What is a Doula?

The word Doula comes from the Greek language meaning “woman servant.” Today we use the name Doula as a “woman caregiver.” A Doula provides continuous support to the laboring woman and her partner.

Before labor, the Doula will meet with the mother and partner to help write a birth plan, discuss birth wishes, and answer any questions they may have about the birth. Once in labor the doula can discuss medical recommendations with you and offer options, support you in your choices and act as an advocate for your decisions. Your doula will encourage relaxation, position changes, pain management and comfort measures to decrease the discomforts of labor where possible.

Most Doulas offer a postpartum visit, at which point they discuss physical and emotional healing, assess and offer help with breastfeeding and newborn care.

My Mission

My doula passion was ignited in 2010 and is to equip and empower women to achieve the pregnancy, birth experience and postpartum recovery of each client's dream, through endorsement of an individualized care plan approach. I serve the Northern Virginia & the D.C. Metro area and tailor care that promotes the well being of the mother, baby, and birth partner throughout the birthing process by providing perspective and encouragement before, during, and after birth.

My goal as your doula is to encourage you; to remind you that your body was made to give birth and that you are capable of it; to lift your spirits up when you're feeling overwhelmed; to encourage movement and position changes to help labor progress and help it be less painful; to answer any questions you have about procedures or medications; but most of all, to allow you every opportunity to achieve the birth you've dreamed of.

My Services Include

1. A free consultation to go over my contract and get to know each other.
2. A prenatal visit to go over birth wishes.
3. An assigned back-up doula whom you can do a phone or video consult with.
4. Unlimited text/phone/email support throughout pregnancy.
5. Continuous support at birth.
6. A postpartum visit to go over your birth, help with any newborn questions or problems you're having and give breastfeeding support.

I can discuss medical recommendations with you to offer options and support in your choices, as well as acting as an advocate for your decisions. I will also encourage relaxation, position changes, pain management and comfort measures to decrease the discomforts of labor where possible.

"Jennifer was a Godsend for my family."

"Originally we had not planned on using a doula, but I am so glad we did. Jennifer was kind and competent. She saved me from back labor by directing me in movements to help flip our baby. She compassionately directed my husband in comforting me during my contractions. She constantly stayed by our side to monitor our baby's stubbornly dipping heart rate (the nurses and midwives aren't always in the room). She even helped us get our son's days and nights regulated! Hiring Jennifer was worth every cent. We are incredibly grateful for her guidance and support before, during, and after labor."

— Jessica Swope

2018 Doula Babies

Baby Boy A - June 5 // Baby Boy D - June 3 // Baby Boy A - May 28 // Baby Girl L - May 21 // Baby Boy S - May 16 // Baby Boy W - May 12 // Baby Girl A - May 11 // Baby Girl L - May 10 // Baby Boy S- May 9 // Baby Boy D - April 27 // Baby Girl N - April 15 // Baby Girl A - April 14 // Baby Girl V - April 10 // Baby Girl C - April 8 // Baby Girl A - April 6 // Baby Girl L - March 26 // Baby Girl Q - March 24 // Baby Boy E - March 21 // Baby Boy J - March 19 // Baby Boy J - March 15 // Baby Girl T - March 15 // Baby Girl A - March 5 // Baby Boy Z - February 27 // Baby Girl M -  February 17 // Baby Girl M - February 11 // Baby Boy R- February 5 // Baby Girl T -  January 26 // Baby Boy S - January 22 // Baby Girl H - January 10 // Baby Boy C - January 2

Book a consultation with Jenn today!