More than half way through my pregnancy, I listened to my inner voice and decided that I was having this baby at home. I wasn't sure I could do it, but after talking to Jenn I knew that she was someoneI wanted at my birth. Highly skilled and caring, she was always there to listen as I worked through my feelings, to answer my many questions, to address the many concerns and "what ifs" I had. Her experience and confidence reassured me I was under the care of a highly skilled woman and that we could handle what came up as a team working together. Meeting with her for my appointments were the highlight of my week. I have never enjoyed being pregnant so much as I did at this time. Instead of feeling like a patient, I felt like an empowered woman, a full participant in my pregnancy care, not just an observer.
My son's birth was the birth of my dreams. The day he was born at home was one of the happiest days of my life. Bonding with him, in the comfort of my own bed, watching my older children greet their sibling, nesting with him without the distractions and bustle of a hospital were all priceless to me.
Having Jenn there for my homebirth was such a gift. She supported me through a vaginal birth when no one else would, helping me believe my body *can* birth my baby. The words, "thank you" really don't convey how much I appreciated her care, skill and support. She will always hold a special place in our family.
My husband and I felt we clicked with Jenn on our very first meeting, and from that moment on a very special relationship was forged between her and our family. She was so generous with her time, experience, and support that by working together with her, I was able to have a wonderful, natural birth. Looking back at two years ago when I was about to give birth, I was filled with so many thoughts and emotions, from elation to fear. I felt so needy sometimes. Jenn was there for me through all of it, patiently reassuring, teaching, and helping. After I gave birth to my son, I watched as my whole family embraced Jenn, thanking her, knowing that she helped me in ways they could never have. I shutter to imagine what pregnancy and birth would have been like for me without her guidance. I think having her to support a woman or couple through pregnancy and childbirth is wonderful. We are so happy that she will always be a part of our memories of the most important day of our lives.
With Gratitude, Audrey, Dustin, and Jonah Rubin-Salzberger
We initially hired Jenn as a doula to attend our hospital birth. After the first few meetings, she set my husband and I on the path to being life-long homebirth advocates! Although we decided to have our baby at home, I continued to keep my regular OB appointments. Eventually I realized that I did not need to go to my OB anymore, since Jenn was doing prenatal visits in my home. In fact, it was her knowledge that equipped me when I began to question my OB’s office- about certain tests/procedures that they insisted I undergo. She gave me the confidence to take my pregnancy, labor and delivery into my own hands, and make informed decisions. The homebirth of our third girl was so special that it erased some of the disappointment I felt with the hospital births of our first two girls. It was comforting to know that both Jenn and Kim were there just for me. They didn’t have rounds to make and they were not going to ‘change shifts.” They were there from the beginning until hours after baby was born. During my labor, I remember Kim’s gentle presence: massaging and rubbing my back and shoulders, stroking my hair, even kissing my forehead. I felt like this birth was as important to her as it was to me. Her words of encouragement through the pain felt genuine, since she herself had a homebirth the previous year. It’s really not enough to say thank you to Jenn and Kim. I highly recommend both. Karla McGarry
I am a mother of three children and have used Jenn's services for the birth of my last two children. My first pregnancy, which involved no doula help, resulted in what was probably an unecessary c-section. It was painful and the recovery time was long. Six years later I was pregnant again and terrified of having another c-section. A friend of mine recommended Jenn's services. Her presence proved invaluable and I believe contributed greatly to my being able to have two subsequent normal deliveries.
During both labors, Jenn was able to provide the rare balance of emotional support with expert knowledge and experience in the field. She was my best advocate during my deliveries. Much of the staff at the hospital already knew her and it was clear that she was very well respected by all. During my deliveries Jenn questioning procedures that might hinder a normal and quick delivery for me and let me know my options every step of the way. Giving birth is an emotionally charged event for both the mother and the loved ones that might be around her. It was the best idea to have a "neutral" advocate there who helped everyone think clearly during this "blur" of an experience, THANK YOU.
I am sitting here in awe of my little man, Ethan, born on July 30th. I had my ideal pregnancy, labor, birth and first few weeks home. I feel that my satisfaction is due in part to the education and support provided by our doula Jennifer.
Jenn was a part of my entire pregnancy. I began attending her weekly prenatal yoga classes at 12 weeks. The stretches and relaxation helped prepare my body and more importantly my mind for what was ahead. The breathing and preparation done in that class made me more confident that I could have a "natural" birth.
