At Compassionate Beginnings Doula & Birth Services, passion, dedication, and knowledge is at the heart of our approach. We are a group of educated and skilled birthworkers who all strive to provide the individual and caring support so you feel confident from pregnancy to parenthood.
With our doulas by your side, not only are we are able to provide a wide range of services, but we can also guarantee built in backup support. Our doulas are independent contractors who work collectively to support the community.
Meet the Team
Birth Doulas
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Founder & Owner
Birth Doula Support - Placenta Encapsulation - Postpartum Belly Binding - Childbirth Education - Infant Massage Educator
I began my doula career in January 2017, shortly after the birth of my daughter. I was able to experience firsthand the caring and kind support we received during my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum healing by having a doula by our side. With this added support forever etched into my birth story, a drive inside me continued to build in those following months to want to be able to provide the same support opportunities to the birthing community. Since then, and having the honor of supporting many families over the years, I can honestly say, this work is unlike any other. Yet, there is no other path I would rather be on. My goal is to fulfill your needs for the support you desire during this time in your life.
I am passionate about dance, music, cross stitching, plants, and roller skating. Growing up, I did the ballet, tap and jazz thing, and continued my studies in college with an emphasis shifting to modern/post-modern and choreography. Though my days of performing are fond memories of the past, if there is music playing you can bet that I have no hesitation to bust out those rusty skills. I will definitely dance with you through labor, if you wish! I never quite had a knack for playing any instruments or singing, but that does not stop me from belting out a feel good tune. There is a song out there for every mood, and listening to music has been proven to increase endorphins, a natural pain reliever (so start making those birth playlists!). I love to change my hair color often trying all different combinations revolving around pinks! I am enjoying another year of being room parent for my daughter’s class. My husband, daughter and I have enjoyed living in Pittstown, NJ for 6 years.
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ProDoula VBAC Specialist - November 2023
ProDoula Labor Doula Cross Certification - August 2022
Placenta Encapsulation Training - January 2022
Certified Educator of Infant Massage - July 2021
Tens in the Toolbox Workshop - January 2021
GentleBirth Childbirth Educator - November 2020
VBAC for Doulas Workshop - June 2020
Know Your Rights Graduate - February 2020
Hypnobabies Hypno-Doula Training - February 2020
Spinning Babies 2-Day Workshop - October 2019
Professional Postpartum Belly Binding - June 2019
New Beginnings Doula Training - January 2019
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Birth Doula / Postpartum Doula / Breastfeeding Counselor
For as long as I can remember, I have had the passion for helping others, whether that be through emotional support, relaxation techniques, or physical touch. I was introduced to the idea of becoming a doula from a dear friend of mine. After hearing of how her family benefited from having one, I knew that I had found my new passion. I am absolutely amazed at what the body is capable of and have become infatuated with everything surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My goal is to provide support that helps build our client’s confidence when expressing their birth vision and choices. I believe that all should be given the opportunity to have the labor and birth experience they desire. Each birth is unique and I am honored to be a part of this amazing work. Everyone deserves to be supported, encouraged and educated during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I am currently training in postpartum doula support and becoming a certified breastfeeding counselor to provide continuous support in the fourth trimester.
I currently live in Flemington, NJ with my husband and our three children. We have three dogs, two cats and two pot belly pigs. We have a farm where we make hay and raise meat chickens to sell at our local farmers market. When we aren’t working and we have the time, we love to spend our weekends at the marina on our boat. You can also find us hiking, riding quads through our property trails and basically anything outdoors.
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ProDoula Cross Certification - October 2022
International Doula Institute Birth Certification - July 2022
International Doula Institute Postpartum Training - July 2022
International Doula Institute Breastfeeding Counselor Training - July 2022
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Birth Doula & Speech Language Pathologist
I have been fascinated with birth from a young age, but it was the support I received from my fertility doula that initially inspired me to pursue this career. Then the care I received from my own birth doula showed me what true support looks like and how crucial this can be during such a transformational time. Now, as a certified Birth Doula I am passionate about providing birth support for families and births of all kinds, through an individualized, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach.
I currently live in Flemington with my husband, two cats, and 9-month-old son. When I am not providing doula care, I am providing services as a Speech Language Pathologist and advocating through the creative arts as a playwright. I enjoy seeing theatre, traveling, and most of all— creating memories with my family.
