Childbirth Classes and Doula Services
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Celebrating 16 Years!
Testimonials
“Only with trust, faith, and support can the woman allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower her.” - Claudia Lowe
Roxana Scheetz
We can’t express enough how thankful and blessed we are to have found you. We moved here from Louisiana during my last trimester but I found Jessica through doulamatch.net, Jessica emailed me right away and I felt so comfortable emailing her and she was very supportive and attentive. Although the Doctors, a nurse I encountered during my labor and some Midwives that did not support me on my wishes to have a VBAC, Jessica was there fighting for me, encouraging me, supporting me and advocating for me. She is very experienced and knowledgeable about childbirth and VBACS, I truly believe and have no doubt that God sent me a truly special and remarkable person to be at my side and that person is Jessica Groves, every time I look at my beautiful baby I think of Jessica. There are no words that can describe how thankful we are that we were able to have her for our special day. Please don’t look any further because Jessica is the only doula you will ever need. Thank you Jessica for being my friend and my doula. May god always bless you in everything that you do.
The Scheetz Family!
Posted 7/26/2018
Nicole Khoury Atkinson
I first met Jessica when I took her Bradley Method class in 2007, during my first pregnancy. It was very clear from the beginning that I needed her by my side at birth. She was a knowledgeable woman, a caring friend, and a confidant to me. With her help, I was able to get through a 13-hour labor and birth (with back labor) totally un-medicated. My recovery was rough and as she had promosed in every email, she was with me “in birth and beyond”...she answered my calls and texts and came to visit me post partum. When I was pregnant with my second child I knew I had the fortitude for another natural birth but I still wanted Jessica by my side. She was my advocate and trusted guide. Round #2 was a success after a 20-hour labor and delivery! She offered me advice about over producing milk, and was helpful to support us as the baby had colic and never stopped crying. She was always there. I vowed never had to have another baby while she visited us for her post partum visit. “Oh yes you will,” she said. “And I will be there for it again when you do.”And so it was, another three years later... I texted her, “I can’t do it without you. This time, we will do a water birth,“ I wrote! And that was that. Jessica was by our side, helping the L&D nurse at the hospital monitor me from the tub (it was the gal’s first water labor!) since Jessica herself had delivered her own babies in her OWN tub! It was great. She worked with the nurse and midwife well. I felt empowered to push my son out on my own with no guidance from anyone. 23 hours of labor. No drugs. Just the dim lights, warm water and soft music with my husband, our midwife, nurse and Jessica surrounding me. It was truly the birth I had always dreamed of. I cherish Jessica for the many months she was my life life in pregnancies recoveries, and know even in parenthood I could still rely on her support. She’s remarkable at what she does and who she is.
Posted 7/24/2018
Amanda Loveday
As a first time mom, I was blessed to have Jessica as my Bradley Method teacher and as my doula. She is a wealth of knowledge and was always able to calm my fears and answer my questions. I couldn’t have imagined a smoother birth experience as her confidence and calm demeanor helped me stick to my birth plan even when I thought I couldn’t continue. I would highly recommend Jessica to any expecting mother, especially those who desire a natural birth.
Posted 7/22/2018
Rachel McFadden
Jessica was my doula and birth teacher for my 1st baby in 2008. She was wonderful. I felt so prepared going into my birth with my birth plan at the birth center. My Labor was short so she did not make it to our home, but coached us over the phone and told us to meet her at the birth center. On the way down she stayed on the phone with my husband to help me get through the transition phase while in the car. She met us at the birth center and helped give me pressure pain relief while I was in labor there. My labor was short and my baby was born about an hour after we arrived. Jess kept a timeline of my labor and help document everything with photos. All in all I would highly recommend her as a birth doula!
Posted 7/21/2018
M Kovacs
Jessica is experienced, knowledgable, supportive, and was there for me when I needed her the most. She worked hard during my birth to help me any way she could and I'm forever greatful. Having Jessica at your birth is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Posted 7/21/2018
Rachel Elizabeth Cappuccino
I am forever indebted to Jessica for her expertise and unwavering support during the natural labor and birth of my fourth child. Due to medical concerns, he needed to come a little bit early. As a physician, I know the risks of induction and wanted to avoid intervention so as to mitigate those risks. I could do that in confidence with Jessica at my side. I truly could not have managed without her. Her extensive personal and professional experience are unparalelled. That in itself is a source of power and strength. But she truly went above and beyond to help and assure me during a long and difficult labor, as well as supporting my husband. (She was with me in the hospital for many hours, even though she had a small nursling at home!) Though the labor was long, the birth was fast - and it was Jessica alone who kept me calm and composed. The doctor wasn't present, and the nurse was panicked. However, Jessica's calming presence prevailed, and it was she and my husband who delivered my baby boy together and attended to him until the team arrived back in the room.
