Mary Jo was such a valuable resource for me during my pregnancy and delivery. My first birth experience ended in a c section. I wanted to avoid surgery the second time around. Mary Jo advised me and provided information for me to be successful. She answered all the questions I had and helped me to make the best decisions for me and my baby, and this was all before I had even hired her as my doula. I felt so comfortable with her advice, wealth of experience, and knowledge, I knew I wanted her support during my labor and delivery. Mary Jo met me at the hospital at 12am when I was in labor. She stayed with me until I delivered at 2pm the next day. She helped make me and my husband comfortable both physically and mentally during a long and difficult labor. Her presence never felt over bearing, more like an extra set of hands. The memory that sticks with me the most was during the delivery my son had a shoulder distocia. I had no idea what was going on and then suddenly there were doctors and nurses and people yelling "nicu". It felt like I was drowning or spinning out of control. I opened my eyes (probably at Mary Jo's insistence) and there she was, calm, reassuring, confident, right next to me. She felt like my anchor. She was able to get me focused again and I was able to safely deliver my 11lb 10oz son via VBAC. I know I would not have been successful without her guidance during my pregnancy and delivery.
I recommend Mary Jo without reservation, as a husband and a father. Due to Mary Jo, I have gone from not knowing what a “doula” is to not understanding why any couple would want to give birth without one.
Mary Jo did a great deal to ease my wife’s labor. Mary Jo also did a great deal to ease my experience of my wife’s labor. She also calmed both of us in the run-up to birth. Mary Jo was the seasoned vet ready to catch either my wife or me if we faltered, but remained unobtrusive in the experience being shared by my family. She didn’t supplant my central role as father and husband – rather, she provided experience and support that allowed me to fulfill and enjoy those roles more fully. These are things of inestimable value.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE BEST DOULA EVER!!!
Mary Jo played a crucial role in the birth of our son, Armin, on 3/12/15.
Before the birth, she provided literature, meditations, music, book recommendations, as well as excellent advice and overall birth knowledge. She was easily accessible by phone, email, and in person for questions. MaryJo gave advice during my early labor that saved me from unnecessary medical procedures and allowed me to labor at home for a greater time- which was one of my goals. She thought of EVERYTHING during the birth- candles around the bathtub, massage, oil, stretches to facilitate pelvic opening, suggestions for my husband on how to provide support, dimming the lights, assistance with my baby's initial breastfeeding latch, extra blankets and towels, verbal encouragement and love... just to name a few! All the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's knew her and were SO excited to work with us! I can't begin to imagine my birth experience without Mary Jo, and will recommend her to all my friends and family. She demonstrated the immense value of having a doula... which I don't think I even realized until the time came! I will definitely be calling her for the birth of our second child when the times comes! THANKS MARY JO- IAN, ARMIN AND I LOVE YOU!
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Mary Jo was the ultimate calming force during my labor and delivery. I attended her prenatal yoga classes for 6 months leading up to my delivery so I felt like we have a good relationship established, and I knew I felt very comfortable (and comforted) around her. Her yoga classes were paramount in my ability to calm my mind and relax my body - and her guidance through my labor and delivery helped me achieve my desire to have a natural birth, and do so in as relaxed a state as possible.
Upon first arriving at the hospital, and after receiving a bag of antibiotics (I tested positive for the Group B strep test), Mary Jo got my husband and me on the move. I changed into my own gown/robe and we took off to walk around the hospital. We checked in several times with the nurses/doc, but otherwise stayed on the move. Lunged up and down some stairs and just kept walking. Mary Jo was very helpful during contractions - both helping with massage and pressure points, encouraging my breathing habits, reminding me to relax certain parts of my body, and also guiding my husband to help me. Due to the positioning of baby's head, she and the nurse assisted in some movements to help improve its positioning. Mary Jo also helped me find new and different positions to help me cope with the contractions. While I'd read books, taken Mary Jo's birthing class, and otherwise educated myself as much as possible on coping strategies, etc., I think it all went out of my brain during labor/delivery. I was in such a zone during each of my contractions that I had no room in my brain to think of different positions, better movements, breathing techniques, etc. We absolutely would not have had the wonderful experience we did, had it not been for Mary Jo's guidance.
_________________
Mary Jo is incredible! She guided me through pregnancy, sending me helpful articles and giving advice as well as teaching my prenatal yoga class. She was sure to take care of momma and baby, both our body and soul.
She was my advocate in the hospital, asking for amenities that I would not have known existed. I literally could not have labored without her. When my husband called at 1am, she was there within minutes, and took charge. She got me out of bed, moving around, and helped me carry out the techniques for pain management that we'd practiced (good thing, too, as the Bradley method/relaxation techniques did NOT work for me. I had to get up and MOVE!). She drew a warm bath and created a nice, relaxing ambiance for me with low light and music. I literally fell asleep between contractions! She was my encourager, my motivator when I was at my low points (that is, screaming, "i don't think i can do this!"). I was doubtful of my ability to have a natural, drug-free labor but I DID IT. I largely credit Mary Jo. My labor & delivery is an experience I will remember forever. I think of it often with awe and wonder.