Jenn also offered a couples class where the partners got a chance to learn some techniques to help during abor and even to ease pregnancy pain in general. The class was not all drill and instruction, Jenn answered all of our pregnancy and birth questions each week before we got down to "work". With a new confidence I made the decision to follow what was in my heart and planned to (or at least try to) have an intervention and medication free birth.
My husband and I decided that having Jenn as our doula would be important to help us reach our goal. We decided that Jenn would be our doula and she became so much more. She became a supportive friend and advisor through the whole pregnancy and beyond. I contact Jenn via e-mail with pregnancy questions almost weekly. I didn't have to search the internet or call friends, family or even the doctor with every little question. She responded with advice and support but always told me to trust my instincts and do what I feel is best. I was always relieved when I could run something by her or confirm my feelings with her.
My husband and I were comfortable with Jenn and wanted to continue to learn from her and prepare for the birth with her so we decided to take informed birth classes with Jenn. The series of five classes were held privately in our home and Jenn taught us about the birth process, breast feedind and post partum concerns. The information was empowering and Jenn addressed all of our concerns and questions with respect and support.
Jenn was the first person I called when I started having contractions (before I even woke up my husband). I was excited, but not worried. I remembered the coping skills that Jenn had showed me and talked to us about. When I woke my husband to help me labor he knew what to do to help. It was so calming and comfortable to labor in my own home with my husband. I spoke with Jenn during the labor and we decided that she should come to our house for part of our labor at home. When she arrived she was a support to my husband and myself. She encouraged both of us as we went through each contraction. Jenn went to the hospital with us and helped navigate the process, acting as a"spokesperson" for my husband and I when needed. I felt like I had the best team possible with Jenn and my husband there. My husband felt like Jenn was able to back him up and help him make educated, imformed decisions. During the actual birth I had Jenn on one side and my husband on the other. I was able to focus on their strong and comforting voices as they guided me through. I felt confident and safe. My son was born after about 40 minutes of pushing and I felt better than I expected. I had no episiotomy, no drugs, and mor importantly no sense of fear or worry during my birth. Once again Jenn was able to speak from a place of experience and knowledge when we were faced with medical information from the hospital. Jenn was right there when I held my beautiful son for the first time. She helped him latch on and before you knew it I was feeding my son.
I saw Jenn at my home after the birth and she advised us about breastfeeding. I also spoke with her several times in my first two weeks home about visitors, fatigue, babycare and breast feeding issues. Jenn sent me the most encouraging e mail in response to breast feeding concerns. She knew exactly what to say. It was the boost that I needed at that time to keep at it. There were times that my husband and I felt lost and would say we can call Jenn. It was so nice to have a question and know we could find an answer or simple some encouragement.
My husband and I have a family now and we owe a great deal of our happiness to Jenn. We concieved him alone but Jenn helped us with the rest. She helped us nurture him in the womb, give birth to him, and care for him once he was born.
Having Jenn act as my doula during the birth of our daughter, Amelia, was incredibly helpful. Her knowledge of the birth process made me feel less scared, and having her guide me through the contractions made them less frightening and painful, as she showed me how to breathe as well as have a better understanding about what was going on. I went in being sure I would want painkillers but with her support and enthusiasm, I had a non-medicated birth. I really valued her expertise and encouragement and would recommend her to any woman interested in having a birth doula.
-Andrea, mother of Amelia (born November 15, 2005)
I am now a mother of two and have used BirthCare’s services at both of my births. My older daughter was born in the hospital. Thankfully, my husband and I had decided to hire Jenn as our doula. Her confidence and knowledge allowed me to labor in the comfort of my own bedroom until transition. I arrived at the hospital ready to push my baby out into the world. And having Jenn by our sides in the hospital gave my husband and me peace of mind, knowing that we had someone to help us make informed decisions and to advocate for us if necessary.
After the birth of my first daughter, the hospital lactation consultants were not able to help me to fix the baby’s latch so that I could nurse without extreme pain. Once again, Jenn came into my home and worked with me to find solutions. By the time she left, I knew that things would improve quickly, and soon nursing was pain-free. Months later, Jenn was there for us yet again when our daughter went on a nursing strike. She gave us great suggestions and reassurance. Soon we were back to nursing as usual.
When I found out I was pregnant again, Jenn was the first person I called. I knew that I wanted a homebirth, but my husband was a bit hesitant. Jenn took the time to sit with both of us to discuss all the potential complications and how they would be handled if they were to occur. Her confidence and calm helped him to become comfortable with homebirth for our second baby.
