The word ‘doula’ — pronounced ‘doo-la’ — is a Greek word meaning ‘woman servant or caregiver’. More recently, it refers to someone who offers emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A doula (also known as a birth attendant) believes in ‘mothering the mother’. She enables a woman and her partner to have the most satisfying birth experience possible, from pregnancy and into motherhood. This type of support allows the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience too.
“Women have complex needs during childbirth. In addition to the safety of modern obstetrical care, and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualised care based on their circumstances and preferences. The role of the birth doula encompasses the non-clinical aspects of care during childbirth.” -DONA International
Jessica's philosophy is that birth is a normal, natural process that your body has been beautifully designed to move through. As a doula, she honors your wishes and desires for your birth, provides continuous presence and support, and helps to facilitate clear communication between you and the hospital staff.
Jessica had the experience of working in the Labor and Delivery unit at NYU Lutheran Medical Center where she observed and attended births of all types. Her experience confirmed her interest in becoming a birth doula and, shortly thereafter, she completed her DONA International doula training at Birth Day Presence with Debra Pacali Bonero.
Jessica is constantly inspired and amazed by her clients. She is passionate about birth and believes in helping empower women to take charge in their births and to feel supported and heard. She attends births at homes, hospitals and birthing centers.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Testimonials
Jess is a fantastic doula! From the first time we spoke with her, until after our baby was born, Jess brought a combination of her warm, supportive personality, deep knowledge, and resources about child birth to her work. Jess is a calm, patient listener who empowers people to make informed decisions that are right for them. She is generous with her time and knowledge during prenatal and postpartum visits, and follows up about questions and scheduling in a professional, prompt, and supportive way. When birthing began, Jess was calm, flexible, and thoughtful. She advocated for us to take our time in making medical decisions so we felt more ownership of the whole experience. She was listening and observing what was going on during labor in a way that we simply could not have, which allowed us to feel more prepared for what was coming next. In my particular situation, I unexpectedly needed to be induced to start labor contractions. While this could have been a confusing time in which I felt a loss of control of the birthing experience, I actually felt empowered because with Jess’ help I understood all the choices we were making. We highly recommend working with Jess.
Maya B.
"Jessica was invaluable; having Jessica with us was the best decision that we made about our entire birthing process. She simultaneously knows what is normal and expected, and also how to help comfort and direct attention in all of the difficult moments. While I, as the husband, was able to help my wife feel comfortable some of the time, many times I was at a loss. Jessica, however, was always confident and competent and able to help keep the birth process calm and help Natasha to focus. It was because of Jessica that my wife looks back at the birth with fondness. I can't imagine a more valuable asset than Jessica's presence during labor."
Craig P.
"I am so very grateful to have had Jessica as my doula. Jessica's guidance throughout the labor was my main help. She helped me to focus, ground and make my way through each contraction. I remember clearly Jessica's voice guiding breathing, providing encouragement. She brought cold packs, used comforting pressure on muscles during the most difficult moments and everything felt so relieving and soothing."
Natalia P.
"Jessica was great. We feel we couldn't have made it through without her. My labor went for 28 hours and I had back labor, plus my water broke very early on. Jessica was always calm and provided help in relieving discomfort. My husband greatly appreciated her as well. Her presence allowed him to 'relax' and enjoy the process.
Getting a doula was the best choice we made. Labor is so unpredictable. I had a picture perfect pregnancy and then an incredibly long and hard labor. Jessica provided comfort and knowledge to both me and my husband throughout the entire process. Jessica has such a positive personality and we were lucky to have found her."
Caitrin F.
"From the moment we met Jessica, we felt instantly at ease about beginning our journey towards childbirth with her by our side. Jessica has a calming energy that felt both nurturing and soothing during our home visits and throughout labor. As our doula, Jessica prepared us tremendously with information to ensure we were empowered to have successful conversations with our care provider, answered all of our questions and discussed any fears or anxieties about labor and the hospital environment.
During labor, Jessica was a pillar of strength that we both held on to, continuous reassuring us through painful moments and guiding us with breath work, movement exercises and plenty of encouragement. We are beyond grateful to have had her support during this exciting and challenging time!"