Birthing Babies – A Celebration of Life

Labor with my first baby was both physically and psychologically difficult for me. Deanna helped me and my partner step through the years-​old aftermath of that experience, and take concrete actions – including some literature and prenatal education classes – to maximize the potential for a positive, healing birth this second time. I think the crux of my good connection with Deanna as birth support was her affirmation of, and trust in, my previous experience and the emotions I had about it.
Deanna and a doula-​in-​training supported me through an intense unmedicated labor with a 9lb baby, and also through a week-​long NICU stay. At one point she described herself as «a big pillow full of love», and while that’s totally true, it’s also specifically what I needed at the time. Part of the beauty of Deanna’s work is her ability to manifest the diverse forms of support that different clients will need at different times. I might have been able to do this birth without her help, but I feel so fortunate that I was able to have her by my side (and my head, with a straw cup of water) instead. If we were planning for more babies, I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

We hired Deanna as a doula for the birth of both of our babies. The first was an induction that I am certain would have ended with a C-​section if it weren’t for Deanna’s coaching during the pushing phase.
The second went so fast, I was able to have the natural birth that I wanted. Deanna coached us via phone as we labored at home and met us at the hospital for a fast delivery. We were so grateful to have her there because it was such a fast labor that she was instrumental in managing us through each transition.
I also had a lot of anxiety with my second pregnancy and Deanna talked me through my fears on several occasions. She is a great listener and has seen it all so can easily guide you through.
You can tell this is her calling — she was absolutely born to be a caretaker. It is so apparent in all that she does and for this we are so very grateful!

I am not much of a reviewer or writer but I am compelled to write about Deanna. This was my first pregnancy and my husband and I were totally newbies who had no idea about childbirth and delivery. We do not have much family here and rely wanted someone to help us through this situation and hence the decision for hiring a doula. We interviewed a few doulas but when we met Deanna, our search ended. What made a very strong impression on us was her extensive knowledge about childbirth and related topics. We would ask her all sorts of questions and she always had the answer. She was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the last few weeks of my pregnancy, on the day of delivery and even post pregnancy. My husband and I strongly feel that the most important day of our lives would not have been the same without Deanna. She was there with us throughout my 24 hour labor which ultimately resulted in a c section. For those first time parents let me tell you that the hospital staff are not constantly there with you in the labor room and come only when called or to check on you periodically. In between those visits? You are likely to feel lost and helpless and that’s when you will realize the importance of a doula. Deanna and her shadow doula Megan were also very helpful post pregnancy guiding me through breast feeding and post partum challenges including baby blues. What more can I say about Deanna… just meet her and you will know!

Recently had baby number 2 and Doula Dee was amazing again! This birth was much more challenging than my first but thanks to her bag of tricks I made it through a full day of pitocin labor without an epidural. Thank you Doula Dee for listening and helping me get the best birth experience possible.

Deanna was our Doula for both of our births: one in the hospital and one at home. She was always there to hold my hand, even when I couldn’t speak. She was like a sister through both of my labors and I relied on her strength and voice when the times got tough. Deanna is amazing at what she does. No matter what kind of birth experience you want, she will be your advocate. Hire her.

Doulas are so special. If you are considering a doula — please do yourself a favor and get one. I knew that I wanted a doula but didn’t realize how much I would come to lean on Deanna for her knowledge and support. Having her be a part of the birth has made for the most amazing birth story. From early on I relied on Deanna to ask engaging questions that I didn’t even have the clarity of mind to think about as a first time mother, I tried my best to avoid over-​reading so as to make the pregnancy and birth my own experience. Deanna helped with pain management solutions while pregnant and trying to maintain an athletic regiment. She helped me think about the environment that was right for my family and welcoming our child. She also encouraged my husbands involvement and at the same time made it okay for him to take breaks when he needed. It’s difficult to explain but imagine going through one of the most terrifying moments because you don’t know what to expect and there a plenty of emotions stirring. Deanna was the beacon that helped charter through those emotions, physical demands and provided a loving hand.
I’m grateful and know that you will be to.
Thanks,
The Holden’s

When I found out I was pregnant, I began to do research on labor, birth and all things pregnancy. I then watched Business of Being Born and decided that a medicated birth was not for me, and there was no way I’d let myself end up in a c-​section. That’s when I began my search for the perfect doula, and found Deanna. She came highly recommended by my friends doula who had moved out of state.
From the moment I met Deanna, I knew she was the one for me. Her loving and positive attitude makes it hard to not enjoy her company. Her knowledge was built on years of studies and experience, and it clearly shows. She is literally a walking pregnancy encyclopedia. I kid you not. So we booked her ASAP!
Throughout my pregnancy, she was always there to answer questions and would send articles my way on the questions I asked. She even came along with me to do a tour of the hospital I was going to be delivering at and was more excited about it than myself!
Fast forward to 3 days before my birth, I started getting intense «back labor» and immediately called Deanna. We met at the hospital thinking it was the real deal, but it was a false alarm. This happened several more times before the actual real deal started. During that time though, Deanna was a great mental and emotional support and also had many different exercises to provide me to help move me along, and an amazing TENS machine that I literally had glued on back for 24 hours straight.
When my water finally broke, active labor officially started and I knew Deanna (along with my husband) by my side, I’d have the best support around. 16 hours later and I was holding my beautiful baby girl, all naturally ;) We all were over the moon, Deanna included.
We consider Deanna as part of our family now, as she took part in the most memorable and special day of our lives. So if you’re looking for someone to be part of your «dream team», don’t just walk to the phone, run and call Doula Deanna.
Ps– she gifted us a birth story in a cute little book style holder. The story brought tears to my eyes, and that alone was worth every penny.
We love you Deanna!

