Hi! I'm Jennifer. I'm a DONA-trained birth doula and have completed my requirements for certification. I earned my MSW (Master of Social Work) in 2013, have worked in therapeutic settings, and taught college courses in psychology and sociology for seven years. I am also an EMT, which gives me experience in navigating medical environments. During the pandemic, I experienced a great deal of change and transformation. I discovered that the most painful journeys - like labor! - can also be the most beautiful and worthwhile. I have resolved to live my life from a place of joy as often as I can.
MSW (Master of Social Work) (2013)
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) (2022)
Birth Doula (DONA-Approved Training) (2024)
Childbirth Education for Doulas (2024)
Lactation Management for Doulas (2024)
DONA International
Doulas Association of Southern California (DASC)
English
My basic package includes two prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and one postpartum visit. We can also add additional visits (prenatal or postpartum), and I can accompany you to doctor's appointments as needed. I will help ensure you are physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepared for labor. This can include helping you write your birth plan, practicing coping techniques for labor, processing emotions or past trauma, filling in gaps in your understanding of what to expect, and more. I am on call for you starting at week 38 (two weeks before your due date). I join you within two hours of your call, usually before active labor begins. I provide continuous hands-on and emotional support throughout your birth. I help with natural pain relief techniques (such as counterpressure, warm water, or the use of a TENS machine), and I work with your birth team to advocate for your preferences. Once your baby is born, I stay for several hours - for example, to make sure you get skin-to-skin contact and that breastfeeding is successfully underway. After the birth, I will write up your personalized birth story and give it to you at our postpartum visit.
Jennifer is such a light and we are so thankful for her services and support leading up to the birth day of our baby boy. Right from our initial Zoom call, it was clear that Jennifer would be the perfect doula for me. She has consistently brought her dedication and comforting presence during every prenatal session we had together. Outside of those sessions, she continues to provide resources that brought additional assurance for a first-time-mother such as myself. I can look back on the birthing day with fondness and awe, hugely thanks in part to Jennifer and her unfailing focus in providing a supportive and peaceful environment for me and my husband. Her guidance through my hours of labor made it possible for me to achieve the birth experience I envisioned; my husband and I can't imagine doing it without her! Jennifer has our endless gratitude and will forever be a part of our little one's birth story.
- Carol N.
I was looking for a doula to guide me through my first delivery as I was working full time and felt unprepared. I came across Jennifer's profile and immediately felt a sense of comfort. After our phone meeting I was convinced that I can trust her to be my doula. Even though I live a bit further from her, Jennifer assured me that she will be there for me when I need her. I started labor 2.5 weeks before my due date and was unsure if I will give birth the same day. Jennifer listened to my symptoms description very carefully and decided to leave before I get to the hospital to ensure she will be there for me in case I get admitted. I felt very prepared because we had created a step by step birth plan. Luckily I got admitted and my delivery was very quick. Jennifer gave me her undivided attention and support during my labor and throughout the first 3 hrs postpartum even though it was past midnight. The next week she sent me a beautifully written birth story which brought me to tears. She will be forever part of mine and my baby's lives and I would always choose her in the future!
- Marina M.