Lori

When I hired a doula I was looking for emotional and mental support. I wanted to feel supported and understood. Jackie fully met my expectations. She was always available and very sweet. Prenatally and postnatally she spent the perfect amount of time with me, discussing and reviewing questions and concerns. During labor she respected my decisions and encouraged me. I really liked how she supported me physically with massage, arm 'tickles', and eye contact. When it became apparent that my birth was going to be different then I had originally planned she gave great emotional support. My mother and aunt were also with me throughout labor and delivery. Jackie meshed great with them. She and the two other birth team members worked together as one amazing unit. Everyone loved her. I would absolutely have a doula again. Ideally Jackie would still be a doula so I could have her as my doula again. I was always comfortable with her. She made sure I always felt supported and that I was getting what I needed and wanted.
- Kristen