The Herr family!
Testimonials
My husband and I had Jill as our doula for both our children and have only great things to say about her. Even the nurses at Littleton Adventist Hosptial liked her. She is there for you every step of the way, even before labor begins and certainly available for postpartum updates and staying connected after coming home from the hospital. No matter what time of the day it is, Jill was there to answer any questions concerning birth, postpartum, delivery, hospital procedures for checking in and getting registered. She keeps you very focused on how to breath, choosing the right technique during labor that best makes you comfortable(especially when doing a natural birth, which I did for both children). Jill is very professional, patient, and willing to go the "the extra mile" for anything you need throughout your labor and delivery. Not only is she great with the mother to be but also the father. She really made my husband comfortable throughout the entire time of having both our children
Zachary May/11 (mom)
Jill is a master of her craft. She was with us for the birth of our daughter in Feb/2009 and there was no doubt we wanted her to be with our family again for the birth of our son. We chose her again because she is competent and most important she is a kind loving soul. She was available at all hours for phone calls, texts and provided a piece of mind for me and my wife to manage all anxieties and uncertainties leading up to labor even though we been through it all 2 years earlier. It’s asking a lot to have someone to be in the inner circle of the family during labor. Jill is someone who can fill that role while simultaneously respecting everyone else in that inner and outer circle of family. Jill has been a blessing to my family.
Zachary May/11 (dad)
A friend of mine strongly encouraged me to hire a doula for my birth. I was skeptical at first but then decided to go ahead and hire one. While looking for a doula I came across someone’s testimony of Jill that read “There is a special place in heaven for people like Jill Wilkey.” That always stuck with me and after my own birth exp...erience, I totally agree! She loves what she does, she is passionate about her work, and she is very devoted to her clients. She was there to answer any questions I had. Towards the end of my pregnancy I had a lot of questions and concerns and I always felt very comfortable going to her. She was always there to bring me comfort and encouragement. She is very personable and I actually feel like we formed a friendship throughout the process. She made my birth about what my husband and I wanted and was supportive of our decisions. This was my first birth and it was very important to me that I did it naturally. I do not think I could have done it without her. She knew exactly what I needed during my labor, she was encouraging, gentle, and was really there to assist me in whatever I needed. I definitely will hire Jill again for my next birth.
Joshua May 2011
Jill immediately responded to me when I wrote her inquiring about her services. We were right on the line of when she would be available since I was due around the holidays but she assured me that her back-ups were just as stellar. We got to talking right off the bat and I could tell that we just vibed. She was very down-to-earth and made it clear that she would be available to me anytime for any questions or concerns.
One of the best things about Jill is her willingness to educate. She offered us personal childbirth classes, something we were dreading to do since we lived so far away from any place that offered them and didn’t want to be the few among the many in a classroom. The first one, she came to our house in the mountains on a cold, snowy night and we had an intimate opportunity to talk about what to expect.
Although I desired a natural childbirth, it was only my optimal choice. I understood that anything could happen and she helped us understand the other possibilities that lay ahead. When it did come down to D-day, I ended up having a cesarean. But Jill was right by my side and reminded me that we had talked about this and it was all going to be okay. Jill had been there from the moment I arrived at the hospital and when all was said and done, she was hesitant to leave, it was like she part of the family now.
Layla Wren Fritz was born on January 6th, 2011 at 6:16pm. Jill was with me during my procedure holding my hand the whole time. I don’t think I could have had such a positive experience because of my unforeseen circumstances without the support she gave me. The care and love she gave my new family and me will never be forgotten. We were lucky to have her and still lucky to her as a friend.
Layla Jan 2011
such a proud daddy and strong mama!
There is a special place in heaven for Jill Wilkey I’m sure. There are not enough words to express the deep gratitude we have for her as we welcomed our son into the world! The decision to choose Jill as our doula was quite possibly the best decision we made in preparing for the birth of our first child. At the first meeting with Jill, we were completely at ease and comfortable with her approach to childbirth. She made it clear that she was meant to be a part of what we wanted the process to be and she never interfered with our view and vision for our birth. She was a constant source of information, encouragement and unbiased emotional support. Her warmth and love for her role as a doula was always evident in all of our interactions. My pregnancy had ups and downs as well as a late complication. Jill went above and beyond in researching our particular dilemma as well as calling on all of her many resources in the community in order to present to us facts when no one else would. Her ever-present positive outlook towards our situation was exactly what we needed during a time of unease regarding the unknown. We could count on Jill to not only encourage us but to reliably be there to answer any questions we had or find the answers to those she didn’t know. This was all before my labor! When I finally did go into labor, Jill was there literally from the very beginning. Our team of three – my husband, Jill and me – worked in complete synchronicity for almost 30 hours. Jill was the glue that kept us together. She tirelessly reminded us of pain management techniques and helped us to make informed decisions throughout the birth. She never appeared intrusive to our spousal relationship but she was also an ever-present, calming presence for both my husband and myself. There is no doubt in my mind that our reflection of our experience would not be as positive or nearly as meaningful if Jill had not been a part of the pregnancy and birth. We would not hesitate to recommend her and feel she is meant to be a doula.