Moreover, Jessica's support lasted well beyond his birth. As he had a prolonged hospital stay related to his gestational age and precipitous birth, she checked in on both of us and provided much needed emotional support to an exhausted and overwhelmed new (again) mother.
If you even think you *might* need a doula, believe me: you DO. Every woman can benefit from Jessica's intense passion for birth and true belief in supporting women through this amazing life transition.
Posted 7/21/2018
Katie Booth Corbin
Jessica has been our doula with all three of our homebirths; February 2010, April 2013 and March 2016. Her support has been invaluable. She is there with advice an recommendations long before the birth and years after when you run into unanticipated issues. I cannot imagine going through a birth without her support. She knows just when to jump in with assistance and when to stand back and let things happen. Her presence gives both my husband and myself a tremendous peace of mind.
Posted 2/16/2018
Rachel C
I must start by saying that my husband and I are both physicians. Not only that, but I am an anesthesiologist. It is unlikely that there are many people who have an ingrained bias toward conventional medicine (and, admittedly, skepticism of the natural childbirth movement). I'm here to tell you that not only is this an absolutely awesome experience that I would highly recommend (barring medical necessity for intervention), but also that Jessica is the woman you want standing by your side throughout the process.
Jessica has a natural grace and quiet strength about her which is strengthened by her personal experiences with birth. Her knowledge is vast, but her love of her role in helping women during their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum issues is what makes her so special. She instantly put any anxiety or skepticism within me to rest. She strengthened my resolve to strive for a fully natural birth. And when it was time, she was the face I looked to in any moments I started to doubt myself.
Jessica was a strong presence in the room when she was needed, and she faded back quietly between those times. She was a seamless part of my birth team, providing support for myself or my husband in this yet-uncharted territory for us. I am ever thankful for her for that. Moreover, she took incredible photos during that time which I will cherish forever. They are beautiful, poignant, and honest. And yet, I was only vaguely aware that she had taken some pictures. Her talent in that arena came as quite a blessed surprise.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Jessica to anyone who is lucky enough to find her - she is, quite simply, amazing.
Posted 11/25/2013
Jennifer H
I would highly recommend Jessica. When we found out that our daughter had many complications, we were so afraid a natural birthing experience would be taken away from us. Jessica is so wise, compassionate and a true advocate in the delivery room. her experience guided me through the pain and kept me focused on the goal. It was hard for me to trust my body, since I had never felt anything like childbirth. Now I look back on the day my daughter was born, and am proud of how we, as a team, handled the experience. Jessica also took pictures and made us a video that I still can not get through without crying happy tears. No words can really express my gratitude for all that Jessica did to help us bring our little miracle into our lives.
Posted 11/19/2013
Mandy F
I recently had baby#5. My first 4 children were not born naturally. I didn't know how to trust my body.
I approached Jessica at 9 weeks. She encouraged me to look for a midwife. I found a midwife/ob practice. I struggled with convincing them that I did not have PIH. I only had high BP in the office.. Every test came back perfect. They still were not happy. I knew the me and baby were fine! I was being beat down by my care providers. Jessica talked to me about diet, natural ways to reduce stress and help BP. She encouraged me to find a care provider that would support me. At 32 weeks I switched midwives. I felt supported! TY Jessica!!
At 37 wks, I lost my mucus plug. Lots of pressure. I asked the midwife to check me. I was 5 cm and 70%!! I wasn't in labor...we waited. Early Saturday morning I felt *different* I knew that would be the day. I called Jessica. We decided to head down the road.
Jessica was wonderful. She walked with me, rubbed my back, brought me juice. We chatted and passed the time. When things got **real** she helped me into the tub, helped me get through the contractions one at a time. She helped me keep control over my body and emotions. During moments of doubt she reminded me that I was strong and that I could do this! It was such a blessing having her there. Jessica took pictures and helped me nurse minutes after delivery.
