Blue Moon Birth

Jen was exactly what we needed for our first pregnancy. Her dedication, knowledge, and accessibility made us very confident throughout the entire process. During labour, she provided a calm and positive presence that reassured us that we were taken care of. Anyone who is looking for a doula to help them with their birthing experience, look no further.

Jen was introduced to my husband and I as a backup doula and I thank God she was there during the labor and birth. First time we met her was at the introductory meeting when my contract doula went away for a few days a week before my due date. Jen came to my home and took her time to review my birth plan, learned about our unusual circumstances and concerns, and immediately provided us with very good recommendations. I found her resourceful and focused on addressing our concerns. Since Jen has 2 kids herself, it was also very helpful to learn about her own birthing experience. Jen was called back into action on the day our labor has started. Our contracted doula has informed us that she hurt her back and that she was in pain. She contacted Jen around 3 pm and Jen was available to help us at 6 pm. She arrived on time with all the supplies and jumped into the process as our labor has progressed after 12 hours of close contractions. While at home she assisted us with pain management, hydration, and staying nourished. The tenze machine that Jen brought has been invaluable with managing the initial pain. Jen seemed to be always present, yet not intrusive as the contractions increased in pain and frequency. She suggested additional techniques and positions as she observed my husband and me working together. After observing the labor for 4 hours she made the call to head to the hospital according to our initial plan. After arrival to the hospital and getting admitted, Jen quickly set up the room according to my wishes and worked with nurses to create a pleasant atmosphere and get necessary supplies ready for the long night of contractions. My labor was not an easy one. The contractions went into my back and counter pressure administered by my husband and Jen were helpful. We moved to the bath tub and labored for a few hours there. We had a bad experience with being twice misdiagnosed by the resident OB who first admitted us and later told us we were progressing well. It was crushing news after 12 hours of laboring in the hospital to find out from the attending OB that not only we didn’t progress, we shouldn’t have been admitted. Jen saw our disappointment and was trying to keep us positive and work with nurses and formulate a new plan for our labor. Unfortunately, with the pain level and the progress we had to revert to interventions (breaking water, and morphine, and laughing gas). Jen arranged for coverage, while she had to take a break after being with us for over 12 hours. We were glad she offered to continue assisting us as we were approaching full dilation and preparing for pushing. My baby boy ended up being posterior, which explained the terrible back pains during early labor and while pushing. Jen tried to work with the nurse to get the baby rotated. Unfortunately, after 2 hours pushing and unsuccessful attempts by the doctor to turn the baby, we ended up having a C-section. Jen attended the surgery with my husband and took pictures and welcomed the baby with us into this world. Our bay boy was born at 5 min after midnight. As promised Jen visited us in the hospital the next day and checked on us and the baby. We went over my birthing experience and shared our thoughts and feelings. It helped me to fill the gaps in my recollection of the events. I would describe Jen as dependable, punctual, caring, and grounded. She helped us through most stages of our complicated labor and delivery. If I am to do it again, no doubt I would call Jen!

Jen always went above and beyond to be accessible and to help me get set up for birth, including sourcing lemon verbena oil for me when my midwives had run out and bringing birthing pool in advance of my due date. She was always accessible by email or text, and I felt like she was there with me throughout my late pregnancy, not just during labour. When my waters broke Jen came immediately even though contractions hadn’t fully started. When she arrived, Jen immediately helped to set the calm environment, making gentle suggestions about lighting and music. The room was peaceful, with dim lights, and my favourite music playing. Looking back, it felt like a sacred space. Jen was gently supportive throughout birth, giving me physical help through contractions with massage and her TENS machine. Her presence was calm and unobtrusive. She was a quiet cheerleader and I appreciated that. Theo was born at 3am. After he was born, and the midwives had left, Jen stayed and cleaned up, then quietly left. Her profound respect for childbirth was clear in her decision not to intrude on our bonding with our new baby. When I eventually got up, I found that she had brewed sitz bath tea and left a spray bottle of it in the bathroom as well as 2 jars of it in the fridge. It was so soothing, and I used it for days afterwards. On her final visit, Jen also brought tinctures and teas that she had made herself. She also gave me some lemon verbena body butter before the birth, to help with the at-home induction. It was these thoughtful acts that make me say that Jen goes above and beyond as a doula. She clearly sees her role as more than just support through labour; she supports the entire process of becoming a mother. I just cannot say enough about Jen’s work as a doula. She is informed and educated, and her presence is quiet and respectful. No matter where or how you choose to give birth, her presence and support will be invaluable, and she will help to create a sacred birthing space.

