Jen The Doula : The Braided BirthKeeper

03/23/2026

"Happy World Doula Day!
From emotional support to evidence-based info, doulas bridge the gap in maternal care.
Today/This week, we celebrate the hands that hold, the voices that advocate, and the hearts that serve. Because everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. Happy World Doula Day/Week!! 🕊️ 💆‍♀️
March 22th - March 28th

"

02/17/2026

💧🛁 The Magic of Water 💧🛁 My Own Story 🥰

I am a HUGE FAN of using WATER for comfort during labor! Whether it's a warm shower, a deep bath, or a birth pool, water immersion can be an incredibly effective, non-pharmacological comfort measure.

Of my 4 children, I chose to bring my last 3 into the world in water 🛁 the last 2 were right at home in a birth tub. 🏠🛁 There is something incredibly sacred about the way water supports a physiological birth. 💆‍♀️🚿🛁 The buoyancy took the pressure off, the warmth kept my oxytocin flowing, and that private, watery sanctuary allowed me to truly tune into my body’s rhythm. If I could go back, I would have had ALL my children IN WATER. ❤️🌊

Water immersion is often called "the doula's epidural". Here is why water is so wonderful in labor:♥️💧💆‍♀️🚿🛁

💧-Buoyancy: Takes pressure off your joints and allows for easier movement and position changes.

💧-Relaxation: Warm water can soothe muscles, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, which helps oxytocin flow!

💧-Pain Relief: Many report a significant reduction in labor sensations while in the water.

💧-Privacy: Creates a "Privacy Bubble": It helps you feel safe and uninhibited giving you a sense of privacy and intimacy.

Water can be used throughout labor, from early contractions to the pushing phase, and some even choose to birth in water! (Like I did with 3 of my 4 kiddos and wish I could have done with all 4 🥰)

Curious about water immersion during labor? ✨ Want to experience the "Labor Tub" magic?✨🛁🥰💆‍♀️🚿

I want every family to have access to these tools! Because I'm so passionate about water birth, I have professional birth tubs available for rent. Whether you're planning a home birth or just want a reliable tub for laboring at home before heading to the birth center, I've got you covered.

Have you ever considered a water birth, or did you use water during your labor? I’d love to hear your thoughts below! 👇👇👇👇👇👇

Ready to dive into your empowered birth journey? Whether you need doula support or just a tub rental to complete your birth space, let’s chat! Now booking for 2026!

02/16/2026

🌟 The Golden Hour: A Sacred Start to Parenthood 🌟

As a "crunchy-minded" doula, one of my favorite parts of birth is witnessing the magic of the Golden Hour – the first 60 minutes after your baby is born. This uninterrupted, skin-to-skin time is profoundly important for both parent and baby!

During the Golden Hour, your baby:

-Regulates temperature and breathing more easily on your chest.🌡️

- Initiates breastfeeding naturally, often with an instinctive "breast crawl." 🤱

- Feels safe and secure, easing their transition to the outside world. 🌎

- Benefits from your unique microbiome, boosting their immune system. 🦠

For you, the birthing parent, this time fosters:

- A surge of oxytocin, aiding uterine contractions and placental delivery. 💖

- Deep bonding with your newborn.💖

- Feelings of immense love and connection.💖

It's a beautiful, physiological continuation of birth that should be protected and cherished whenever possible.
What are your hopes for your Golden Hour? Share below! 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Dreaming of a peaceful and undisturbed Golden Hour with your newborn? I can help you advocate for this precious time and support you through its magic! Now booking for 2026! 🥰 DM me to schedule a free consultation and let's discuss creating your ideal birth and postpartum experience. 💖

02/15/2026

💃🌸 The Power of Movement in Pregnancy & Birth 🌸💃

Did you know that intentional movement can be one of your greatest allies in pregnancy and during labor? As a "crunchy-minded" doula trained in Dancing for Birth and yoga, I'm all about harnessing the body's innate wisdom, and movement is KEY! 🗝️

From gentle prenatal yoga and walking to specific labor positions like swaying, slow dancing, or using a birth ball, staying active can:💃🕺

-Improve comfort during pregnancy.
-Help position baby optimally for birth.
-Shorten labor and reduce the need for interventions.
-Boost your confidence in your body's capabilities.

Your body was designed for this incredible journey, and movement helps unlock its full potential!

What's your favorite way to move your body during pregnancy? Share below! 👇

Ready to explore comfort measures and movement techniques that align with a physiological, empowered birth? Let's connect! Now booking for 2026!. Send me a DM to schedule a free consultation and discover how I can support your active birth journey. 💫 💃🤝🌿🥦🫖🍵🤱

02/14/2026

On this day of love 💘 I want to rewind and take a moment to give a huge congratulations to this awesome couple on their very 1st baby! 👣 👶🤱

Watching this Mama achieve her goal of a natural birth was an absolute honor. There is nothing quite like witnessing the sheer strength of a mother and as I look back at these photos I am still in awe. 🥰

This mama's strength was undeniable, and the support from her husband was second to none! Seeing the way he supported her—literally and figuratively holding her up—was a testament to their love & partnership. 🤝♥️♥️He was definitely the rock she needed. 🪨 I takes a village, and this village—including the fantastic midwives—was top-tier.