It's definitely important to find a doula that you mesh with personally. They are going to see you at your most vulnuerable and be with you through the most transformative experience of your life. Yes, they are and should be professional, but I think it's important to have a a personal connection with them as well.
________________
I recommend Mary Jo without reservation, as a husband and a father. Due to Mary Jo, I have gone from not knowing what a “doula” is to not understanding why any couple would want to give birth without one.
Mary Jo did a great deal to ease my wife’s labor. Mary Jo also did a great deal to ease my experience of my wife’s labor. She also calmed both of us in the run-up to birth. Mary Jo was the seasoned vet ready to catch either my wife or me if we faltered, but remained unobtrusive in the experience being shared by my family. She didn’t supplant my central role as father and husband – rather, she provided experience and support that allowed me to fulfill and enjoy those roles more fully. These are things of inestimable value.
________________
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE BEST DOULA EVER!!!
Mary Jo played a crucial role in the birth of our son, Armin, on 3/12/15.
Before the birth, she provided literature, meditations, music, book recommendations, as well as excellent advice and overall birth knowledge. She was easily accessible by phone, email, and in person for questions. MaryJo gave advice during my early labor that saved me from unnecessary medical procedures and allowed me to labor at home for a greater time- which was one of my goals. She thought of EVERYTHING during the birth- candles around the bathtub, massage, oil, stretches to facilitate pelvic opening, suggestions for my husband on how to provide support, dimming the lights, assistance with my baby's initial breastfeeding latch, extra blankets and towels, verbal encouragement and love... just to name a few! All the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's knew her and were SO excited to work with us! I can't begin to imagine my birth experience without Mary Jo, and will recommend her to all my friends and family. She demonstrated the immense value of having a doula... which I don't think I even realized until the time came! I will definitely be calling her for the birth of our second child when the times comes! THANKS MARY JO- IAN, ARMIN AND I LOVE YOU!
_____________
Mary Jo was the ultimate calming force during my labor and delivery. I attended her prenatal yoga classes for 6 months leading up to my delivery so I felt like we have a good relationship established, and I knew I felt very comfortable (and comforted) around her. Her yoga classes were paramount in my ability to calm my mind and relax my body - and her guidance through my labor and delivery helped me achieve my desire to have a natural birth, and do so in as relaxed a state as possible.
Upon first arriving at the hospital, and after receiving a bag of antibiotics (I tested positive for the Group B strep test), Mary Jo got my husband and me on the move. I changed into my own gown/robe and we took off to walk around the hospital. We checked in several times with the nurses/doc, but otherwise stayed on the move. Lunged up and down some stairs and just kept walking. Mary Jo was very helpful during contractions - both helping with massage and pressure points, encouraging my breathing habits, reminding me to relax certain parts of my body, and also guiding my husband to help me. Due to the positioning of baby's head, she and the nurse assisted in some movements to help improve its positioning. Mary Jo also helped me find new and different positions to help me cope with the contractions. While I'd read books, taken Mary Jo's birthing class, and otherwise educated myself as much as possible on coping strategies, etc., I think it all went out of my brain during labor/delivery. I was in such a zone during each of my contractions that I had no room in my brain to think of different positions, better movements, breathing techniques, etc. We absolutely would not have had the wonderful experience we did, had it not been for Mary Jo's guidance.
_________________
Mary Jo is incredible! She guided me through pregnancy, sending me helpful articles and giving advice as well as teaching my prenatal yoga class. She was sure to take care of momma and baby, both our body and soul.
She was my advocate in the hospital, asking for amenities that I would not have known existed. I literally could not have labored without her. When my husband called at 1am, she was there within minutes, and took charge. She got me out of bed, moving around, and helped me carry out the techniques for pain management that we'd practiced (good thing, too, as the Bradley method/relaxation techniques did NOT work for me. I had to get up and MOVE!). She drew a warm bath and created a nice, relaxing ambiance for me with low light and music. I literally fell asleep between contractions! She was my encourager, my motivator when I was at my low points (that is, screaming, "i don't think i can do this!"). I was doubtful of my ability to have a natural, drug-free labor but I DID IT. I largely credit Mary Jo. My labor & delivery is an experience I will remember forever. I think of it often with awe and wonder.
It's definitely important to find a doula that you mesh with personally. They are going to see you at your most vulnuerable and be with you through the most transformative experience of your life. Yes, they are and should be professional, but I think it's important to have a a personal connection with them as well.
________________