Testimonials for Powerful Mamas Doula Services
Additional testimonials can be found on my doulamatch profile here!
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Natural Hospital Birth Mercy Downtown:
"Jacquelyn Duke was our doula for our second son's birth. We didn't have a doula (or even know what one was!) for our first son's birth. I have to say, the two births were very very different, and I am very glad we chose to have Jacquelyn there to help us through the second time around...We met with Jacquelyn pretty late in my pregnancy, so we ended up having 1 meeting, instead of 2 or 3, to talk about the upcoming birth, discuss options, and begin to prepare a birth plan. Jacquelyn is very sweet, and also well prepared with information to answer our questions/concerns. Between our meeting and the actual birth we stayed in pretty regular contact as I updated her on how I was doing...it was a long 6 weeks with 4 weeks of contractions, false alarms, and two stays at the hospital with kidney stones. When my doctors offered to induce labor she walked us through the pros and cons as we made our decision. She also provided some helpful tips on "natural" induction...She was always easy to get a hold of and quick to return messages. To be completely honest, I believe having Jacquelyn with me every step of the way is the key reason this birth went so well and was, strangely, enjoyable! :) She brought along a bag of tricks to help with natural pain relief, including a heated rice sock that was amazing! With my last birth, I wasn't encouraged to leave the bed and labor was long and painful...Jacquelyn encouraged me to keep moving and change what we were doing frequently or when it didn't feel right anymore. Doing so really seemed to move labor along much faster and I was SO much more comfortable and able to cope with contractions using just natural pain relief methods right up until the very end! My husband and I wouldn't have thought to do any of this without her direction. Also, Jacquelyn was a great advocate for our wishes with the nurses and doctor. All in all, because of Jacquelyn's help and encouragement, the birth of our son was an amazing experience that we'll look back on fondly forever."
- Stacy Zacharias
Check out the amazing birth video Phil and Stacy put together, found on the Doula Services page!
- Stacy Zacharias
Check out the amazing birth video Phil and Stacy put together, found on the Doula Services page!
Natural Home Birth:
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"It was fun to have you here...It's as important to know when to let a woman be as it is to know how and when to step in. You did great with that!"
"My labor was very easy, so it turned out that we didn't try many of the pain relief and comfort techniques that Jacquelyn came prepared to offer. She didn't push me to do things I didn't need. She massaged my hands and feet between contractions and suggested a few positions. She took turns with my husband, rubbing my back when I needed it. She reminded me to eat throughout labor. As much as anything, though, she helped affirm that my instincts were right. When I found what felt good to me, she was very positive in encouraging me to keep doing it. When I felt like it might be time to have my midwife come, I hesitated because I wasn't experiencing "textbook" active labor, but my gut told me things were really starting to pick up. Jacquelyn encouraged me to go with my instinct even though I may not have been acting like I was far enough along. When my midwife arrived, I was fully dilated and almost ready to push! If I had gone "by the book" to decide when to call, it would have been way too late (I never felt very "serious" between contractions until I started pushing, and didn't even notice transition!), but I felt like it was time to get my midwife here, and Jacquelyn was very affirming of my instinct! She helped me to stay confident in listening to my body and my own ability to know what I needed. I am so glad, too, that we asked her to take pictures. Usually that's my husband's job, but having Jacquelyn do it gave him the ability to engage more with Ellie and me in those intense bonding moments, we got pictures with Mark in them, and we have pictures from during delivery and that precious bonding time immediately after she was born! I really enjoyed Jacquelyn's presence during my labor and delivery. Thanks, Jacquelyn!" - Anna Bland *All photos taken during labor or within just hours of the birth - just one of the benefits of home birth! |
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) & Deployed Military Birth:
This was one of the most incredible births I've ever had the honor of attending! Jamie's husband was deployed in Iraq at the time of the birth. Luckily we were able to Skype with him for the delivery!!! Welcome to the world Naomi Faith! :-)
"I was 3-4 months pregnant with our 5th baby when we found out my husband would be deploying for a 6 month tour. I’d heard of doulas but never considered using one for myself until I came across Operation Special Delivery. I contacted Jacquelyn shortly after I found out about this great service and she was wonderful in providing me information. Awhile after I first contacted her I decided I didn’t really need a doula. After all, I knew I’d probably want an epidural and what kind of doula is “for” that?!? Well, that was the thought in my mind... About a month later it really weighed heavy on me one day that I needed to contact her again about being present at my baby’s birth. I knew my mom would be here, as would a friend, but maybe a doula would be an asset, I thought. I nervously explained to her that I probably would use an epidural, and to my surprise, she was very understanding. She told me that it’s about what I want in my birth and that she is here to support me no matter what I decide. I’d also been dealing with my OB’s office regarding a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Two of my previous births were c-sections and two were successful VBAC’s, so I knew I wanted a VBAC. I wanted to prevent surgery at all costs, especially when my husband wouldn’t be here to help with the recovery! Jacquelyn and I met a few times before the birth, and we were in constant contact via email, texts and phone calls. I felt I really could