FAQ: your questions, answered

“What is a Birth Doula?” 
A Birth Doula is a trained childbirth professional who provides personalized support, advocacy, guidance and information to expecting families throughout the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period to aid in optimum birth outcomes and more enjoyable birth experiences. Much like a Wedding Planner, Realtor, Trail Guide or Travel Agent; professional Doulas walk the journey with Families ensuring all those special touches and individual preferences are met. 
Benefits of having Doula Support

“Published data indicates that one of the most effective tools to improve labor & delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a Doula.” 
-American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology March, 2014 

What a Doula is Not: 
Doulas are not medical professionals, do not perform medical care, do not give medical advice and do not deliver babies.
A Doula is not your prenatal provider- Not a OBGYN, Doctor, Nurse or Midwife. A Doula offers family centered supportive care, guidance, evidence based information and advocacy; helping expecting families experience their best birth possible.  I share an abundance of information with my clients to put them on the best path to meet their individual birthing goals, outcomes and desired experience. As your Doula I will not impose personal bias, share my birth stories or persuade anyone to follow the same birthing and postpartum decisions I made for my own family.

“What are the steps? What can we expect in working with you?” : 
1st we will meet over coffee to ensure we are a good fit for each other; a complimentary, no pressure in person consultation.
2nd Once a Family selects me as their Birth Doula I will send them the contract to sign and Venmo link to secure their spot on my Doula Books/Calendar.
3rd Once the contract is signed and deposit is complete, We will begin working together: scheduling prenatal #1 at 30 weeks and prenatal #2 at 37 weeks.
Throughout our time together families can expect Frequent check in’s, assistance with creating your individual birth plan, detailed guidance, help with packing the hospital bag, prepping the birth space, access to an in depth “3rd trimester document”, lactation assistance, access to my lending library, childbirth education information and a meeting with your provider in the final weeks of pregnancy to ensure a collaborative environment on “game day”.

“When is the best time to book a Doula?”
I recommend booking your Birth in the 1st or 2nd trimester. The sooner you’re on my doula books, the longer we have to work together and plan the perfect birth and postpartum for your family. That being said, it’s never too late to inquire if you are 30+ weeks along; Pregnancy and Birth is unpredictable, and sometimes I will have last-minute availability. If you would like to schedule a complimentary meeting, Please fill out this form.

“How many births do you take a Month?”
I run my business solo and am not an agency, I intentionally take on a lower volume of clientele (3 to 4 births a month) to ensure I provide local Families with the highest level of personalized hands on support and guidance. My Doula package is robust offering multiple layers of detailed support before, during and after the birth, along with many additional offerings included in the Doula package. Because this business is my one and only job, it allows me to spend more time with each client, setting them up for success. I do not and will not ever compromise quality of my work, for larger profit potential.
“Quality over Quantity” will always be my business principle

“What is in your Doula Bag?”
A lot! I am like a Girl Scout: “always be prepared”. My Doula bag is well equipped with an array of comfort measures: Portable fans, several essential oils, cooling towels, massage tools, Tens Unit, herbs to remedy nausea, massage lotion for leg cramps, tennis balls, heating pad, electrolyte drinks and I always bring nourishing food for you and your Partner. Everyone gets fed and taken care of when I am your Doula! I strongly believe in Mothers being well nourished and hydrated in Labor. You need fuel!
To create an inviting birthing atmosphere, I bring birth affirmation cards, twinkle lights, a dome that recreates the night sky on your ceiling and several (battery) candles. Decorating your birth space; creating a visual of peace and calm is one of my special doula touches. I also have a water proof robozzo scarf to help put baby in optimum birthing position (this can help reduce the chances of a Cesarean Birth) and a ring sling to help Mothers safely lay skin-to-skin with their baby post C Section birth.
I also have extra toiletries, new cozy socks (hospital socks can be stiff) and an extra warm blanket for your Family to use, if ever needed.
Don’t worry if you forgot your cell phone charger.. I got that, too! Every baby receives a personalized onesie, a Book “On the Night you were Born” and a baby hat as a little keepsake.