After a few days we began to see signs of jaundice in our lO. Her levels were increasing and my milk had not come in. Jessica suggested I nurse constantly, sit in the sun, drink tons of water and do skin to skin. The levels came down!! We were able to avoid being admitted to the hospital! TY Jessica!
Jessica was a wonderful support throughout my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. She gave me a gift. She showed me that I was strong, that I could trust my body. It was wonderful, healing and empowering. I honestly can't thank her enough! She was a true blessing.
Posted 7/4/2013
John O
Jessica Groves is an amazing professional and now, friend. My wife and I first took her class, not knowing what to expect from having a home birth. Jess was there the moment we needed her, once my wife started to feel contractions. We may have called her too early in retrospect, but she arrived (after driving over 50 miles), waited around our kitchen, treating us with patience, understanding, and respect. She escorted us through our first home birth experience, 36 hours in all, literally from beginning to end, with the reassurance of knowing we were not only bringing Julian into this world safely, but also into a calm environment that wasn't intrusive or cold, and allowed for us to bond with him immediately as a family. I caught Julian with my own hands as he was born. I felt his heart beat next to mine. I got to lay him in his mother's arms, and cut his umbilical cord. Talk about an experience that'll make a grown man cry. I'll always remember that day til I die. I've never felt more responsible, or needed as a father, like I did in that moment. I looked up, and there was Jessica snapping pictures and shooting video, just like we outlined in our birth plan. I would have forgotten otherwise. It was such a powerful moment, and it was happening the way we wanted. Julian wasn't taken away from us in a plastic cart, handed from nurse to nurse like just another baby, put under a bright heat lamp, washed & weighed by others, and wrapped up quickly by the next nurse headed to the next birth. He spent his first hour sleeping skin to skin with my wife and I, and when he woke up, we were shown how to breastfeed him, burp him, change him, dress his new belly button, and other things. It was a beautiful experience just the way we wanted, and Jessica, and the supporting team we picked were incredible. Thanks to all.
Posted 3/9/2013
Nicole A
After just a few birth classes with Jessica, we knew that we didn’t want to give birth without her by our sides. In addition to the loving and genuine attention she showed us, Jessica was a vault of knowledge. A self-admitted “birth junkie,” her arsenal is stocked with articles, books and websites with answers and opinions on everything related to pregnancy, birth and more. After hiring her to be our birth doula, Jessica was in constant contact with me through text messages, emails or phone calls. No question or concern went unaddressed. She guided us closely through the final three months of pregnancy by helping us define our birth plan and explaining all of the routine procedures that take place after a hospital birth. I am proud to report that with her help, we arrived at the hospital at 9.5 cm dilated and I gave birth without drugs or intervention.After it was all said and done and our “contract” was up, Jessica remained in touch. I had not employed post-partum services, yet she checked on me and answered my questions instantly. She was there for me like no one else could be…not my mother, my husband or even my best friend. She let me know that anything I was dealing with emotionally and physically was very normal, which is far more than what the books tell you. Naturally we hired her again for my second pregnancy. I still tell people hilarious stories of the moments that passed, and how she kept us calm and smiling. And yet, despite her being in the room with my husband and me, it was still an incredibly intimate time for us. She had an uncanny ability to insert her talents and support the moment they were needed, yet fade to the back when not, so that the parents can concentrate, support and celebrate together. It’s a beautiful thing. She signs every email with: Yours, in birth and beyond. No words could ring more true. Jessica Groves is committed to all of her parents-to-be without question and without time constraints. She gives all of herself.
Posted 3/6/2013
Dale P
We had a great experience with Jessica for the birth of our first child. We met her because we signed up for her Bradley birth class. After taking the class we realized that Jessica had both an incredible knowledge of the birth process as well as a demeanor that made us both feel very comfortable with her. She gave us support via phone and email leading up to the day of the birth, at which she and my husband corresponded over the phone until we felt we needed her to come to the house. She was a lifesaver! She helped me get into various positions, encouraged me to walk up and down the stairs (which did wonders for moving my contractions along), and used several different techniques to help me relax and focus. I felt 100% comfortable with Jessica in our home assisting us.
