About
What languages do you speak?
English and Spanish.
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
A doula to me is someone who provides non-judgmental, intuitive, and genuine support — and nurturing to parents expecting, birthing, and new to parenthood.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
I used to work in healthcare as a home care worker — I loved providing support and care to those in need. I’ve always loved working with children, and one day a friend told me about postpartum work and I knew this was something I wanted to do for others! It was the perfect mix of supporting and caring for people as well as working with children.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
I unwind with my favorite music, nature (camping or hanging in a hammock with a good view), bubble baths, and bike riding are a few of the ways I like to recharge my batteries.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
MOVIE
- Juno
- Lion
Trainings
BIRTH/POSTPARTUM
- Birth & Postpartum Training, DONA International.
POST-SECONDARY
- Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate
- Home Support Worker Certificate
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
- Culturally Affirming Care and Sensitivity Trainings.
Testimonials
Before meeting Jess I wasn’t sure what the value of a doula was. I was reluctant to bring in another healthcare professional for the birthing process as we were already under the care of a midwife. I’m so glad my partner convinced me that a doula was necessary! Not only did Jess go above and beyond to ensure that my partner felt safe, comfortable, and supported but she also went out of her way to make sure that I was looked after.
Our birthing experience was long, filled with drama/complications and I couldn’t imagine how it would have gone without Jess. Jess has a lovely grounding and calming personality. She is creative and offers informed/supportive suggestions and practices. During labor, she had effective hands-on techniques as well as the ability to embrace any and all unexpected outcomes. I’m eternally grateful for Jess and I’d highly recommend her to anyone seeking the care of a doula! — Myles
Jessica was SUCH a supportive and loving member of my birth team. She joined me at an appointment with my midwife when I was too pregnant to drive myself. She answered her phone as soon as we needed her when I went into labor and was a calming voice for my partner. She made it to the hospital before my midwives and was a great support for my husband. After my birth, she has been available for postpartum care and has researched and been ready with great advice on nursing, newborn sleep, nutrition, and baby care. Thank you Jessica for all your help! — Erin
It was wonderful to have Jessica as part of our birth team, for which she played an integral role. We felt comfortable with her from the start, and she did a good job of explaining the role of a doula. She was very helpful in providing resources such as sample birth plans and information distinguishing the differences between a doula and a midwife. She let us borrow a copy of “The Birth Partner” to read in preparation, and suggested videos to watch to learn how to use the Rebozo blanket during contractions. While I started having more regular contractions, Jessica came over to my house and helped switch off with my partner in performing the “hip squeeze” which helped to ease the discomfort of contractions. She stayed over until it was time to go to the hospital, drove us to the hospital, which was a huge help so my partner could support me in the back seat, and parked the car with us so my partner could stay by my side. As she knew I wanted to be as calm as possible at the hospital, she set up electric candles around the tub to produce a relaxing environment which helped labor along. With her as support personnel, I never felt overwhelmed or that the situation was out of control. I would recommend Jessica as a doula to anyone expecting to give birth as she provides hands-on practical help, as well as a steadying presence who makes you feel at ease. — Melissa
We cannot recommend Jessica Lynn enough! In addition to being informed, prepared, and very capable as a postpartum doula, Jessica was also kind, lovely, and generous with her time. She was a huge help to us in the first few weeks following the birth of our son, when we greatly needed an extra pair of hands around the house in order to meet an unmovable work deadline. Our son really took to her, and she came to the rescue during a period when another paid caregiver had left us hanging. We absolutely would hire her again, and we think anyone would be lucky to have her as a part of their post-birth team. — Fiona
When Jess first arrived at my house, I was six weeks postpartum with an extremely colicky baby who would not sleep. I was nervous to have someone unknown come and help me, but as soon as I opened the door and saw Jess’s face, I knew we were in good hands. For several weeks, Jess came to my house daily and held my baby while I took some much-needed sleep. She would talk to me about issues I was having and offer helpful suggestions. Most importantly, Jess was kind and comforting at a time when I needed it the most. Even my finicky son took to Jess immediately. We both love her so much. She truly changed my entire experience of early parenthood and helped me find strength in the most difficult of times. Jess is like an angel and a soft pillow all wrapped up in a package of knowledge and caring. I highly recommend her for all your postpartum doula needs. — Elana
Jess joined our family when Noah was 10 weeks old. She is incredibly knowledgeable and so so caring. She is eager to understand his specific developmental stages and to help him to learn and grow. Jess quickly became one of Noah’s favorite people and six months later I literally can’t imagine her not always being a part of our lives. We consider ourselves very lucky to have her. — Lindsey
My partner and I did not have a doula for our first pregnancy and wondered what a doula could offer that we did not already know how to do. Also, I am rather shy and wasn’t sure I wanted another person involved in labor. We are both so glad we decided to keep an open mind and meet Jessica. I only wish we had involved her in our first pregnancy too. In our first meeting, it was clear that Jessica could help us before, during, and after delivery. Jessica took time to really listen to us and figure out where we needed help and to find solutions that reduced stress for us. For example, she helped us arrange backup childcare for our 3-year-old when I went into labor. When I went into labor, I progressed much faster and with less pain than with my first child, so I didn’t realize how far along in labor I was. When I contacted Jessica she told us we had to go to the hospital right now, which was vital because without that directive we would have ended up delivering the baby in the car. The delivery was so fast that there was no opportunity for pain medication. Once we got to the hospital I very much relied on her guidance to keep my breathing steady and stay grounded. I highly recommend Jessica as a Doula. — Eva
