Birth Doula Services

Belly to Babies is not offering birth doula services at this time.  For families seeking a birth doula, we suggest the NAPS Doulas Referral Line or – for families birthing at Swedish Hospital – the Swedish Doula Program.  You can expect a birth doula to provide many of the following services:

  • At least one prenatal visit to discuss your birth plan
  • Birth preparation handouts and resources
  • Phone and email support before and after birth
  • 24 hour a day on call service weeks prior to your expected due date
  • Continuous presence from early labor through 2+ hours after birth
  • Exclusive advocacy for you, not the doctor or hospital
  • Extended comfort measures including the use of my TENS unit
  • Breastfeeding support soon after birth
  • Record of labor progress and procedures
  • At least one postpartum visit in your home

About Jennifer

“I believe women are more powerful than even they recognize, and with proper labor support each birth experience will become a unique, loving event. I also understand that despite valiant efforts, things don’t always go as expected and laboring mothers manage pain in different ways. My role as a Birth Doula is to offer encouragement and reassurance so women can achieve their birth plans. Not only am I perceptive to your needs, but those of your partner, children, and family. I strive to minimize your pain and help labor progress while using all of my resources to assist this sometimes difficult, yet very natural process. Together we can create a positive, treasured memory!”

Jennifer retired in 2023. She attended over 150 births including cesareans, twins, and VBACs. She regularly attends advanced doula trainings such as Traumatic Birth taught by Penny Simkin and recertified with DONA International and PALS Doulas in 2015. Other qualifications include:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Business, University of Washington
  • Stay at home mom with two vaginal births: Since 2001
  • Labor support training at Seattle Midwifery School: 2008
  • DONA International member: Since 2008
  • DONA International Certified Birth Doula: Since 2009
  • PALS Certified Birth Doula: 2009 – 2019
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device training: 2009
  • Swedish Doula Program Contractor: Since 2016
  • Covid-19 Essential Worker vaccine received December, 2020

Birth Doula Benefits

According to The 2012 Cochrane Database, women who have doula support are:

  • More likely to have shorter labors
  • More likely to give birth without pain medication
  • More likely to give birth vaginally and without vacuum or forceps
  • Less likely to feel a loss of control in labor
  • Less likely to have their newborn admitted to a special care nursery
  • Less likely to report negative feelings about their experience

There is also evidence that new mothers who use birth and postpartum doulas feel less anxious, have more confidence with their baby, and are more likely to be breastfeeding.

Labor & Birth Testimonials

“Jennifer attended my planned C-section birth. She provided support to us during the procedure, kept my husband company while I was in pre-op, and took some amazing photos. She continues to check in on us 12 weeks later and has been a great resource for information on breast feeding. She even linked me with another client as a milk donor.” 

— Jeni & Kris

“With Jennifer’s help I was able to have the medication-free, natural birth that I had hoped to have. She was a tremendous support, addressing the fears that I had, including those relating to my first child’s complicated birth experience. Jennifer’s intuition was spot on; she anticipated what I needed before I knew it — whether it was a different position, a massage, a bath, or a gentle reminder to relax my body. Her suggestions to both myself and my husband were very helpful guides. I look forward to having her with me again in the future.” — Laura & Cliff

“Jennifer was encouraging and positive, she really made me feel good about labor. She offered suggestions when she saw need, helping me rest, relax and conserve my energy. Leading up to the birth and days after, Jennifer checked in with us, sharing great information and resources. We were so pleased with our home birth experience!” — Sarah & Kevin

“Jennifer had a knack for knowing just how to comfort Susan during labor, whether a cool washcloth or a well-placed hand. She stayed with us through the night for 18 hours. Susan believes that, without a doula, she would have had to give up her plan to deliver our son without an epidural. With Jennifer’s comfort and emotional support, Susan was able to stick with her birth plan and deliver naturally. Thank you, Jennifer!” — Fred & Susan

“I felt it was important to have someone involved whose only objective was to support us and provide me with guidance. Jennifer had an abundance of knowledge and resources. What set her aside was her professionalism. It was great to have Jennifer as our advocate and guide us through the long labor process.” — Matt & Beth

Belly to Babies > Birth Services

“Birth is not only about making babies; it’s about making strong, competent, capable mothers.”

— Barbara Rothman