One reason why it was so wonderful to have Jessica with us was in making the call about when to go to the hospital. She recognized the signs that meant it was time to go and again we trusted her completely. Sure enough I arrived at the hospital 8 cm dilated and had my baby less than three hours later! My midwife had surgery just a week before I went into labor and so instead of having a midwife catch my baby I had the on-call OB whom I had never met. She was not supportive of natural birth and if it weren't for Jessica I don't think I would have had the strength and confidence to insist on the things that were important to me (no IV, changing positions, etc.)
Afterward I had to have stitches, which took quite a while, but Jessica stayed with us for over 2 hours talking about the birth, giving me tips on recovery, and helping us with breastfeeding. She came to visit us a day or two later and again was a wonderful resource for help with the postpartum period and breastfeeding. I would very highly recommend Jessica to anyone! I really do credit her with the fact that I was able to have a drug-free, natural childbirth.
Posted 2/12/2013
Patty B
My husband and I hired Jessica to assist us with our HBAC after a horrible experience with our first that ended up with a c/s for
"failure to progress." I was told that "some people just can't have posterior babies." Well, Jessica supported us through a long, intense labor that resulted in the vaginal birth of my second posterior baby at home, a baby that was 2 lbs heavier than my first! Jessica helped us achieve the birth that we felt we missed out on with our first.
Unfortunately, Jessica wasn't able to attend our second home birth b/c she had given birth only a few days earlier herself. However, Jessica was a huge emotional support to me when my pregnancy went over 41w and helped me give myself permission to relax and let my body get started with the work it needed to do.
Posted 2/8/2013
Anne H
Jessica was an absolute superstar during my labor. I had a very long, hard labor with lots of back labor. In early labor, Jessica first came first before we transitioned to the hospital. After almost 30 hours of labor I got stuck at 8cm and the baby had rotated into the transverse position. I was devastated. At that point I just didn’t think I could handle any more pain so I inquired about pain management options. I remember feeling defeated when I learned an epidural was my only option. We asked the doctor to leave the room so we could discuss our options with Jessica. That’s when I started to breakdown. I was sobbing telling them I was so tired, I couldn’t do it anymore. Jessica explained to my husband that it was totally normal for me to be feeling this way at this point in labor. I was in the thick of active labor, close to transitioning and starting to doubt myself. This is when Jessica recommended walking the halls to get that baby moving. The stretches worked and helped rotate the baby back to LOA. I did end up having pitocin to help things along but Jessica was by my side the entire time and she was 14 weeks pregnant! After 2 ½ hours of pushing and almost 40 hours of labor, I delivered a beautiful baby girl who was big and healthy. Jessica helped me nurse her immediately for the first time. She also stayed for a while after the birth to make sure we had everything we needed. After we arrived home from the hospital, Jessica visited to help with breastfeeding and answer other questions we had. When my daughter was about a week old I woke up one morning with painful mastitis. Jessica helped me figure out what I needed to do, who to call and how to avoid a trip to the ER like my OB wanted me to do! Even now, 18 months later I know she is still there to offer advice or answer a question if I need her. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jessica. She will definitely be present at the birth of our next child!
Posted 2/8/2013
Abbie B
Having Jess as our doula was an awesome experience and helped us to have the birth we desired. Being first time parents we were beyond nervous about birth in general but Jess did an amazing job to help put at us ease and teach us that birth is a natural and wonderful experience. From the first time we met her, she was so knowledgeable and really educated us and opened our eyes about natural birth and all of it's wonders. She made herself available by phone, email, and text to answer any questions that we had along the way. When our birth day came, she was right by our side. She showed up at our house and the minute she arrived we were both at ease. I was able to labor comfortably at home for several hours while Jess encouraged me to move, use different birthing positions, and even called our chiropractor and arranged for him to make a home visit to adjust me and better prepare my body for labor. When we decided to go to the hospital she was supportive and encouraging and helped make the transition from home to hospital as comfortable as possible. She was a fantastic advocate and reminded the staff about our birth plan and wishes. Due to an allergic reaction (we have a cat and she is highly allergic!) and despite her best attempt to stay by our side to see us through to the birth of our daughter, she had to leave. But before leaving she called and arranged for an excellent back up doula. She waited until the backup arrived and briefed her on my labor status, birth plan, etc. We were sad to see her go, but felt confident in her choice in replacement. Later that evening after our daughter was born, we were so excited when she stopped by to visit and check on us. She'll forever hold a special place in our hearts for her very important role in our special day!