-Grady Darin 3/10
When my husband and I got pregnant we started researching all the things that go into pregnancy, labor and delivery. We quickly came to find out that although Childbirth is a natural thing designed by God, very few births occur "naturally". We learned that much of the intervention that occurs in childbirth can be avoided if you avoid having drugs in labor. We came to the decision together that for the sake of our child, we would attempt a natural (no pain medication) childbirth in hopes of being able to avoid other things like the use of pitocin, forceps, vacuum or even a c-section. As we began to prepare for a natural child birth, we learned about Doulas and how they can help you achieve the birthing experience that you want. We chose Jill as our Doula because she was professional and personal at the same time, and very caring and knowledable. We met with Jill to discuss our hesitations and hopes in terms of her involvement with our birth. She was very open and understanding of all of our questions and concerns. When I actually went into labor, it was the middle of the night and Jill was over within 15 minutes. She was excited for me, but she also helped to calm me and work through my pain. One of our goals was to labor at home as long as we could to avoid the drawn-out hospital labor. It was great to have Jill there to help us know what was going on and when it was time to head to the hospital. My husband was also afforeded a few hours of sleep thanks to Jill's being there. Once at the hospital, Jill did not miss a beat and was great about helping with pain managment but not taking the role my husband wanted to fill in the process. Jill proved to be an intregal part of my birthing support team and I don't think we could have had the wonderful experience that we did without her.
- Jacob Michael 1/09
When I first heard about Jill and what her role as a Doula was, I was hesitant- thinking that I would be just fine delivering a baby on my own. I decided to talk with Jill and realized that her role was much more than just being there when it was time for the baby to be born.She was there for me from the time my water broke (at 2am) to the actual delivery of my baby (8:45 pm) and after to help with nursing him. Jill is very knowledgable and is an expert at what she does! I am so thankful to have had her help during my labor and delivery. She was supportive in my decision to labor without and epidural as long as I could and then have one when I decided that I wanted to. I know that had she not been with me, I would have chosen to get an epidural much sooner than I did which would have slowed the whole labor by confining me in bed. She was totally there with me for every contraction and was able to help me cope with the pain through various comfort measures that I wouldn't have thought of! Jill is such a blessing to my husband and I and helped make my birthing experience everything that I wanted it to be. Thank you Jill!!!
Tristan 8/13/2009
This was our 4th baby and truly the best experience because I was able to rely on her experience, guidance, and pain management skills that I had not had in the past. The journey through this birth experience was different because I had such an amazing support system with Jill. She knew exactly what to say and do through my pregnancy and the birth process. You cannot imagine until you experience it. Another thing I love about Jill is that she does not judge you. She is an encourager, not a discourager to make your birth experience the best it can be. I wanted so badly to go natural the entire experience. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond either of our control, I had to receive pain medication in the final phases of pushing. She knew all the pressure points, massage, the right positions, and appropriate measures to take at all times. She was absolutely positively my ROCK.
I recommend Jill Wilky as your labor coach/doula. She will make a huge difference in your labor experience from start to finish. With the right support system, you can do anything you set your mind to. Best wishes to you and your family.
Raegan Grace 08/2009
We met Jill on a Sunday evening at our home- she was prepared, professional, and seemed like a good candidate to help us with our labor and delivery process…then, we had an incident involving one of our dogs, and our choice became obvious- in what was a very trying situation, in the home of almost complete strangers, Jill stepped to the plate, and helped us out…her actions that evening would be a precursor of things to come.
Jill did everything we could have asked as my pregnancy progressed- she was an invaluable source of information and perspective, and was always cheerful and an available, supportive friend. As we got closer to the delivery date, things got more complicated- about a week before my due date, it looked like the baby would be better off outside, and we scheduled an induction- Jill was at my side throughout what ultimately was a failed attempt to induce labor, and she was a calming influence in what was a stressful, long, exhausting and disappointing experience. We went back to the drawing board, and decided to put off delivery and hope that things came naturally. As it turned out, we had no such luck, but we did have Jill, who was there with answers to our questions, and ready to help whenever our little bundle of joy decided to arrive. We ended up back at the hospital roughly two weeks after my due date, with another induction- Jill was a rock, and helped guide us through…needless to say, nothing came easily, and we ended up with a very trying labor process, ending in the need to move suddenly from a vaginal delivery to an emergency C section. I had been very focused on doing things as naturally as possible, so this was a last alternative- Jill understood, was my advocate throughout, and when the time came and we had to switch approaches for the safety of our baby, Jill made it all ok. She was with my husband and me in the operating room during the C Section, and stayed with me through recovery when my husband had to leave with the baby. She helped make sure the experience was as close as it could have been to a natural childbirth, and to stay focused on what we wanted our birth to be, even given all of the changes. To say it clearly, Jill went above and beyond in every situation, and was truly a Godsend. I cannot imagine what our birth would have been like without Jill's expertise, knowledge, warmth, love, caring, and support. I feel very fortunate to have someone as special as Jill in my family's life.