“I am trying for a VBAC, Do you have experience with VBAC’s?”
Yes! I absolutely LOVE attending VBAC births, they hold such an element of magic. I would be honored to support you through a trial of labor, guiding you to experience your desired birth plans. I have attended over 60+ VBAC’s, have 8 years of a 100% VBAC success rate and am a Certified VBAC Doula, through The VBAC Link.
(VBAC= Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

“I want an Epidural and plan to deliver in a Hospital; Do I still need a Doula?” 
Doulas attend births in a variety of settings. This is Your Birth. Your Baby. Your Way.  Sometimes Mothers have a medical need to deliver in a hospital, or it’s the best financial option for what is in-network with their health insurance, or it’s where Mom feels the most safe. Birth is not “one size fits all”. Whatever the case may be, let’s make your birth story the best it can be! I tap into my previous Spinning Babies trainings, my 20+ years of Doula experience, the use of Birth Balls and take a gentle approach to safely put Mom in the best positions that help encourage a shorter, easier, enjoyable, uncomplicated vaginal birth. I have attended births in all local hospitals, Birthing Centers and Home Births; Medicated, C Section, High Risk, Twins, Breech, Unmedicated, etc. As your Doula I will be there to support your individual goals without judgement or personal bias. I always bring my electric candles, twinkle lights, illumination dome and will decorate the birth space to be a cozy, relaxing and peaceful home-like environment for you to welcome your sweet baby.

“I am having a Home Birth, Do I still need a Doula?”
Doulas can be incredibly helpful in all birth settings. Many Families find the guidance of a Doula to offer a positive impact on the overall home birth experience as
Doulas often arrive to the home before the Midwives do and will continuously update your care team on contraction pattern and labor progression. Doulas take care of a lot on the backend! I want to ensure my Clients feel safe, are as comfortable as possible (my double hip squeezes get a lot of praise!) are well nourished/hydrated, see the calmness and create elements of peace: I always bring twinkle lights, battery candles and stars/sky projectors in my birth bag to decorate the birthing space; with my hands relaxing your body, light bites of foods to maintain your energy, soft music in the background and dim lights: Mothers will welcome their baby in upmost peace and tranquillity.
All though a hospital transfer is rare, Doulas will accompany Families to the hospital and support everyone. (Not all Midwives accompany their clients when transferring) if a transfer occurs, I will be with you and you don’t have to navigate the hospital alone! My contract still stands, complimentary birth photography and Lactation support will still occur and all articles of my contract will be fulfilled: regardless of how, or where birth happens. Upon hospital arrival I will relay all birthing preferences to the staff, professionally advocate for you, decorate your birth space with twinkle lights and candles, request my favorite nurses who have previously shown my clients compassion, respect and loving care- giving your Family the best birth team and experience possible.

“Do you meet with your Clients before and after?”
I sure do! Within the comprehensive Birth Doula package I offer 2 {in home & in person} prenatal visits that include evidence based childbirth education, detailed birth planning, preferences, risks/benefits, breastfeeding prep, pump assembly, prenatal nutrition, access to my lending library and postpartum wellness. Families will receive the “3rd trimester doc” at 30 weeks to help guide them on information, informed consent and tips/tricks to make the adjustment easier.
Operating this business is my only job and I intentionally take on a lower volume of births each month which allows me more time to work with my clients on many levels.
Additionally I attend 1 meeting with you and your provider in the last weeks of pregnancy. When birth day comes we will have spent approximately 7-10 hours together.
After the birth I come over by day 3 or 4 to help Mom with breastfeeding, weigh baby, give newborn assessment, offer postpartum support, birth processing, healing/bonding, and I bring the family a nutritious complimentary dinner along a birthday cake to celebrate you, your birth and this wonderful new chapter!
The second postpartum visit is within days 15-30 days post birth to readdress any hurdles, offer additional resources, and tie up all loose ends.

“What is your Doula Style?” 
I am a big ball of play-doh. I mold my support and guidance to best fit the family in obtaining their individual birthing/ postpartum preferences. Taking a personalized approach, I don’t doula every family the same; simply because every Mom has different likes/dislikes, is seeking a different experience, has different birth goals and seeking different birth outcomes. I fill any supportive roles the Mother is desiring: a nurturing family member, a sister, a coach, a cheerleader, a friend, or all of the above.
Whatever vibes and goals the Mother is seeking, that’s the Doula I am for her.