trust her and contact her when I needed to. She provided support for what I wanted out of the birth experience, and I feel I gained not only a doula but a friend! I keep saying that this was by far the best birth out of all five, and I know much of that goes to having such a wonderful doula. I even went so far as to tell my husband I wanted to do it over again, (mainly because the baby is growing so fast and I want him to be a part of it)! Jacquelyn helped me to stay focused during contractions, encouraging me to breath or moan through them. She knew exactly where to rub my back and had a few other great techniques to help with pain. I did get an epidural, but I waited much longer before feeling I needed one. I think waiting longer really helped keep the drugs in the epidural from slowing my labor and from having as much of an affect on the baby. Jacquelyn was a huge asset through the whole thing. I feel like I was more pro-active in this birth than in the other births I’d gone through and I attribute that to Jacquelyn- her knowledge and aid. She even helped focus the computer so we could Skype the birth with my husband, and she took some pictures as well. I will over and over again recommend her or a doula in general. With her help I was able to havethe birth I desired!" - Jamie Mleko
"I was 3-4 months pregnant with our 5th baby when we found out my husband would be deploying for a 6 month tour. I’d heard of doulas but never considered using one for myself until I came across Operation Special Delivery. I contacted Jacquelyn shortly after I found out about this great service and she was wonderful in providing me information. Awhile after I first contacted her I decided I didn’t really need a doula. After all, I knew I’d probably want an epidural and what kind of doula is “for” that?!? Well, that was the thought in my mind... About a month later it really weighed heavy on me one day that I needed to contact her again about being present at my baby’s birth. I knew my mom would be here, as would a friend, but maybe a doula would be an asset, I thought. I nervously explained to her that I probably would use an epidural, and to my surprise, she was very understanding. She told me that it’s about what I want in my birth and that she is here to support me no matter what I decide. I’d also been dealing with my OB’s office regarding a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Two of my previous births were c-sections and two were successful VBAC’s, so I knew I wanted a VBAC. I wanted to prevent surgery at all costs, especially when my husband wouldn’t be here to help with the recovery! Jacquelyn and I met a few times before the birth, and we were in constant contact via email, texts and phone calls. I felt I really could trust her and contact her when I needed to. She provided support for what I wanted out of the birth experience, and I feel I gained not only a doula but a friend! I keep saying that this was by far the best birth out of all five, and I know much of that goes to having such a wonderful doula. I even went so far as to tell my husband I wanted to do it over again, (mainly because the baby is growing so fast and I want him to be a part of it)! Jacquelyn helped me to stay focused during contractions, encouraging me to breath or moan through them. She knew exactly where to rub my back and had a few other great techniques to help with pain. I did get an epidural, but I waited much longer before feeling I needed one. I think waiting longer really helped keep the drugs in the epidural from slowing my labor and from having as much of an affect on the baby. Jacquelyn was a huge asset through the whole thing. I feel like I was more pro-active in this birth than in the other births I’d gone through and I attribute that to Jacquelyn- her knowledge and aid. She even helped focus the computer so we could Skype the birth with my husband, and she took some pictures as well. I will over and over again recommend her or a doula in general. With her help I was able to havethe birth I desired!" - Jamie Mleko
Natural Hospital Birth:
I believe it was no accident that I happened to meet Jacquelyn Duke. My doula from my first child’s birth was not available for the birth of our second child so I had decided that I didn’t need a doula and that my husband and I would go at it alone. In the weeks leading up to the birth I was preparing as all mothers do and starting to panic about the upcoming labor and delivery. I was having serious doubts about my decision. That’s when I met Jacquelyn. Through conversation I came to know that she was a doula. I took this as a sign and immediately made plans to meet with her for an “interview”. Jacquelyn was exceptionally knowledgeable, sweet and had a laid back quality that I knew I needed by my side during the birth of my baby. We met a few times before the birth. She made me comfortable right from the start and she gave me lots of resources so that I would be prepared for whatever came our way. As it turned out, I had a very speedy labor and delivery. I was only in the hospital fifteen minutes before my daughter was born. Jacquelyn made it in time to help me push and her words of encouragement were exactly what I needed to focus on the task at hand. She told me to work with each contraction and to not be afraid of them. She reminded me that each push was bringing my baby closer to my arms. Her positive energy and enthusiasm were refreshing and exactly what I needed to get me through the pushing. Jacquelyn stayed with us for several hours after the birth of our baby girl to help me nurse, answer questions about hospital procedures and reassure my husband and I that all was well. She shared with me a few weeks later during her visit that she also stayed a little longer than normal because of my excessive bleeding. She was worried about the bleeding and my health but never once let on that she was concerned. I would absolutely call Jacquelyn again if we ever need her services and I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking. Child birth is an extremely special and private time yet having a helpful doula can make all the difference in the world. Having an experienced woman to cheer you on doesn’t take away from the intimacy, it makes it that much more memorable! Thank you, Jacquelyn!