During labor I was so much more relaxed than I had been the first time, knowing that I wouldn’t need to go anywhere for the delivery and could spend my time after the birth with my husband and children in the comfort of our own home. Darlene spent several hours talking with me and helping me through some of the tougher contractions while the rest of the house slept, saving their energy for the main event. Her presence was very soothing and helpful. She seemed to know just what was needed to help the time pass quickly and to keep me comfortable.
When my labor stalled, Jenn was fantastic. She knew exactly what to do, and what would likely have turned into a cascade of medical interventions in a hospital was quickly and easily managed at home. Thanks to her care my second daughter’s birth was a deeply empowering experience for me, and a gentle one for her. I also believe that the birth was easier for my two year old to process at home. She’s shown little of the resentment and jealousy I’d been expecting from her, and I credit the homebirth with much of that.
I would wholeheartedly recommend any and all of BirthCare’s services.
very big way, to make my daughter Maya's birth the perfect, completely natural (DOCTOR & DRUG FREE) birth that I hoped for. If my wife ever becomes pregnant again, the first person we are
calling is Jennifer Rush so that she can be available
for our birth. She has to be there again.
No question.
Barry Hartglass
Tom
Having Jenn by my side made me feel like I could actually be an active part of the labor and birth process. I was able to try to help without being afraid of making a mistake because Jenn was there to back me up.The informed birth class was very helpful. I felt better prepared for the actual birth.The couples yoga class was important. The hands on practice gave me confidence to assist my wife during labor.On the day of the birth I felt like I wasn't alone and if I was unable to assist my wife then Jenn would be able to jump in or help me out. Jenn helped us stick to our birth plan at the hospital. She was there for us and supported our wishes.
Thanks again, Jenn! Tom Brady
Mike
My wife and I were very pleased to say the least with Jenn’s enthusiasm, passion, and expertise; it seems to me that this is what she was born to do, and it was providence that brought us all together. There was no other way our baby could have been born except for the way she was- at home! I was completely confident in Jenn’s ability to assist my wife through her labor pain and ultimately the birth of our baby. My praise for her and Kim are without limits. I would not hesitate one bit in recommending her and her team.
Ecstatically happy Daddy of beautiful Kristina May.
I have a daughter who suffers from anorexia, among other issues. She was first treated in Florida, and at that time was a long road to recovery, after coming back to New York, my daughter took a very fast decline again (she just didn't care for their approaches) and I thought I had no where to turn. I initially met Jennifer at Girl Scouts, who approached me knowing right away what my daughter suffered from, and after speaking with her for just a few moments, I knew she was what my daughter needed. I feel that Jenn has saved my daughter's life, she has worked with my daughter like no one else has. She is able to get my daughter to do things that no other doctore could. She spoke with my daughter, not at her, she listened to her thoughts on everything, then they both came up with a plan and goals together, I had such confidence and trust in Jenn after only meeting with her one time. My daughter took to her instantly, and she has been on the road to recovery ever since. She has been recovering ever since the first time Jenn met with her and has kept up the plan Jenn has put into place. Without Jenns help I am not sure how I would have coped with all of this, she has been there for our entire family, guiding us all along the way.
Jenn is truly an amazing person. I turned to her for many of her services at the worst time of my life.
First, I can start by saying that I was deathly ill for seven months. On top of that, my baby was extremely ill and my husband and other two kids were always sick. My three year old was even admitted into the hospital. We had every test known to man and we always came back negative for anything. At which time of course the focus was turning to me of why are these children always sick without an explanation.
At first it was just annoying, but as time went on we all got sicker with myself and the baby being the most severely sick. I couldn't work, so enter the financial ruin we were entering. I had no voice, coughed all day and finally got to the point where I couldn't even swallow. I could barely take care of my children as I couldn't get out of bed. My oldest, my step-son, ended up taking on more responsibility than someone at his age should have had to.
When we found out we had mold, I e-mailed Jenn. I no sooner hit "send" and my phone was ringing. She jumped right into action. She touched upon things that I had been finding online, but the doctors were downplaying. She rattled off a list of things to change with my diet, herbs to take, and other supplements that would help to heal and clear up my issues. I literally started healing within 8 hours of taking all of it. I could not believe it. The next day she took me food shopping. Taught me how to read labels. Helped me get a handle on our eating as she explained that was part of our healing.
As I was healing, I realized every other aspect of my life and my families' life was a mess. One day at a time is what she told me and she was there for me every one of those days, listening to me, giving me suggestions and most importantly giving me the emotional support that I needed to fix my life.
It has been almost six months since we started with Jenn and I personally have never felt better in my entire life. My husband and the kids have healed as well.
