When preparing for the birth of our first child, I knew that I wanted to have a doula present as a help for me and for my husband, as an advocate for us and how we hoped for our birth experience to be and for the comfort of having someone encouraging and knowledgable with us through the process. Throughout the whole birth Janet was calm, knowledgable, encouraging, supportive and exactly what both my husband and I needed. During the times we met for coffee and labour preperation, in addition to pre-natal classes that she gave my husband and I privately, she was funny, encouraging and real - not sugar coating anything but being perfectly reassuring. Any time I had a question or concern throughout and following the birth of our son, she was quick to answer and be present if I needed.
In the recent rise in popularity of doulas and midwives, I think many have made pregnant women a business, and some have lost the intention and sincerity that led to their job. I deeply appreciate that Janet only takes on a couple of women a month in order to ensure as much as is possible that she is the one present at the time of delivery. You can also tell throughout the whole process how genuine she is, how much she loves what she does and that she only ever has your best interests at heart.
My husband and I highly recommend Janet if you are looking for that wise, calm support that so many of us need during such a vulnerable and precious time of life.
I can not say enough kind things about Janet. I recently moved to Kamloops shortly before this pregnancy and did not have a family doctor here and moved away from my support network. My first pregnancy I had a high risk pregnancy and had a planned c-section. I had really wanted to have a vaginal birth the first time and had midwives overseeing my care. This second pregnancy I could not get in to the midwifery clinic and was feeling completely unsupported. I desperately wanted to have a VBAC. I'm so happy I found Janet. She was so very professional and kind. I was so grateful to have her there every step of the way and Janet went above and beyond for me. She was there for appointments if I needed her and available for texts or calls at ANYTIME if I had questions or concerns. There were moments I thought I was going to lose my mind and she so very compassionately re-grounded me. She expertly read body language and moods between my husband and I and and was there only when she could tell support was needed. It was not always hands on support, if something was needed she went out of her way to find it. She was there to talk to the nurses and doctors explaing how my labour was progressing when I couldn't remember or didn't want to talk. It was surprising to me how knowledgeable she was during my labour. During contractions she gave me much appreciated advice on how to work through them and positions that could help alleviate pain. I do not think I would have had the succesful VBAC I did without Janet's care. I HIGHLY recommend her to any women.
We decided to go with a doula for our first experience of childbirth. Janet was an incredible mentor and had a wealth of experience to share with us. She was very considerate of the father's role in the delivery room and provided invaluable help with labouring positions, breathing techniques and relaxation methods. We would highly recommend Janet to other expectant parents if they are looking for professional and attentive birth support.
Janet was an amazing support during my labour with my son. She not only helped me to stay calm, but she helped my partner stay calm as well. I found Janet to be very knowledgeable and compassionate. She was available when i needed her and always answered my calls whenever I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend her to other expecting mothers! She did more for me than I ever could have imagined. Janet went above and beyond what I expected of her. I will most definitely be using her for my next labour and delivery.
Janet assisted us with the birth of our daughter in June 2015. This was my first child and we were both very nervous. Janet was available for us before delivery, which made it very comfortable to be in such a vulnerable state with her once delivery time came along. Janet was very supportive and intuitive when it came to my feelings of fear and anxiety. She was there to help keep me calm and encourage me through the pain. She was also a saving grace for my husband, he was able to eat/shower/etc. while I went through a very long labor. Janet was also available for baby snuggles and breastfeeding information after our daughter came home. We are so glad we decided to have a doula, and so thankful to have had Janet share that special time with us. If/when we decide to expand our family, we would definitely be contacting Janet again!