Sincerely,Darcy & Jason Wold and Baby Morgan (born 6-29-11)
Sincerely,Darcy & Jason Wold and Baby Morgan (born 6-29-11)
A Beautiful, Family-Centered C-Section...After Every Type of Birth Experience a Woman Could Imagine!!!
"Partnering with Jacquelyn Duke was the best decision my husband and I made regarding the birth of our son. Early in the pregnancy, a friend referred me to http://centraliowadoulas.com/ where I found Jacquelyn’s information. Because of two previous miscarriages and some difficult encounters with medical professionals, I felt that working with a doula would provide the support I needed to help me feel more comfortable delivering my son in a hospital setting. My husband agreed and felt that teaming up with a doula would help him feel more prepared and equipped to coach me through the labor and delivery.
As soon as we met Jacquelyn, we knew she was the perfect fit for us. We appreciated her objectivity and balanced approach, and immediately felt that we could trust her to help us make informed decisions about natural delivery, pain management techniques and medications, and medical interventions. Her extensive knowledge and the educational information she provided helped me feel more empowered and less fearful.
The night I went into labor, Jacquelyn came to our house and walked me through breathing techniques and exercises to help progress my labor. When the contractions slowed later that morning, she encouraged me to stay focused and positive. We went for walks, did stretching exercises at the park, and even enjoyed breakfast on the patio at Starbucks!
When the contractions picked up and it seemed like I had hit the transition stage, we went to the hospital. We expected to hear that I was dilated to a 7 or 8, but the nurse said I was only at a 3. She said in her 24 years as an OB nurse, she had never seen anything like what I was experiencing, and that she had also expected me to be at an 8 or a 9.
As my contractions continued to cycle through stalls and peaks, Jacquelyn never left my side. She showed me a variety of laboring positions I could try and even brightened up my hospital room with flameless candles and essential oils. Her reassuring support and encouragement helped me stay calm and optimistic.
By evening I hadn’t progressed beyond a 4. Jacquelyn and I discussed the pros and cons of having my water broken, and my husband and I felt it was an appropriate step to take at that time. After the doctor broke my water, the intensity of the contractions increased significantly. I had been laboring without pain medication for 23 hours and was exhausted and discouraged. I asked the doctor for an epidural, but it took about an hour for the anesthesiologist to administer it. That was the hardest hour of the whole ordeal and when I needed Jacquelyn the most. I don’t know what I would have done without her – she was so supportive and coached me through every single contraction.
After the epidural was in, the doctor gave me some pitocin. By 1:00 a.m. I had still only dilated to a 5 and the doctor said we needed to proceed with a C-section. Because of my previous experiences, surgery had been my biggest fear. We had discussed this with Jacquelyn at our prenatal meetings and she had helped us draft a C-section birth wish list so that we would feel more empowered and prepared in the event that surgery was necessary. I was so grateful for that because it helped me feel more calm and at peace going into the operating room. Unfortunately, due to hospital policy, Jacquelyn wasn’t allowed to come back with us. She had been with us for almost 24 hours at this point, and even though we had to say goodbye to her, I replayed her words of encouragement all the way to the operating room and throughout the surgery.
Thanks to Jacquelyn and my incredible husband, I can look back on my experience with pride knowing that we did everything we could to achieve a natural birth. Even though it didn’t go the way I had hoped, I was able to stay calm and feel empowered throughout the process because of our preparation beforehand and the rapport we had built with Jacquelyn. I can’t say enough good things about her, and I would confidently refer her to anyone seeking the special care and support of a doula." ~ Shelly, Rob, & Baby Ben Price
As soon as we met Jacquelyn, we knew she was the perfect fit for us. We appreciated her objectivity and balanced approach, and immediately felt that we could trust her to help us make informed decisions about natural delivery, pain management techniques and medications, and medical interventions. Her extensive knowledge and the educational information she provided helped me feel more empowered and less fearful.