Posted 2/7/2013
Cherith W
When we first met Jessica, we were already 5 months into the pregnancy. We had researched and thought we had found a Dr.s group who would let us attempt a VBAC. But, half way through the pregnancy, they began to back track and were asking me when I would like to schedule my c-section! I couldn't believe it. I found Jessica online and began to explain the situation. She was so reassuring that I knew she was going to be our doula. She was the one who recommended the mid wife we chose. She worked closely with our mid wife and was so affirming and reassuring that we would be able to deliver vaginally, that we were able to get over all of the negative words and opinions of the ones who had come before. We chose a home birth because I was fearful of going to the hospital and being forced into a c-section (as happened with our first). Jessica was such an encouragement. I was having contractions and dilating slowly over the course of 6 days and nights. I was so frustrated that my body just wouldn't get on with it already! But Jessica remained calm, she made sure that someone was with me at all times (she had a conference to go to in the middle of all of this) and always reminded me that my body was up for the task. In the end, we delivered a beautiful baby boy in the comfort of our home. Thank you Jessica. You helped me to believe in my own ability to deliver and reaffirmed that God had in deed equipped me with everything I needed.
Posted 2/7/2013
Erinn R
I first heard about Jess after i found her website when looking for information on VBAC. I had a terrible experience with the birth of my son. After a C-section because of a failed induction in which i was told "I thought you could do this and you can't" i knew I wanted the birth of my second son to be different. We hired Jessica because of her vast knowledge and experience and we are so glad we did. Throughout the pregnancy, not only was Jess supportive and kind, but her knowledge of birth and pregnancy really helped me to feel secure and safe especially because of all my doubts in myself. Jessica always made me believe that not only could i deliver vaginally but i would and largely because of her, I did.
We chose a hospital birth and Jessica was there for a 20 hour in-hospital labor. She was so kind and helpful throughout the labor and delivery. She coached me in different positions to ease pain, kept an eye on the monitors so the nurses wouldn't intervene unnecessarily and helped my to have a completely drug free delievery. Because of her, i was able to withstand the rigors of transition, and the pressure of pushing. Throughout it all she was a mother, a friend, a sister, and a nurse all rolled into one. Not only did she help me but she showed my husband how to help me to and this was invaluable.
I cannot recommend her enough! I will forever be grateful to Jess for giving me a birth I only dreamed was possible!
Posted 2/5/2013
Bridget M
Having Jessica as our Doula was one of the best things my husband and I could have done! From the very beginning of my pregnancy Jessica gave us support and direction on decisions that needed to be made. My husband and I were pregnant with twins. Jessica always supported our desire to have a natural birth. We chose to have a home birth. Jessica showed up at our house with encouraging words and my comfort her proiorty. Jessica knew exactly where to apply pressure to my back. She was very calm and good at keeping everyone in the room calm. I had no idea at one time I had 6 people in the room with me. Just with Jessica being there I felt more confident, calm and safe. Even when everyone left family and midwives, Jessica stayed and made sure my husband and I were comfortable. I look forward to my next pregnancy and to share that journey with Jessica as our Doula!
Thank you Jessica for being a wonderful Doula for our family!
Bridget and David Moody
Home birth mom of twins, Lilliana and Oiliva
Posted 4/7/2011
Leah Malka and Yisroel P
My husband and I had everything we wanted throughout our pregnancy and delivery of our 4th child. Our first birth of twins was so sad. Our second birth though a vbac, wasn't everything we wanted - not to mention tremendously intense. However, our third birth (secondary vbac) was just amazing. Jessica was a warm/loving/steadfast/and strong support throughout the entirety of our pregnancy. She was always there taking care of me and making sure we were taking care of me. If I called with a concern, question, or fear Jessica was wonderful about answering quickly, coming over and checking on me, or just calming me down. Jessica also supported us on the natural birthing method we had chosen and supported in every way my desire to deliver upright. She helped me prepare for that with proper nutrition and exercise and we got exactly what we wanted. We delivered in the hospital and Jessica made sure my birth plan was followed and that we had everything to our liking. Our birth was intense, surrounded with love and great people. (Jessica worked hand in hand with my Doctor and the nurses). She helped me with nursing immediately after the baby was born and left a very comfortable Mommy and Daddy and gorgeous new boy well on our way in bonding. Jessica came and visited afterwords and made sure we were all doing well and continued to give us the same warmth and love she shared from the day we first spoke. Thank you so much Jessica.
