She.E.O Series

2024 is the year of the Dragon which is supposed to bring Opportunities, Changes & Challenges. In honor of all three of these themes I want to network with as many Motherhood local businesses to collaborate and thrive with! Each episode I am going to interview a local small business owner in the Metro-Detroit area, and photograph them. I am so excited to meet every business that has volunteered to be interviewed, so we can all learn more about why you (and I) should utilize their services to learn, heal & empower your journey into and through motherhood! I am a new mom as of last year and I feel like I am always learning something new about my own body, so I really just want to help get this information out into new eyes & ears :). Let’s get started!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our full Maternity Portfolio to book your next session!

About My Guest

Jennifer is a dedicated mother of three with over 28 years of marriage to her husband Michael. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a ZA endorsement and has experience teaching preschool and managing a preschool/daycare while raising her children. Jennifer's passion for supporting families led her to volunteer for the Beaumont Parenting Program for 17 years, where she provided breastfeeding support, family assistance, and served on the Advisory Board. As a Certified Lactation Counselor and Doula, Jennifer's mission is to empower parents through education and support during their breastfeeding journey and transition into parenthood, ensuring a joyful and peaceful experience.

Q&A

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you became to be a doula/lactation consultant.

I volunteered with the Beaumont Parenting Program for 16 years, serving as a peer breastfeeding counselor. After my first daughter turned one, I felt abandoned after leaving the hospital with her and realized I needed to give back. So, I started with the parenting program. Not only was I a peer breastfeeding counselor, but I also became a parenting partner, going into new parents' rooms and teaching them how to be parents. With my degree in teaching, I naturally transitioned into teaching parents how to parent, and I loved it. One day, someone at my church mentioned that I had a great personality for a doula and wished I had been their doula. Curious, I researched what a doula was and realized that being a postpartum doula involved teaching parents how to parent, which resonated with me. As my youngest was about to start kindergarten, I thought about my next steps and decided to pursue doula training. The rest is history.

Q: What are your goals for 2024?

Jennifer: My goals for 2024 are focused on supporting new mothers throughout their birth and breastfeeding journeys. I aim to assist as many new mothers as possible during birth, advocating for their rights and choices, and educating them about the options available to enhance their birth experiences. In terms of lactation, my goal is to reach out to mothers who are struggling at home with breastfeeding, often feeling tearful and discouraged because they haven't been able to achieve the success they hoped for. The hospital stay is usually brief, and sometimes babies aren't ready to nurse properly during that time. This isn't the fault of the lactation consultants, but once mothers are home and their milk comes in, challenges can escalate, leading to disheartening experiences.

Jasmine: I remember when I was in the hospital, the staff were in and out quickly, handing me a stack of paperwork and telling me to look it over.

Jennifer: It's overwhelming because there's a significant difference between reading instructions and actually breastfeeding a baby. When I teach breastfeeding, I focus on the basics initially, but I believe the real learning happens with the baby. There’s nothing like holding a real baby and practicing breastfeeding in real-time.

Q: Tell me about a moment in your career as a doula/lactation consultant that deeply impacted you and solidified your passion for this profession. What was it about that experience that resonated with you?

When I got trained, I became certified through DONA for both birth and postpartum support. Initially, I chose the postpartum route because I enjoyed teaching parents how to parent after the birth. However, there was a package deal for both birth and postpartum training, so I decided to try the birth certification as well. To become certified, I needed to attend three births and support those mothers. Attending those births was an eye-opening experience for me. Witnessing the incredible miracle of childbirth and seeing babies take their first breath repeatedly was one of the most amazing blessings I’ve ever experienced, aside from having my own children.

Q: Do you have any specialized training or certifications? Can you share an anecdote from one of your training experiences that significantly shaped your approach as a doula/lactation consultant?

I am trained and certified as a birth and postpartum doula through DONA. Additionally, I am a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) through the Healthy Children's Project. I am also certified as a childbirth educator through CAPPA.

Q: How long have you been in business? Have there been any unexpected challenges or surprises you’ve encountered along the way that have contributed to your growth as a doula/lactation consultant?

