Jess The Doula

05/08/2025

10/28/2024

Our sweet Stewie gained his wings today. He was such a loved cat (who acted like he was a dog) coming into our lives as a drop off in the courty, the past 14 years with you have been an honour. 💔

09/01/2023

Today is the day! MRI at 6 then OR 8am.

03/16/2023

This doesn’t mean the end, this is just a detour in life. I will be back!!!

During this time of uncertainty, surgery coming, I need to focus on my health, healing and my family.

I love you all that have been with me during these years!!!

03/13/2023

I’m not sure what this will hold for Jess the Doula for the remainder of the year!

But for now I’m present and providing the best care to my clients.

August 24, 2022 our world changed never to be the same.

After an accident with a tree branch that sent us to the ED we were told,

You have a brain tumour,

it’s a meningioma, you have will have to follow up with your family doctor to schedule and MRI, then the ED doctor left the room.

Adam and I sat there like what did she just say, good thing I was looped on morphine and couldn’t see out of my eyes so the google rabbit hole didn’t start.

The next morning I looked at Adam and said “Do I have a brain tumour?”

A quick phone call to our amazing Family Dr. And we found out that it’s 1.8cm x1.7cm and on the underside of my brain.

As you can imagine, this rocked our world not know that the future will bring, we tried to stay in the moment and take one day at a time. We sat the kids down told them
what was going on ( as they might hear us talk and we didn’t want them to be afraid)
They jumped right into making a song up and naming it lol)

MRI was scheduled for Sept 14 and confirmed everything.

We met with our Neurosurgeon a month after and because of the size and location we took the conservative approach to wait and watch.

These type of brain tumours are most common, they are typically slow growing (1mm a year if any growth) and 90% are non cancerous. We agreed to an MRI in 6 months to see if we had any changes.

March 2, 2023 we had our follow up MRI and tumie (the boys names it that) had grown 2mm, more then the average they would like to see in 12 months.

What does this mean? Right now we are not sure until we can speak to our Neurosurgeon but we pray that with their guidance we will be able to provide the best outcome, surgery or radiation therapy.

Your prayers would be appreciated.

11/01/2022

Happy Halloween from my super crew!!

08/15/2022

Many parents to be are interested in the ways to reduce labour pains, especially in the early stage of labour that can take some time.

Using a TENS Machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can help with mild labour pains and is effective in the active labour stage.

How do I use a TENS Machine?

A TENS machine is a small battery operated device that uses low voltage electric impulses through a small battery operated device. The device is connected to sticky pads that are placed on the back. The pads are placed on the mid back (bra line) on each side of the spine and lower back on each side of the spine).

When the TENS Machine is turned on it is thought to work in two ways, one by disrupting the nervous system to reduce the pain signals to the brain, and two, the body responds to the signals and releases endorphins that help reduce pain sensations.

Advantages of a TENS machine:

• The birthing person has the ability to control the intensity of the impulses to suit their individual needs. This can leave some people feeling in control of their labour and comfort decreases pain.
• Gives the birthing person the ability to be mobile while using the machine.
•Can decrease pain sensations in the beginning stages of labour
• Drug-free alternative to labour pains
• Reduces low back pains

Disadvantage of a TENS machine:

• Can not be used in water
• May not feel comfortable for everyone
• Rash or sensitivity to adhesive pads

Refer to the TENS machine manual or consult with a health care provider.

TENS machine is a very low risk pain management system.

You can rent these devices from Jess The Doula.

Investment $95.00 (4 weeks)

Device
Carry Case
Manual
4 Adhesive pads
Extra batteries
A mini tutorial when you pick up.

08/12/2022

Birth is a very individual journey and what one person doesn’t doesn’t mean another will need or want.

There is currently an epidural shortage that is effecting our birth area and they are being used only in emergency situations.

But that’s okay, not everyone requires an epidural, there are other options that are very effective.

Let me instilling the confidence in you to have the tools to navigate your labour pains and find comfort measures that suit your individual needs.

You are doing amazing.

08/02/2022

Wondering where I have been?

I’m still busy with in person support and classes!

Being a mom, wife, friend, daughter, Doula, second attendant with the midwives, Sleep Consultant, and sewer IG definitely gets neglected.

I’m still here, still caring for families and walking the journey of birth!

Send a message when your ready for some pretty amazing guidance, emotional, and physical support!!

I am here to support you!

09/24/2021

So excited to announce!!!! (Don’t worry I’m still taking Doula Clients too)

I am excited to be working with Norfolk Roots and look forward to being a part of your home birth team as a Second Attendant!

I was born and raised in Oxford County and moved to Norfolk county where I married my best friend and we are now raising our two sons. After navigating my own birth journeys, I became empowered to mentor and support birthing families. Since 2017, I have … Read more

09/15/2021

Norfolk Hospital we are saddened and shocked at the closure of the Labour and Delivery department.

Expectant parents in Norfolk County will now have to drive to Brantford to give birth, after Norfolk General Hospital shut down its labour and delivery ward on Monday.