Posted 4/1/2011
Ashley C
Jessica was absolutely fabulous as our doula. From the moment we hired her, she was there every step of the way. We had many concerns and questions about pregnancy and the birthing experience, as this was our first time. Every question we had, she answered. She also offered guidance, but never interfered in our decisions. When my pregnancy last longer than 42 weeks, Jessica helped us shift our plan to a home birth so that we could still have the experience we had imagined. We are forever grateful for the midwife she recommended. Although she was not able to attend the birth of our daughter (she is very experienced and sought after and was already attending a birth), she offered a replacement and visited us the very next day. She will always have a special place in our hearts because of the attention and caring she gave us.
Posted 10/4/2010
Nicole R
Our family had a wonderful birth experience with Jessica. I had my first daughter without a doula present and swore I would have a doula for my next birth and Jessica was the doula for us. She was there for us before the birth with advice about how to handle a variety of issues including GBS status, induction and fast labors. I ended up going into labor with my second daughter on the same day that Jessica was returning from a very long road trip. Jessica dropped off her family at home, immediately jumped back into the car and drove 45 minutes to the birth center to be there to support us during our birth. Jessica supported both myself and my husband through my very fast labor and helped to reassure my 4 year old daughter who was also present at the birth. She also took many excellent photos and a video of the labor/birth experience which are absolutely precious to me.
After the baby was born I had a minor postpartum hemmorage and Jessica stayed calm and cool and assisted the midwives with dealing my condition and kept me focused and calm. Jessica also came to our house a few days after the birth for a postpartum visit to make sure we were all doing ok.
Jessica Groves is extremely knowledgeable about labor and childbirth and I would recommend her to anyone as a wonderful doula. If our family is blessed with a third baby, Jessica will be there to welcome him or her into the world.
Posted 9/22/2010
Kara G
Jessica was awesome. She *listened* to what I wanted in a birth experience and helped me find the best path to make it happen. I wanted a natural, drug free vbac, which might sound simple, but if you've ever been pressured by doctors/midwives to have all sorts of interventions, you know that having a natural birth is not as simple as it may sound to others. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't as savy with my first birth and let my doctors persuade me that 40 weeks was past due. (Of course I know now that 40 weeks pregnancy alone is no reason to intervene and that first pregnancies are on average longer than 40 wks!) I really educated myself during my second pregnancy, because I figured that the more educated I became, the more power I would have in shaping my birth experience. In my search for more knowledge, I found Jessica. Jessica was a constant source of knowledge and encouragement. If I hadn't met Jessica, I'm not sure that I would have been able to accomplish a vbac, but with her and the birth team that she recommended, I was able to have the drug free, natural birth that I wanted. ( I had a different doula with my first birth, but it ended in a c-section because I wasn't delivering my baby fast enough for the doctors.) If you are serious about controlling your own birth experience (as much as humanly possible) then Jessica is the doula for you. I know she was the right one for me.
Posted 9/21/2010
Asheleigh G
Jessica was an amazing help to us during the birth of our daughter, Bronwynne, a labour lasting more than 46 hours. Her support, encouragement, and resilience was astonishing. Not only was my husband and I able to have the natural Bradley Birth we had planned, Jessica was also able to provide us with additional help (reflexology and chiropractic services) through her network of professionals when my labour stalled. Without a doubt, her doula expertise went above and beyond our expectations and were essential to our successful birth and postpartum recovery. I would recommend Jessica to anyone looking for a doula with natural childbirth experience, a Bradley Instructor with midwivery education, and/or postpartum doula support.