This is my 11th year as a doula, and I've supported over 400 births during this time. Additionally, I've been helping women with lactation for 25 years, assisting thousands with breastfeeding. Along the way, there have been unexpected challenges and surprises that have contributed to my growth as a doula and lactation consultant. One of the hardest parts of my job is dealing with losses, whether they occur early, in the middle, or later in the pregnancy. These experiences are incredibly challenging and emotional.

Q: How do you assess your prenatal clients? Are there any unconventional methods or intuitive approaches you've developed over time that have proven effective?

Traditionally, I meet clients in person, usually at a coffee house or similar setting, where we can chat casually. I ask them about their goals and wishes for their birth. It's very rare that I meet someone I don't feel I can support because I take a very non-judgmental approach. Most of the mothers I work with want to have a natural birth, which I feel very skilled in supporting. However, if they want an epidural, I respect that choice as well. My role is to support them, regardless of their decisions. I believe everyone is brought to me for a reason, and it’s rare that I feel we’re not a good fit. If they choose me, it’s usually because they feel comfortable with my non-judgmental approach and are confident in my support.

Q: What techniques do you employ for your work? Have you ever experimented with innovative tools or technologies to enhance your support for expecting mothers?

In the delivery room, two of my favorite techniques, which I believe every doula should master, are Spinning Babies and Hypnobirthing techniques. Spinning Babies is essential because it helps address long labors, back labors, stalled labors, and the need for more interventions by optimizing the baby's position for birth. This reduces the length of pushing and distress on both the baby and the mom, leading to a smoother, more efficient birth. Everyone desires a more precipitous birth, and knowing Spinning Babies and hypnobirthing techniques can significantly contribute to achieving that.

Hypnobirthing is another invaluable technique. When I meet with expecting parents, I emphasize the importance of these methods. Hypnobirthing is about mind over matter, teaching the body that birth is a natural process and not a sickness or injury. It involves breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle by helping mothers perceive the sensations of birth as positive and normal. My role as a doula is to help break this cycle, enabling the mother to trust her body and let it do what it needs to do.

Breathing techniques play a crucial role in Hypnobirthing, helping mothers to relax and release tension. Trusting your body and reframing the sensations of birth as positive experiences are key aspects. For instance, instead of calling them contractions, we refer to them as surges or waves, which can be more comforting and less intimidating.

Creating a calm, spa-like environment with touch, auditory cues, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy is also essential. Encouraging the mother to melt into the bed like an ice cube or become a wet noodle helps her to relax and release into the birth process. This reduces pain and allows for a more natural and less stressful birth experience.

For mothers who may not have had extensive training in these techniques, having a seasoned partner or hiring an experienced doula can make a significant difference. A doula with hundreds of births under her belt can provide the support and routine needed to guide the mother through the process seamlessly.

Q: How do you educate your clients? Have you ever utilized creative methods such as storytelling, art, or music to convey important information about pregnancy and childbirth?

When I'm teaching childbirth education, I often incorporate Hypnobirthing techniques, including mantras, music, and anything soothing to the parents. While some clients prefer more upbeat music, most choose something quieter and calming, like the sound of waves or images of nature. Music and photos serve as focal points during labor. One technique I teach is using a comb, which can help divert the brain's focus from the intensity of contractions to another sensation. The brain cannot fully register the sensations of contractions if it’s distracted by another stimulus.

This distraction can be achieved through various means—talking, touch, or other sensory inputs. Sometimes, all these elements are needed, while at other times, just one is enough. It's about finding what works best for each individual. For example, a simple encouragement, like saying "you got this," combined with breathing and rocking, can make a significant difference. It all depends on where the mother is at in her labor process and what she needs at that moment.

Q: Can you describe a moment where you felt a deep connection with a client, and how it influenced your approach to care?

This is a tough one because I make lots of deep connections with my clients. I'm a very empathetic and highly sensitive person, and I love my job. When I read about the experiences of others, I connect with them because I try to provide the support I wished I had received. For my breastfeeding clients, I offer the encouragement I wanted to hear, reassuring them that everything will be okay. During births, I feel a profound connection because it's such an emotional and intimate time. How can you not be connected when you're sharing such significant moments? I believe that if you don’t connect, maybe this isn’t the right job for you.

