The Urban Doula

No matter what type of birth you want, it makes sense to hire a doula to see that vision through. Jamie made sure I asked my doctor the right questions to ensure the type of birth experience I was looking for. And when the day came, she came to my home, kept me at ease, determined when it was best to go to the hospital and was a calm and patient presence in labor & delivery. She stepped in when a nurse wasn’t doing her job (this person seemingly refused to clean the birthing table) and worked with my husband to ask the doctor for timelines and feedback. She took on a motherly presence (watchful & protective) and utilized a myriad of techniques to help me with labor pains. Without Jamie, the hospital experience may have felt cold and impersonal but she made it one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. As a bonus, she’s a fantastic lactation consultant (i’ve needed her help numerous times). She’s an amazing doula & someone I now consider part of the family.

When I decided that I wanted to have a natural birth, I interviewed a few different doulas to assist me in the journey. Jamie had such a calming and assuring presence, and I knew immediately that she was the right match for me. We talked about the birth I wanted, and Jamie made it clear that she would be there to support me in any way I wanted, regardless of the type of birth I ended up having. When I went into labor, Jamie came running at 3 am and stayed with us until after our beautiful girl was born. After laboring for about 12 hours, I decided that I wanted to change my birth plan and get an epidural. Jamie asked me to wait through another contraction to make up my mind, and urged me to see how far dilated I was at the hospital before commiting to this new plan (as I had asked her to do if this situation arose!) Once at the hospital, I decided to proceed with the epidural, and Jamie was able to quickly switch gears to embrace my new plan. She was instrumental in making my labor the amazing experience that it was.

Jamie played a very important part in the birth of our son. My husband and I had an amazing experience with her. Our plan was to have a natural childbirth. Natural meaning, a vaginal, interventionless and drug free childbirth. It all worked out as planned which is a hard thing to do in a hospital setting. I don’t think it would’ve played out that way if we didnt have her there to guide us through everything. My hubby and I wanted for him to be very involved in coaching me through the labor and she totally understood that and was able to help when and where needed so that my husband felt confident and comfortable during our labor and birth. She helped with counter pressure and techniques while I was laboring when my husband got tired or needed a break. When we were at the hospital she explained everything that was happening and would remind us of our goals. This is a kind of support that you don’t necessarily think of needing, but trust me its something that you cant live without in this situation.
The birth of a baby was something that only happens once for a lot of people and I wouldve regretted not having another partner, especially Jamie as apart of our team that day.

I’m sure this isn’t true (since women have been giving birth for a number of years), but I do not think I could have made it through my daughter’s birth without Jamie (or my husband and best friend). The birth did not go according to plan due to complications that developed in early labor and I was in an inordinate amount of pain for a long time without dilation progress. Jamie’s comfort techniques helped soothe this pain over the course of many hours. She stood by us through the entire labor.
Jamie was also very helpful by asking smart questions to the doctors and hospital staff – questions my husband and I were too exhausted/​in pain to remember to ask.
The day we got back home from the hospital, we were confusion about breastfeeding and Jamie over to assist and reassure us. This visit was separate from our post-​natal meeting that occurred a few days after that.
I cannot recommend Jamie more highly to guide any woman through her birth.

I was petrified about giving birth and Jamie helped me through this experience I had been dreading all my adult life. With Jamie, I focused on the matter on hand and felt safe throughout. When I was having difficulties nursing, she also came to my home to help me. We have recommended her to friends who have also enjoyed working with her and remain friendly with this wonderful woman.

My daughter was posterior as she came out, so my labor was particularly long — 43 hours, of which Jamie was there for 19 — and difficult. Jamie was the calming and stable presence that I needed as things became incredibly intense, especially since I had opted to forgo medication. The positions she suggested to ease pain, encourage regularity in my contractions, and to help me rest were invaluable, and I am pretty sure she massaged my lower back for at least 10 hours over the course of labor. I really do not think I could have gone through all that pain and uncertainty, especially as a first-​time mom, without Jamie. Every step of the way as I was ready to freak out because I thought something was wrong, Jamie was supportive and assured me that what I was going through was completely normal, which helped me calm my mind and steel myself for the next level of intensity. At the same time, she was never intrusive or judgmental, and she had a great sense of when to switch off and just be in the background in order to conserve her own energy for the long haul. My husband also loved her — Jamie helped him feel like their roles in the birth were complementary and he never felt useless. I highly recommend Jamie and her services!