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Birth Arts International Certification November 2021-present (ongoing)
ProDoula Cross-Certification- December 2023
Feed the Peds (Pediatric Feeding Specialization Course for SLPs)- November 2023
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Birth Doula / Maternity Photography / Birth Photography / Newborn Photography
From a very young age I had a strong fascination with birth and caring for newborn babies. I was the little girl who always wanted to hold her friend’s new siblings, or help their parents take care of things relating to baby around the house. I wanted to rub all of the bellies, feel the babies move and I was always sneaking in episodes of TLC’s “A Birth Story” when my parents weren’t looking. After a complicated birth of my own, I decided to dedicate my life’s work to making sure that parents feel supported and encouraged during those very vulnerable and transformative months, days and hours leading up to and during birth. I strongly believe that given the proper tools and resources, parents can have an empowered birth and my job is to make sure that they have just that.I live in Clinton Township with my husband, our toddler, and our 13 year old silky terrier. When I’m not supporting expecting families, I am capturing them with my camera. Photography is another passion of mine that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I also run a local mom’s organization, HC Mamas, to support families in and around Hunterdon County.
Jenna was recently featured on “The New Mamas Podcast” hosted by Lina Forrestal. Lina hired Jenna as her Doulatog (doula+ birth photographer) for her birth in November 2023 and was so excited to share her experience!
You can listen to full episode here!
(Please note, Lina was not client through Compassionate Beginnings Doula & Birth Services. She has graciously given us permission to share her experience with Jenna to help support Jenna in her doula and doulatog calling.)
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ProDoula Labor Doula Certification - November 2023
Bella Baby In-Hospital Photography Training - December 2019
Postpartum Doulas
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Postpartum Doula & Breastfeeding Professional
My passion for supporting parents after the arrival of a baby was deeply inspired by my own postpartum recovery. My immediate family and closest friends lived hundreds of miles away and although technology allowed us to connect regularly, there was no mistaking the absence of their physical presence. Friends who were in the throes of their own postpartum recovery and adjusting to their new lives weren’t available to me quite as readily as before - technology couldn’t change the fact that their babies needed care and bonding, too. I can only wonder how differently those first few months of new motherhood would have felt had I had these women physically and emotionally lifting me up, caring for me and my baby in the comfort of my own home. It is my hope to alleviate some stress as well as provide comfort, friendship, and encouragement to new parents as they navigate the first few weeks at home.When I’m not supporting other families I enjoy making memories with my own. My husband, two exuberant daughters, and I enjoy exploring creeks, lakes, oceans - essentially any body of water! We are always eager to try out a new park or revisit a favorite in the area. I enjoy reading, especially to my girls (who doesn’t love a great children's book?!). I am passionate about baby wearing, breakfast, soaking up sunshine, chocolate, cozy living (warm socks, blankets, sweaters etc.), libraries, and colorful flower arrangements!
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Newborn Mothers Postpartum Professional - January 2023
Newborn Mothers Breastfeeding Professional - December 2022
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Postpartum Doula
The fourth trimester is hard. Nothing prepared me for life "after baby", or what my body and mind would go through. I will never forget my first night home with my baby, I was terrified. I struggled with postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. I questioned every decision I made, and I remember thinking to myself "is this how all new moms feel?" Thankfully, with the support of my amazing husband and mother, I persevered. My mom took care of me, so I could care for my baby... or sleep! It wasn't until I looked back on my postpartum journey that I realized how important that was for not only myself, but my growing family. I am extremely passionate about postpartum care and postpartum mental health, and I quickly realized I wanted to be part of the change. I wanted to be part of helping others heal, learn, and care for their new addition. I finally found my calling, to become a postpartum doula. I believe everyone deserves judgement free support, love and care, in their most precious time of life.I live in Flemington with my husband and our two beautiful, little boys (ages 5 and 2). We are always together, exploring new places, crafting, baking or playing outside. We can be found at the beach, pool, amusement parks, libraries, lakes, riding bikes, playgrounds... if it's kid friendly, we will be there!! (Especially the local breweries). We are looking forward to this summer and enjoying the sunshine as much as we can. The days are long, but the years are short, and we are soaking it up as much as we can. I am also the social media manager for Compassionate Beginnings Doula & Birth Services.
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ProDoula Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Certification - March 2023