Jenn also talks with my step-son. He was abused as a younger child and over the years it would show in his behavior. He would either fly off the handle at what would be considered nothing or shut down and not communicate about every day things. He was sad and miserable all day long. He was withdrawing from functions and not enjoying anything and it was alarming us. We took him to therapist after therapist and nothing was helping. It just kept getting away from us. Jenn talks with him now and he is a changed person. He communicates better than any child I know. He is dealing with his past and is on the right track. He now talks about joining baseball, calls his friends and our mother/son bond has strengthened in a way that is unbelievable.
I trust Jenn with mine and my families' well being more than I trust anyone on this earth and I know if I need her, she's only a phone call away.
In the Spotlight
Its always a thrill to be acknowledged for the work that you do. We have been honored many times since our conception in 1992, for a job well done.
We thank all of you for making the community aware of our hard work and dedication to families needs.
Poughkeepsie Journal
March 2009
~Birth by surgery: The skyrocketing cesarean rate. Medical boon or lawsuit shield? Benefits, risks debated
Amazing Products!!! Thank you for making the "Pain Go Away". My foot feel wonderful! I have neuropathy from chemo treatments, and I am in pain all the time. Reduce has helped my lymphedema in my arm from breat cancer, surgery and treatments. EVERYONE needs to check these products out!!
Sally
Vestal NY
Jenn-
I have to send you pictures of my daughters nose... she face planted and skinned her nose REALLY bad! A week of Restore has been amazing, I dont think she will have a mark left.
Thank you for this wonderful stuff!!
Michelle
New Paltz NY
So glad you filled the gap in quality herbal products! We have been a happy, happy family now that we have a full stock of herbal products for the cold season and for boo-boos!
And thank you for caring about the earth and plastics! It makes me feel much better to have less to worry about when using natural healing for my family!
Joanne T.
Ontario,Canada
THIS STUFF IS AWESOME!! I have tried MANY different herbal lines and this one KICKS A$$! I have tacked my boyfriends athletes foot, my cracked dry feet, my daughters boo-boos and a rocking case of the flu. I am here to say there will be not other herbs in my cabinet from now on!
Shayla
Hawaii
I do alot of traveling, and in my carry on is always, Restore, Reduce and KARMA-X . Jenns products have been to Indonesia, Kuwait, Ireland and the UK. I hope sharing it with others has brought some international business to this wonderful company! Keep up the good work!
Brenda O.
Texas
Circle of Life Note: Thank you for your taking us on your world travels Brenda, its has brought new international business our way!
Blessings to you on your travels!!
Hypnosis, EFT, Reiki & Reflexology
Anyone that has met Jenn will agree that she has a very unique voice, what most dont know, unless they have done hypnosis or yoga with her, is how soothing, calming her voice is! She has a way of slowing it down, smoothing it out- its like magic- I swear! I was able to get over and let go of issues I have had for years! I HIGHLY recommend her for Hypnosis, Reiki & EFT!! My life has been changed!
Trisha
North Carolina
I came to Jenn with issues from a past trauma and in minutes of EFT with her, I was able to clear the energy surrounding the issue. I havent felt this light and free in years. Thank you!
Theresa
EFT by phone
Germany
I couldnt believe how she was able to 'read' my feet and hands with reflexology! It was soooo cool! And the education I got was worth way more than what I paid for the session! I would recommend Circle of Life to anyone!
Susanne
High Falls, NY
YOGA
Informative, educational, fun and soothing! I LOVE this class! I have taken Prenatal and Hatha Yoga classes from Jenn. I cant say enough good things! Her teaching style is easy to understand, she isnt afraid to laugh (some classes are WAY to serious) and her voice puts me in a restorative trance for meditation like no other teacher I have worked with. I would recommend her for to anyone, for anything!
Terry
Millbrook NY
I am the most unflexible person I know, and Jennifer was patient, empowering and encouraging! By the end of the 8 week class, much to my suprise, I was able to do a full squat! I was thrilled!
Take her class, you won't regret it!
Wendy
Cold Spring NY
Gluten-free Dairy-free Soy Free (by request)
Ice Cream Cakes
THANK YOU Circle of Life for coming up with such an ingenious product! My son has multiple food allergies, but LOVES ice cream cake! Your product makes birthday parties fun again!
I have posted on FB and on my message boards so everyone knows about Circle of Life Cakes!
Thank you a thousand times over!
Mary P.
I was skeptical that these cakes could taste good, but was hoping I could 'grin and bare it'! Man was I wrong! These cakes are amazing!