“Do I still need a Birth Doula if my Partner will be present at the birth?”
As a Doula, I am never to replace the role of the birth partner and to take away from ones birthing experience. The role of a Doula is to make the birth the best experience possible for all, keeping in mind that this is a Father’s/Partner’s birth experience, too. Doulas offer far more than just birth support! A Doula will offer multiple prenatal visits, pregnancy support, evidence based informed consent, childbirth education, birth prep, breastfeeding support and postpartum support. Come “game day” you both will be ready and fully informed. Many Dads have been grateful for having Doula support; we are a team. I support you both, ensuring that Dad is hydrated, fed and rested.
Many Dads have said having a Doula at their birth was beneficial to them and took away a lot of stress, “fear of the unknown” and pressure.
This may be your Partners first or second birth experience, but for your Doula it is not. Professional Doulas carry multiple credentials, have years of birth doula experience, know optimum birth positions and have a plethora of pregnancy and Breastfeeding education. I have attended hundreds of births, have over 22+ years of doula experience, 700 hours of related training and pull from the various previous experiences to guide expectant families in obtaining their best birth, however it all unfolds.

“What is your Photography style?”
Families who hire me as their birth doula will also receive birth photography, at no additional charge. It’s your Birth Story, told through my lens; I capture the joy, the elation, the bliss and all the raw emotions that go with. I understand how private and intimate birthing is and your birth will be tastefully documented, honoring all elements of your desired modesty and personal preferences. Any images posted on social media will be approved by the Family, first.
I shoot on a Nikon z7ii mirrorless camera with an upgraded nikkor lens and use the most up-to-date editing software to give Families to most crisp and clear images to cherish forever.

“Wait… You do both, Doula AND Photography? How does that work?”
Yes! As an experienced, certified Birth Photographer (8 yrs) and Doula (22 years), I’m very comfortable moving between multiple roles. I shoot photos with intention, which means I usually have ample time to give my clients physical and emotional support along with various comfort measures. I document the birth story as it unfolds while also supporting the Family and professionally collaborating with the birth team. I document the sweet details often forgotten: you and your partner working together, the love conveyed between you both, hearing your baby’s first cry. As you get ready to welcome your baby, I take a step back and grab my Nikon z7ii mirrorless camera: professionally capturing your joy, elation and the pure bliss of you both meeting your precious baby. I normally stay 2-3 hrs after birth to ensure Mom eats a nourishing meal (I always bring food) baby nurses well (I am also a CLC) and all desired photography shots are taken. Many families prefer to keep their birth team as small and intimate as possible, which is why more families are choosing to hire a birth professional who can offer doula support, Lactation consulting and birth photography. My previous Clients have enjoyed having these complimentary offerings in their doula package.
- Photography Portfolio

“What is your Doula training and background?”
I have certified with DONA multiple times since taking my first Birth & Postpartum Doula training in 2002. Over the years I have invested in my career by attending many trainings, workshops, college courses and 2 doula certifications (totaling over 700 hours) to give me more education and insight in best supporting Mothers before, during and after their baby is born. To keep my Lactation Certification in good standing, I attend 20 hours of additional Lactation/Postpartum education every year.
Outside of being a Birth & Postpartum Doula, I am also a CLC, VBAC Certified Doula, Farm trained Midwife Assistant, HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, Newborn Care Specialist, former La Leche League Leader (2013-2024) and a professional Certified Birth Photographer.
My college studies were in Child Development with a minor in Pediatric Nutrition.
You can read more about my background and bio here

“Do you have a travel fee?”
Yes, I do. For families booking doula support package or Birth Photography with a birthing location beyond a 50 mile radius from 32081 I charge an additional travel fee up to $250 for the Orlando area.

“What hospitals do you attend births at?”
I attend births in all the places and spaces! Hospital, Home births with a Licensed Midwife and all local Birthing Centers. Whatever birth story your baby writes, I’ll be there for you.

