Brooklyn-based mom Justine Lee shares how Janel provided invaluable support during her “fast and furious” birth

New parents Justine and Glen with their daughter Olive 

I am so incredibly grateful to have had Janel as my doula throughout my pregnancy and delivery as a first-time mom. Janel provided unwavering support and guidance at every stage, and I always felt like I was in the best hands. As a child of immigrants, I am not used to asking for help and investing in myself in this way, but I’m so glad I did. I look at it as the best gift I could give myself during one of the most transformational (and trying) journeys.

From the moment we began working together, it was clear that Janel's depth of knowledge and experience was exceptional. I take comfort in science-backed explanations and more information rather than less, and Janel was always ready with insights and anecdotes from her many years serving families. She also made sure that Glen, my partner, felt included in the process. The three of us were in regular contact in between the informational sessions. Janel gave us the room to ask questions any time they came up.

When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, Janel's words of reassurance made me feel less alone in the process. She offered to talk on the phone to help ease my anxieties around the next steps. She reminded me how common GD was for Asian mothers and continued to check in to make sure I was feeling OK. It was comforting to have extra emotional support beyond that of my GD doctor.

But what truly stands out was Janel’s presence during my fast and furious labor. She was right there with me, offering physical and emotional support throughout the entire delivery along with Glen, my mom, and my medical team. When I needed ice chips, a sip of water, a hand to hold, she was there. At one point I felt so exhausted and needed a break from pushing, but felt guilty asking as the nurse and doctor kept telling me how close the baby was to crowning. Janel recognized I needed the break and advocated for it. It’s just what I needed. 

I’ll never forget the moment when, during the final pushes, Janel encouraged me to visualize my baby's face and say her name to myself. That simple yet powerful advice unlocked in me the final limits of my strength to bring baby Olive into the world. It was a beautiful, empowering moment that I’ll cherish forever. 

I will also cherish the many photos Janel took upon Olive’s birth so that we could look back and remember those first few raw and intimate moments.

Janel was an integral part of making my pregnancy and birth experience positive and memorable. She brought not only her expertise, but also her warmth, kindness, and a deep sense of calm that helped me stay centered and focused when it mattered most. I will always be thankful for the way she helped give me peace of mind, make me the strongest version of myself, and ultimately bring my baby into the world. I wholeheartedly recommend Janel to anyone who is considering a doula.