Posted 9/21/2010
Kathryn C
Jessica was our doula for the birth of our first child. We learned of her services when we took her Bradley Childbirth class. We had originally planned on a hospital birth but switched at 28 weeks to a home birth. I felt more comfortable with this decision because I knew she would be there. She was available at all times and was very understanding and supportive. I felt she was uniquely qualified because she has had three children of her own and one of them at home. In addition to this it helped me be more comfortable that she had also attended so many births and was taking classes to become a midwife herself. She was very informative and answered all our questions. She was the first person I called and kept tabs on me throughout the day. She arrived as soon as we thought we needed her (we had a home birth) and stayed until we were comfortable with her leaving. She seemed to know intuitively what would make me comfortable even when I was unsure. She also returned to do a follow-up visit to make sure the breast feeding was going well. I would highly recommend her as a doula and look forward to having her be our doula next time.
Posted 9/21/2010
Becky B
Jessica was a great doula! She was there for us from birth classes to postpartum help and everything in between. She is very knowledgeable in many different aspects of birth and newborn care. Jessica is very approachable and easy to talk with about any concerns a couple might have. She takes photos of your birth and is your voice during labor and birth to make sure you get the kind of birth you want. I will definitely use her for my future birth experiences!
Posted 9/21/2010
Jill C
Jessica came into my pregnancy with knowledge, support, and understanding. Being in the field of birth, I was extremely picky when looking for someone to support me, especially with my third baby. After reading her birth story during my pregnancy, I completely melted for the experience. I deceided that Jessica would be the one for us, with her balance of grand knowledge and emotional support. She acknowledged my baby en womb, which was imperative to me. When the time came for my daughter to make her appearance, Jessica helped to ensure confidence in my ability to birth strongly, proudly, and powerfully. Ava's birth was difficult and I began to doubt myself, but Jessica encouraged me that I was doing a wonderful job. Soon after my healthy, strong, beautiful baby girl came into the water and into my arms.
Posted 9/21/2010
Wendy S
Jessica referred me to a midwife who would allow us to deliver how we wanted and really listen to my concerns. I was free to labor at home, and thanks to Jessica’s doula services I felt comfortable staying home and calling her every so often with changes in contractions so as to best gauge when we should leave the house to ensure that we weren't laboring too long away from the hospital or delivering a baby in the car on the way there. During labor Jessica was great at managing my stress and pain. I really wanted my mother to be there for the delivery, and she was in a car accident on the way, and Jessica kept me comforted and kept the midwife from rushing the delivery to see if I could hold out until she arrived—and we were able to hold off pushing until she got there which made me so very happy!
During transition when I had the worst pain, Jessica knew just where to apply pressure to comfort me, and that was such a relief. She knew my birth plan and ensured I had all the options I wanted—laboring with a birth ball, delivering with a mirror, letting me touch my baby’s head while pushing, etc. These were momentous occasions I missed during my first delivery because I wasn't thinking about it and was more concerned with my baby’s heart rate. Having someone else in the room other than my husband that could focus on those small but very important details was priceless. And to have her take photos of things I missed with my first delivery was great. You never get to experience the same birth twice, so cherishing every moment is precious.
Thank you, Jessica, for making that day so very special!
Posted 10/17/2009
Cally M
When we learned of our pregnancy, my husband and I started a dialogue about a natural birth. We were very curious but a bit cautious. I found Jessica’s website and called her right away. She spent 20 minutes with me, sharing information about all our natural birth options. Her vast knowledge and positive attitude encouraged us to further pursue a natural birth. We signed up for Jessica’s Bradley Method birthing class. It was a 12-week intensive course. The most important lessons we learned were; a healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy birth, a woman is strong enough to give birth without medical interventions, and a birthing mother’s best support is her loving husband. That being said, Jessica played a very special role in the birth of my son. She spent time getting to know us, she helped us develop a birth plan, and when we decided to make a last-minute change, she was by our side every step of the way. Jessica is the #1 reason that my husband and I were able to have the birth of our dreams.