Hospitals: Baptist Beaches, Baptist South, Baptist Clay, Baptist Downtown, Uf Health North, Uf Health St Johns (Flagler, St Augustine) St Vincent’s Southside, St Vincent’s Clay and HCA Memorial Hospital

Birthing Centers: First Coast Midwifery & Birthing Center, Transitions Birthing Center

Homebirth: Modern Midwives, STA Birth Collective, The Swell Midwifery, Tara Duttra St Augustine Homebirth, North Florida Midwifery, First Coast Midwifery
Click here for my list of local  providers and places to meet your baby

* A travel fee of $250 will be applied to birthing locations beyond a 50 mile radius from 32081

“What discounts do you offer for Military, Teachers & Repeat Families?”
The biggest compliment is when I get invited to work with a previous client once again. My repeat families will receive the comprehensive Doula Package at a discounted rate with “lock in pricing”: they will pay the same doula fee as they did previously and additionally, repeat families will receive the “before, during & after” photography package complimentary (a $1,500 value!) Flexible and easy payment plans along with Trades always available.

I offer $450 off the Doula fee for all Military (active & veteran) personnel, currently employed local teachers, Police/Sheriff, Firefighters, EMT
($650 x 3 = $1950)

“Are You in network with insurance?  Do you take insurance plans?” 
While there are some health insurance policies that reimburse for Doula support, I am not “in network” and do not take TriCare or Medicaid. Families can use their FSA card to pay for services. I do offer flexible low payment plans, Trades and Military/Veterans will get a significant discounts. I offer discounts and complimentary add ons for repeat families. I am happy to tailor an individual payment plan that meets your family’s budget.

“What if I have a Cesarean Birth?”
I support Families in however Birth occurs. One size does not fit all. Either Scheduled or unplanned; Sometimes Babies require extra help to safely enter the world. Upon the approval of the Hospital Staff, I will be there for you. I stay close to Mom in the Operating Room and we recite a calm and peaceful Birth Affirmation to welcome your Baby. We will play music (often the Parents wedding song) as your Baby emerges. Once baby is out and on Mom’s chest for skin-to-skin, I ask everyone in the Room to softly sing “Happy Birthday” to your baby. Hearing that first cry with everyone singing together, welcoming your baby to the world, is so beautiful. If the Family desires my complimentary Birth Photography, I will take all the photos and video I can. I stay until Mom is stable, has ate a hearty meal and Baby has nursed well.  All Doula Services within the contract will still occur. Doula fees do not increase (nor decrease) based on Birth Outcomes or Labor/Birth Duration. 

* Note: All Baptist Hospital locations currently do NOT allow for Doula support and birth photography in the Operating room at Cesarean births.

“What happens if Im in labor and you’re at another birth?” 
Working as a team with my fellow doulas, I always have multiple backup doulas available who offer a comparable level of experience and care who are ready to step in on my behalf. The use of a backup doula is included in the birth doula contract, at no additional fee.
I intentionally take on a low volume of clientele (3 or 4 births a month) to significantly reduce the chances of having multiple Moms in labor on the same day/night.
Since moving to Jacksonville/Nocatee in 2019, I have locally attended over 160+ births and used a backup Doula only 3 times.

“Do you offer refunds?”
Yes, in certain circumstances I do offer refunds; especially if a Family experiences a 1st or 2nd trimester loss.
I would never want a Family to pay for Doula support/ services they did not receive.

“Do you attend Unassisted births?”
 I do not attend intentional unassisted homebirths without a FL Licensed Midwife present. I am not a “birth keeper”. Performing duties and acting as a Midwife would compromise my certifications and relationship with the Midwives mentors at The Farm . I have always had a passion for birth and look forward to beginning Midwifery College in Fall 2025.

“Wherever this journey takes you, whatever birth story your baby writes; I am dedicated to providing Families with evidence based guidance, childbirth education, upmost advocacy, informed consent, empowerment, loving care and the holistic centered support they deserve. With over 20+ years of Doula experience and hundreds of births attended, I am honored to be invited into your sacred birth space. No other day in your life will compare to that transformative moment when you meet your baby… Together we will make it magical, however it all unfolds.”

- Jessica Gillan