I had a beautiful birth sealing ceremony with Jen and it was such amazing experience. After having my first child I wanted to do something to honor my body for what it had to go thorough during pregnancy and labour, but at that time I could not find anything that would feel like a celebration of a woman becoming a mother. So when I got pregnant second time I started looking for belly binding services and I came across Jen’s website. I could not believe my eyes when I went through her website. I wanted everything she had to offer. I ended up selecting her Lakshmi package.  Jen was kind enough to agree to come all the way to Langley. For sure I was a bit worried if her services would be what I imagine it to be. Rest assured it was and even more. Who could have known that taking a bath with herbs, flowers and candles would be so enjoyable and relaxing! Jen made me a gorgeous flower crown which I wore during my birth sealing ceremony. I loved every bit of my ceremony. Jen is lovely and easy to chat with. She made me feel taken care of. Just what a new mother needs! I highly recommend her services and I feel like every new mother should invest her time and money in celebration of becoming a mother and in honouring her body for carrying a child and giving a birth. I am so grateful for finding Jen, she helped me to thank my body for all the job it did caring and giving birth to two beautiful healthy babies!

I can't say enough good things about Jen. She is a natural doula with a lot of experience. Right from the moment my husband and I met her, we knew she was the right personality fit for us. My advice to anyone wanting a doula is to make sure that you can completely trust this person. For us, Jen was perfect. She was full of empathy, confidence and a real stable and trusting resource that I could lean on leading up to, during and after my birth. I had a hospital induction which ended up requiring a lot of people to be involved. Jen was able to make sure everyone worked together and honoured my wishes. Not only that, she was able to provide ample support for my husband as well. Anyone that picks Jen to be there for her, can feel a bit more confident about the birthing experience. I sure did. Thanks Jen! You are amazing.

Jen Allan -Doula at Blue Moon – Review Jen attended the home-birth of our second son on January 1st 2018. Jen joined our mid-wife birth team with the primary function of sibling support for our 3-year-old boy who was to be home during the birth. However, the service that Jen provided to us far exceeded these expectations. Jen was a great support in the lead-up to the birth and was available to answer any questions or concerns we had about the upcoming delivery. Her advice was always informed and thoughtful. We had expected an earlier due date with a fast labour and delivery. In anticipation of this, Jen checked in with me regularly over the Christmas and gave me great confidence that she’d be ready to come by quickly when the time came. As it transpired, Jen got to our home within a half an hour of labour starting (arriving before the mid-wife team). During the birth, Jen helped with our son as we had planned, but also provided me with a huge amount of practical and emotional support. Her experience and caring nature meant that she intuitively knew what I needed during the entire process – from a back rub, supportive words or suggestions, and even a dose of her gentle humor. Having Jen at our son’s birth felt like having a member of our family there who really cared for our comfort and wellbeing. We would highly recommend Jen as a Doula for anyone wanting calm energy and an experienced pair of hands at your birth.

I am a first time mom who had a home birth and I would highly recommend Jen Allan to be your doula. Jen was a wealth of information and support right from the get go. Upon our first introductory visit I felt a sense of comfort with Jen. She was patient and spent a great deal of time answering all the questions that my family and I had. Once she was "on-call" for my birth I felt a sense of relief knowing that she was just a phone call away and that I could check in with her for any issues. She gave me a great deal of critical advice and suggestions to prepare for my birth. When I went into labour Jen knew just what to say and do. She created a wonderful atmosphere in my home full of peace & calm and it was clear that my comfort was her top priority. She encouraged me throughout my 16 hour labour. She was also a great support to my husband, gently guiding him to support me best while knowing when to give us space. She was right there when I needed her, holding my hand (& at one point my leg!) for hours. Jenn stayed after the delivery of my son for hours to help clean up and also came later with homemade nutrient rich food specially made for new moms. She continued to check in with me and provide support and resources following the birth. We were so happy that Jen was our Doula she was a major contributor to my positive birth experience and I highly recommend her as she is incredible at her job!

Jen was an excellent doula and provided great support before, during, and after the birth of my son, and I would highly recommend her! Jen had a wealth of knowledge about pregnancy and birth. She helped my husband and I feel very comfortable and prepared. I thought she had gone above and beyond our expectations. We wouldn't have made the decision to go with a home birth without Jen's guidance; it was the best decision we could have made!