A huge thank you to the wonderful midwives and the team at NorthPointe Birth Center for providing such a supportive environment. And most importantly, thank you to Mom and Dad for trusting me to be by your side during these sacred moments. You did it! 💪 Welcome to the world, little one! ✨

02/14/2026

🤰 Fueling Your Body Naturally: Pregnancy Nutrition Tips 🍎

As a "crunchy-minded" doula, I'm a huge believer in the power of nourishing your body with whole, real foods during pregnancy! What you eat plays a vital role in your energy levels, baby's development, and even your postpartum recovery.

Forget restrictive diets and focus on abundance! Here are a few holistic nutrition tips:

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods: Think colorful fruits and veggies, healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds), quality proteins (pasture-raised eggs, organic meats, lentils), and whole grains. 🥚🥜🥩🥦

Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for everything! Add a squeeze of lemon or some cucumber for extra flavor. Herbal teas like nettle and red raspberry leaf are also great (check with your provider!). 🫗🥒🍋☕🍵🫖🌿

Listen to Your Cravings (Mindfully): Sometimes cravings are your body's way of asking for specific nutrients. Balance indulgence with healthy alternatives.🍫🍨🥔

Support Gut Health: Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can boost your microbiome, which is beneficial for both you and baby!🥫🥛🥤

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and gentle nutrition is about listening to your body's needs.

What are your go-to healthy pregnancy snacks or meals? Did you have any wild cravings?! Share in the comments! 👇👇👇

Looking for personalized support to nourish your body and mind throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey? I'm here to offer resources and encouragement! Now booking for 2026! DM me to schedule a free chat and let's discuss how holistic doula support can empower your wellness goals. 💚

02/12/2026

"A common question I get is: 'Do I need a doula if I'm having a hospital birth?' 🏥

The answer is a resounding YES! While doctors and nurses focus on clinical safety, I focus on YOU. My role is to bridge the gap—providing continuous physical comfort, helping you navigate medical jargon, and ensuring your voice is heard in every room.

Whether you’re at a local Rockford hospital or at home, I’m there to keep your birth space sacred and supported. 🌿

✨ Now booking clients for March, April,June,July, October, November,December! DM me to see if we’re a good match.😊

02/06/2026

🌿 Trust Your Instincts, Mama 🌿
​In a world full of "shoulds" and "musts," it's easy to lose touch with the most powerful tool you have: YOUR MATERNAL INTUITION. Your body isn't a machine to be managed; it's a wise, capable vessel that knows exactly how to grow and birth your baby.

​As a birth doula, one of my favorite parts of the job isn't just the physical support—it's watching a mother tap into her own power and realize that she is the expert on her birth.♥️💪🙏

Whether you’re dreaming of an unmedicated physiological birth, planning for a peaceful golden hour, or looking for holistic ways to navigate the hospital system, remember that your voice matters most.

​✨ Today’s Affirmation: My body is NOT broken. My body is a gateway. I trust the process of birth.

​How are you tuning into your intuition today? Tell me in the comments! 👇

​Now booking for FEB, MARCH, APRIL, JUNE, JULY, NOVEMBER 2026!! If you're looking for a doula who honors the "crunchy" side of birth and supports your autonomy, let’s chat. DM me for a free discovery call! ☕️

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06/06/2025

Happy International Homebirth day!

I've had two of my four children at home and it was absolutely wonderful! I wish and hope for a beautiful intervention free home birth to every women who wants one! 🙏

On June 6th we celebrate International Homebirth Day. We celebrate the midwives who support birth at home, gently and safely and with quiet joy. We acknowledge and honor the Grand/Granny midwives and their foundational contributions to midwifery in the U.S. We celebrate the doulas who provide emotional support and hands-on comfort, reset the home, and leave only after everyone is tucked in bed with everything they need at arms reach. We celebrate the parents who bring babies into their arms at home, who sway and moan and celebrate in their own safe haven. And, finally, we celebrate the babies who make their way into the world in the space they’ll come to know as home.

04/17/2025

10/05/2024

This is a wonderful explanation of what BAA is and the difference between aversion and DMER. When I was pregnant I experienced a need to push away my toddler while breastfeeding and I didn't understand why. Well it turns out that this is more common then we women realize , is completely natural, and we are not alone!

Breastfeeding aversion is when negative emotions & feelings are triggered during a breastfeeding session. The emotions can span from irritability & frustration to rage or disgust.