I was very lucky to find Journey on such late notice. When she first walked up to our house, I immediately loved her. She has a very comfortable and warm presence. I was nervous to be meeting her so close to the labor, and that not knowing her very well would make it awkward to have her with me during labor. But if anything, I felt as though I had known her for a long time within the first few minutes.

She encouraged me to interview other doulas as well. But I did not want to. I don’t often take to people quickly, but I did with Journey- to me this was a sign that she was the doula for me.

Just a couple weeks later, I learned that I needed to be induced (the amniotic fluid level was dropping). Knowing my baby was coming soon, I had a flood of emotions. Journey was supportive and said everything that I needed to hear. She told me that it was important to express those feelings. I spent the night before being induced letting out the fear and getting excited to have my baby in my arms! I woke the next day excited and prepared.

The next morning they started the IV of Pitocen. As soon as the contractions began, I became afraid again. My mother and my husband were with me, but they were just as nervous as I. When Journey arrived, everything changed. I felt better the moment she walked in. All three of us felt better. Journey was just as supportive to my husband and my mother as she was to me.

Labor was the most amazing and intense experience of my life. There were several times where I thought I could not go on- but then Journey’s words, presence, and touch kept me in a positive frame of mind. She was there for me for every contraction- helping me breath, helping me visualize myself getting through it, and preparing me for the next one. She kept me changing positions, which really helped the pain. Journey was able to keep my mom and husband calm and instructed them in how they could help me. Because of Journey’s guidance, they were able to have an immeasurable impact in the success of the labor. My labor lasted just over six hours.

I have no doubt that Journey played a huge role in the success of my birth. In all my dreams I could never have imagined the birth to be more perfect. It was exactly what I had hoped for. With Journey’s help, I was able to manage the pain and did not receive an epidural, which had been my hope. I am so thankful that Journey was there with me- she was a big part of the most important moment of my life. She is an amazing woman and doula. I cannot praise her enough. Thank you, Journey!

Katie Cristallo

I contacted Journey and set up an initial, informal meeting where we found her to be very insightful and professional. She asked us to bring along a draft of our birth plan which we were to review and refine. Immediately, it seemed to us that she shared a passionate interest in helping us realize the birth experience we sought. Over the next weeks we decided that her input and attitude was something we’d really value throughout the process and even though she encouraged us to meet with other doulas, we hired Journey and her spirit. At our next meeting we finalized our birth plan and developed our overall labor, birth and post-partum strategies.

During labor she was instrumental in making sure I was comfortable and doing what was best for the baby and me. She helped my husband help me and gave him chances to rest. Journey knew when it was time to go to the hospital and made sure the staff was familiar with our birth plan. I was able to give birth naturally(!) to a beautiful daughter in a matter of a few hours after arriving at the hospital with the support of Journey and my husband. I am so happy to have had the birth experience we wanted and my husband is still in awe of what I was able to do. However it wasn’t just during birth, but every day - The challenges, the obstacles & the pain that I’ve been able to overcome amazes him. He often can’t look at me without an admiring smile or a little tear in his eye.

Caroline Miller

Anyone can become a parent. They can read books and perform the necessary duties to care for a child. It takes something more to be a great parent – something you can’t learn in a book. One must have a deep, loving concern for their child and the commitment to support him through all of life’s experiences. This is what distinguishes Journey, as well. I could write about the thorough services she offers, the effectiveness of her massage techniques, and her knowledge about birth positions. I could verify that she was prompt when we called her and stayed with us throughout our lengthy labor and birth. But you can find these qualities in any doula. Journey brought with her a truly loving spirit and the ability to connect and to “read” our energy, suggesting just the right idea at just the right time. She used her intuitive abilities to give extra support to me when it was needed and to encourage my husband to support me using various positions. Journey knew when I needed an extra soft touch, giving hugs, foot and leg massages, or bringing me a flower from the garden. She also knew when to stand firm, answering my “I don’t know if I can do it” with a definitive “Yes you can!” I truly believe that Journey’s support and guidance gave me the ability to complete our 45-hour labor as we had intended – without pain medication.

Journey’s unique care did not end with the birth of our son. During our follow-up appointment, she helped us process our feelings about the birth, acknowledging our disappointments where the process strayed from the original plans, and celebrating our strengths and ultimate success in birthing our son naturally. She openly invited feedback about her own participation, in order to continue to fine tune her skills for future clients. (As you might guess, we only had positive feedback and complete gratitude for her.) During this visit, Journey was also extremely helpful with breastfeeding support. Again, she was able to suggest just the right position, and gently guide me and my son through “latching on” correctly, helping to ensure that the next year of nursing would be positive and fulfilling for us both.

Journey has a unique gift to share with those entering the birthing process. She was amazing throughout our labor and birth, and it is without any hesitation that I recommend her for yours. With love and blessings for the birth of your child,

Jessica R. Clark