I can't focus on just one connection because I genuinely connect with most of my clients. They send me pictures, invite me to family events like birthday parties, baptisms, and even Passover Seders. These connections last for years. For instance, I’ve been invited to a Seder from ten years ago. It's an emotional job if you're a nurturing and loving person like me. I often think of my own children and future family members and want someone to love and support them the way I do for my clients. Everyone deserves to be loved and respected, and that’s what I aim to provide.

Some doulas might not connect deeply with their clients, which can be evident in their work. I’ve heard stories of doulas who didn’t advocate properly or were disengaged during births. It’s important to be passionate about this job because it shows in your work and the connections you make. When I was trained as a doula, they said that once you’re that good, you won’t need to advertise—word of mouth will be enough. I haven’t paid for any advertising because my clients refer me to others. I prioritize taking on clients who I can support fully and refer others to doulas I respect.

The connections I make are so strong that my clients sometimes tell me they're pregnant before they tell their own families, just to secure a spot on my calendar. I’m booked months in advance because of these connections. However, the downside is that losses can be incredibly hard, especially with repeat clients. I cry with them because we’ve shared so much. It's a tough job, but I wouldn't trade it for anything because of the profound connections I make.

Q: Tell me about a previous client success story. Can you share any unique strategies or rituals you implemented that you believe contributed to the positive outcome?

I would say that some of my greatest births fall into a particular category I call "redemption births". These are often clients who previously had traumatic birth experiences, sometimes resulting in a c-section, leaving them upset and determined to have a better experience the next time. These redemption births have a special significance because the clients have fought for a different outcome. It's rare to find someone who doesn’t want a vaginal birth, and when we achieve that together, it feels like a victory.

These clients have done their pre-labor prep, implemented Hypnobirthing techniques, and followed my advice to prepare their bodies. When we succeed with a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section), it's incredibly rewarding. The same goes for redemption breastfeeding stories. Clients who previously struggled with cracked, bleeding nipples and unsuccessful breastfeeding journeys can, with the right support, experience a beautiful and successful breastfeeding story the next time around.

It's wonderful to see my clients achieve the births and breastfeeding experiences they've dreamed of. Being alongside them during these successes is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.

Q: Describe your average day with clients. Have there been any particularly memorable moments or interactions that have left a lasting impression on you?

A typical day with a birth client usually involves being with them for about 8 to 12 hours once we've arrived at the hospital. For first-time mothers, early labor can take its time, so that initial period can vary. With second or subsequent pregnancies, it's typically around 4 to 8 hours. When I arrive at the hospital, I guide them through what I call "Jen's circuit" of Spinning Babies techniques for about one to two hours to help progress labor. After one to two hours, we should reach the transition phase, where we can move into the water for laboring.

Q: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own doula practice, particularly in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape? Are there any unconventional tips or strategies you've discovered along your journey?

I highly recommend that anyone interested in becoming a doula receives training. While certification isn't mandatory, I found it beneficial because it provided me with additional education and validation of my skills. Certification involved months of work, including certification births, evaluations from medical professionals, and ongoing education. It's essential for doulas to stay updated on the latest practices and techniques in their field, as they serve as a voice of knowledge and reason for their clients. Recertification is required every three years for all of my certifications.

Q: Is there anything I didn’t cover that you would like to talk about? Perhaps a personal philosophy or belief that guides your work as a doula?

Personally, I focus on hospital births because I find advocacy and support are especially crucial in that setting. My philosophy as a doula centers around love, respect, and effective communication with healthcare providers. By approaching situations with understanding and respect, rather than confrontation, I believe we can make a positive impact and help clients achieve the birth they desire. While home births are valuable, I feel I can make a greater difference in hospital settings by advocating for my clients' wishes while maintaining positive relationships with medical staff.

Get In Contact with Jennifer’s Practice

You can contact Jennifer through her Website. She does not maintain social media, but you tell her you heard of her from ME! :)

Jasmine Robertson

Owner - Two Wild Souls Photography