Posted 9/23/2009
Thyra M
Jessica is a dedicated and energetic doula. She is very committed to giving you the best possible natural birth experience. I had a very difficult delivery and in the end had to have an emergency c-section. Jessica was there every step of the way. Of course, my husband and I had a full plate--we had just closed on our first house, and as a 39 year old diabetic/hypertensive I had a very healthful pregnancy until the 9th month when I was diagnosed with pregnancy induced hypertension. We worked with Dr. Atlas OB/GYN and Perinatologist and Kathy Sloan Nurse Midwife and together they helped me through a natural induction and we worked hard to have a natural birth. After 48 hours of painful back labor we decided to break the waters and when another five hours later I had not progressed any further and with blood pressures that were skyrocketing to 170/100 the doctor felt we had to go ahead with the "c" I was devastated but Jessica and my husband reassured me. Twenty minutes later came our beautiful and healthy 6.5 pound daughter Sabina. She was three weeks early but a picture of health and didn't even have to spend any time in NICU. A week after the birth I developed "post-eclampsia" and ended up with aveolar hemorrhaging (a serious lung bleed) and spent the next week in the critical care unit fighting for my life. Jessica came and met with my husband to make sure he was okay taking care of baby, having the house painted, staining the floors and having a mini nervous breakdown. Mine was a dramatic birth but baby and I are doing well and we have Jessica to thank for helping in every way she could. My husband Mike and I highly recommend her. Sincerely, Mike and Thyra Mannozzi
Posted 6/19/2009
Sheila P
Jessica and I are both Bradley(R) instructors and we were pregnant at the same time, both planning our first home births. After Jessica had her little one and told me about her birth experience, I knew that I wanted her there to support me when I gave birth. She agreed to join my Birth Team. I felt bad asking her to travel to southern Montgomery County, but Jessica didn't bat an eye.
I felt really nurtured by Jessica's assistance prenatally and at the birth. She read and respected my birth plan (whether she know it or not, she helped me develop it); she worked well with everyone else on my birth team; and she provided suggestions and support that no one else gave (even with another doula and a midwife there). For a couple of specific examples: Jessica squeezed my hips the best (I was surprised at how strong she was!) and she suggested an assymetric position and "leaning into" a contraction to try to help me rupture the membranes naturally.
It would be sinful to omit mention of the pictures Jessica took. I and my family will treasure them forever. They are professional quality, exactly what you think of when you think you might want pictures.
I know many doulas and childbirth educators in the DC Metro area. None are even close to being as devoted and involved as Jessica. She is a wonderful resource not only to childbearing women but also to those who educate them.
If you can get into one of Jessica's classes and/or hire her as your doula, you will absolutely, without a doubt have a better experience, no matter the outcome of the birth. (Which in my case, I realize I didn't mention before, was a healthy, beautiful baby girl born totally peacefully and safely in my bed in my home.)
Posted 6/14/2009
Mary Jo C
Jessica is one of they many reasons we chose to have our 2nd child naturally. After a not so good experience birthing my daughter at a local hospital I knew my second birth was going to be without drugs. Luckily i met Jessica and not only learned that my birth could be drug free but also that I could have a supportive birth attendant in a midwife and be able to come home soon after birth to be with my family. So, when I got pregnant with #2 my husband and I took Jessica's Bradley classes and prepared ourselves for our natural birth center birth. It was great to have Jessica around during pregnancy and birth to ask questions and just be supportive of our not so typical birthing decisions. We were blessed to have the birth of our dreams when our son was born in January. None of this would have been possible with out Jessica!!
Posted 6/8/2009
Amanda A
Jessica provided us with all the information and more that we needed to make informed choices and have a successful VBAC at home! As a Bradley instructor, she offered private classes to work with our schedule and even came to our home. Her passion for her work is undeniable and I loved having her as part of ourbirth team. During my pregnancy, Jessica was available by phone or email to answer any questions I had--as well as after the baby had arrived. She is resourceful, educated, sincere, and warm.
Posted 6/6/2009
Nicole A
I would never give birth to a baby without Jessica by my side. She was an incredible support system weeks before I delivered, during and after.
While my husband was a great coach and comforted me every moment during labor and delivery, having Jessica with us gave us the extra boost of confidence that we could get through it successfully. She moved me from position to position to ensure my own comfort and even moved the baby to the correct position for birth by having me labor upside-down (we were stomach to stomach). I know we couldn't have done that on our own.
Her emotional support was paramount leading up to and after my son's birth. Plus she took some amazing photos for us that documented the entire experience. We couldn't ask for anything more.
She is like a birth library...have any questions and she'll make sure you have plenty of answers to make informed decisions. She is always going to be your best advocate in the delivery room to help make sure you get the birth you dream of (unless there is a medical emergency).
I just love her and could go on and on...
Posted 6/6/2009