Taylor 10/19/2009
My biggest concern was that if we had a Doula it would take away from Stephanie and I experiencing the labor together. Jill put this concern to rest right away and described herself as a coach for me more than for Stephanie, helping me to support Stephanie in the ways she needed. She ended up doing just that, and it was perfect. No matter how much you prepare, there is so much to remember and know and it is nice to have someone who can remind you of different relaxation techniques and positions to deal with pain. I also realized quite quickly that it takes more than one person to aid in a natural childbirth. It was great to have Jill as a coach throughout the birthing process. She was very supportive and encouraging. I was very glad she was there.
-First time dad...Steve, Littleton Colorado
With the birth of our first child having a doula was so important for the whole labor and delivery. When we found out we were expecting number two we had just moved to Colorado and our immediate thought was finding a doula. When we first met Jill, her knowledge and love for ‘birth’ was beyond evident; we felt comfortable and safe ...working with her. It takes a very special person to be truly helpful and supportive during labor and Jill was just that. Jill was able to keep me calm, relaxed, and even more she helped my husband and I work as a team through each contraction. She was so helpful and hands-on (bringing warm compresses to place on my back and a birthing ball to sit on) during the whole experience and I cannot express how much she helped me go through labor. My plan was to labor at home as long as possible before going to the hospital, when we arrived at the hospital I was 100% dilated and ready to push. Jill was KEY to welcoming our little boy into our arms!!
…Jill, with your help we were able to have the birth we dreamed of. Thank you for sharing your knowledge throughout my pregnancy and being our rock during labor. Thank you!!
Gage 2/27/2010
Having Jill as our doula was the best decision that we made for the delivery of our daughter. I really wanted to have a natural birth and from the beginning Jill was supportive of that but it was clear that she would help me to have whatever birth experience I wanted. She really took the time to find out what we wanted and did everyth...ing she could to help us get it. My husband was very hesitant to hire a doula but from the first meeting he felt comfortable with Jill and then right after our daughter was born he said he wanted to add her to our will because she saved my life. My life was never in danger but I did end up needing more interventions then I had hoped for. Jill was right there with information about my choices and needs. This allowed me and my husband to make informed decisions and fell good about what was going on throughout the labor. She never interfered in any interaction between my husband and I but really pulled us together as a team to bring our daughter into the world. I labored for 25 hours and Jill was right there by my side the whole time pushing on my back, offering me new positions and other comfort measures that made it much more bearable. She also ran interference with my family, keeping them informed about how the labor was going but not letting them in the room until we were ready for them. She took great pictures that we would not have gotten any other way and will cherish forever. We will always be grateful to Jill for the loving support she gave us and all she did to help make the birth of our daughter an amazing experience
Cameron 4/2010
Having Jill as our Doula made the whole birthing process much less stress full and more enjoyable than it would have been, without her. Like most guys, I wanted to help my wife and do whatever I could to “fix” the situation, but one of my biggest fear was not knowing what to do or how to help. Jill provided support not only for my wife but for me as well. Providing ideas and suggestions on different positions to help with the contractions, getting water, ice chips and food allowing me to stay with my wife, and helping me keep the family that was in the waiting room up to date were just some of the things that Jill did to help.
Her professionalism and knowledge of, well lets face it guys, stuff we don’t know that much about really was able to put me at ease, which allowed me to support my wife more.
Afterwards when we were in our postpartum room, after 25 hours of labor with our new little girl I joked that I am going to add her to our Will, out of gratitude for Jill’s support.
Cameron's daddy, Rob
Choosing Jill as part of my support team was a great decision. She was like my personal cheerleader, always on call with encouragement and helpful information. I am a Type I Diabetic, so it was important to me to have people knowledgeable about my special circumstances helping me. Jill took the time and made extra efforts to learn about pregnancy and diabetes. She takes her job very seriously, and she responds to texts, calls, and emails very promptly and answers all questions thoroughly.
Her easygoing nature was a great bonus when I was feeling discouraged, and she has a knack for always seeing the bright side of things. She is a great conversationalist, which was so helpful during the endless hours of labor. When I ran into complications during labor, she made sure I knew what was going on and made informed decisions. She was great at keeping me on track with my goals, even when it was tough, but she also rolled with the changes when I had to adjust my birth plan. She made me feel like every choice I made was just the right one, and she kept me from feeling scared, confused, or uncertain. In the end, with Jill's help, every moment of my birth story was exactly as it should be.
A doula is the one person who is there solely for the mom to be, and Jill takes this responsibility very seriously. If you are looking for someone encouraging and positive, with a lot of knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, Jill is perfect. She knows how to follow the lead of the mother, knowing when to soothe and when to be more upbeat. My husband was grateful for her help, and all the medical staff thought she was incredible. She can ease any worry, and she makes the birth experience the warm happy memory it should be.
Lucy 2/15/2010