My wife and I first met Deanna through meet the Doula night at Day One Center in Walnut Creek. She also came highly recommended from a friend of ours whose birth she assisted. We immediately had a good feeling about her. Deanna was very helpful in walking us through the process as well as getting us to completely think through the type of birth we wanted. There was both a gentle motherly as well as authoritative presence about her and this was something that both my wife and I wanted in a Doula given that this was our first child. My wife was looking to have a completely natural birth and Deanna was extremely supportive in this. She made herself fully available through phone, texts, and emails anytime we needed her. When my wife went into labor, Deanna met us at the hospital and was actively present through the entire exhausting 14 hour labor. In fact, when my wife wasn’t dilating as well, it was Deanna’s quick thinking and extensive knowledge in labor positions that turned the tide and prevented my wife from needing Pitocin. An hour later, my wife gave birth to our beautiful daughter and all naturally without any drugs, which is exactly what she wanted. Deanna also followed up with us for several days by phone to check on us as well as through a follow-​up visit. It was during this visit that she presented us with our daughter’s «Birth Story»; a comprehensive narrative detailing our birthing process from meeting Deanna through to the birth and including our first words to our daughter. It was absolutely beautiful and something we will always cherish. We would highly recommend Deanna for ANYONE who is interested in the assistance of a doula and we will definitely use her again for our second.

After spending countless hours searching for a doula, I was very grateful when I was referred to Deanna. During our initial call she was very professional, responsive, and engaging. She listened to my situation with great care. She was able to answer questions that were critical for my desired birth experience. I was left with the impression that she was very knowledgeable, experienced, and would be easy to work with. Deanna proved to be all that and more! Her incredible support during one of the most harrowing experiences of my life was almost too good to be true. Deanna was a sound witness and staunch advocate on my behalf and the behalf of my child. I feel truly bless to have had her partake in my child’s birth. Additionally, Deanna was equally supportive and available after the birth. I am one of the pickiest people I know. I will not even shop in a store if I am not greeted. To give such a sparkling review for something as intimate and priceless as childbirth is truly saying something. That something is: Deanna de Jesus is a gem! I can only hope you have the fortune of working with her. Deanna’s doula services were an absolute blessing for me and my family!

My husband and I met Deanna through the «Meet the Doula Night» at Day One in Walnut Creek. We interviewed a number of doulas and felt that she provided the best information — from all sides /​options — while supporting our decisions. She was available and met with us a number of times prior to the birth and on the big day was critical in helping us bring our baby girl in to the world through a natural birth with no drugs. She was an advocate during key parts of the delivery in a firm but non-​threatening manner with the hospital team. She kept me very focused through the rough spots and provided necessary relief and guidance to my husband. I can’t recommend her support services enough and found the same feedback when I interviewed her references.

I found Doula Dee in September 2011 when I was about 33 weeks pregnant after realizing that I wasn’t going to have the support and assistance I needed at my hospital. Hiring her for my delivery and start of motherhood was the best thing I could have done for myself and my baby. Deanna went through every minute of my 50+ hours with me. She was great at teaching my husband how to provide me with the support I needed through the process. She helped me search inside about what was important to my birth experience and taught me so much about what it could be… She was like a mother to me and gave me confidence, knowledge, courage, a big hug and a shoulder to cry on. She knew when to help me stay in the moment and when to back off so I can have space to «deal» with the pain. She was more than a doula. She cared for every single mother-​to-​be as an individual. Each birth experience was like the first one to her and she cherished every single one of them as if it was her own. Deanna has a very magnanimous and compassionate personality and she ALWAYS went above and beyond what was called for to help the new mom. Having gone through what I went through, I HIGHLY suggest every first time mother to have a doula. And if you are lucky enough, Doula Dee as yours.

My husband and I had a wonderful experience working with Deanna during the birth of our first baby. We found Deanna to be compassionate, present and affirming even as our birth went in a direction quite different from what we had hoped. It turned out to be a 40-​hour labor at the hospital and Deanna stayed with us the whole time, including sleeping on the floor for an hour to allow my husband to sleep on the couch. She was very knowledgeable, reassuring and helped support us in our decision-​making before and during the labor. She was very clear about what services she would provide and followed through in a very professional manner. In addition, when I struggled a little early on with breast-​feeding, she came by and provided gentle reassurance and helpful suggestions. As part of her services, she provides a beautifully written account of the birth story. We would definitely recommend her!