The night I went into labor, Jacquelyn came to our house and walked me through breathing techniques and exercises to help progress my labor. When the contractions slowed later that morning, she encouraged me to stay focused and positive. We went for walks, did stretching exercises at the park, and even enjoyed breakfast on the patio at Starbucks!
When the contractions picked up and it seemed like I had hit the transition stage, we went to the hospital. We expected to hear that I was dilated to a 7 or 8, but the nurse said I was only at a 3. She said in her 24 years as an OB nurse, she had never seen anything like what I was experiencing, and that she had also expected me to be at an 8 or a 9.
As my contractions continued to cycle through stalls and peaks, Jacquelyn never left my side. She showed me a variety of laboring positions I could try and even brightened up my hospital room with flameless candles and essential oils. Her reassuring support and encouragement helped me stay calm and optimistic.
By evening I hadn’t progressed beyond a 4. Jacquelyn and I discussed the pros and cons of having my water broken, and my husband and I felt it was an appropriate step to take at that time. After the doctor broke my water, the intensity of the contractions increased significantly. I had been laboring without pain medication for 23 hours and was exhausted and discouraged. I asked the doctor for an epidural, but it took about an hour for the anesthesiologist to administer it. That was the hardest hour of the whole ordeal and when I needed Jacquelyn the most. I don’t know what I would have done without her – she was so supportive and coached me through every single contraction.
After the epidural was in, the doctor gave me some pitocin. By 1:00 a.m. I had still only dilated to a 5 and the doctor said we needed to proceed with a C-section. Because of my previous experiences, surgery had been my biggest fear. We had discussed this with Jacquelyn at our prenatal meetings and she had helped us draft a C-section birth wish list so that we would feel more empowered and prepared in the event that surgery was necessary. I was so grateful for that because it helped me feel more calm and at peace going into the operating room. Unfortunately, due to hospital policy, Jacquelyn wasn’t allowed to come back with us. She had been with us for almost 24 hours at this point, and even though we had to say goodbye to her, I replayed her words of encouragement all the way to the operating room and throughout the surgery.
Thanks to Jacquelyn and my incredible husband, I can look back on my experience with pride knowing that we did everything we could to achieve a natural birth. Even though it didn’t go the way I had hoped, I was able to stay calm and feel empowered throughout the process because of our preparation beforehand and the rapport we had built with Jacquelyn. I can’t say enough good things about her, and I would confidently refer her to anyone seeking the special care and support of a doula." ~ Shelly, Rob, & Baby Ben Price
A Healing Experience:
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"I just wanted to let you know how awesome it was to attend your birthing classes with my husband. They were so fun and I felt a great experience for us as a couple. Having you as my doula was awesome & I would definitely recommend you to anyone who is going to give birth!
I've reflected on the labor and birth of our third child often & I get so happy about it. It was such a beautiful and healing experience, everything was perfect! I used to reflect on the births of my first 2 children and feel sad, sometimes to the point of shedding tears. I needed this awesome experience! I am STILL feeling completely in love with this baby and also with her labor and birth! It was crazy and intense at the time, but looking back I can only see it as so fun! I loved it! Love you! :) Thank you for everything!" ~ Sally & Ryan Hurst |
Natural Hospital Birth at Mary Greeley:
"We were very happy to have Jacquelyn Duke as our doula for the birth
of our daughter and would recommend her very strongly. I was able to
go without any pain medications. Moreover, some of the things she
suggested might have also helped the labor to proceed faster and thus
prevented the need for any pitocin or other intervention. I had a
fairly short (6-7 hr) labor for a first time pregnancy. Jacquelyn is
calm, helpful and gets along very well with the doctor and the
hospital staff, while still providing all the information we needed
and questioning the hospital's suggestions when necessary. She tells
you all possible options and their pros and cons without being too
forceful about any one option.
I should add that I am usually a complainer, but in this case I have
nothing to complain! Please feel free to contact us (you can get my
email from Jacquelyn) if you would like more information."
~NV and AR
of our daughter and would recommend her very strongly. I was able to
go without any pain medications. Moreover, some of the things she
suggested might have also helped the labor to proceed faster and thus
prevented the need for any pitocin or other intervention. I had a
fairly short (6-7 hr) labor for a first time pregnancy. Jacquelyn is
calm, helpful and gets along very well with the doctor and the
hospital staff, while still providing all the information we needed
and questioning the hospital's suggestions when necessary. She tells
you all possible options and their pros and cons without being too
forceful about any one option.
I should add that I am usually a complainer, but in this case I have
nothing to complain! Please feel free to contact us (you can get my
email from Jacquelyn) if you would like more information."
~NV and AR