Jen is such a sweet, kind person. She is definitely someone you want to have on your team when you're in the midst of what might be the most exciting, yet vulnerable time in your life--the birth of your child. Jen was the apprentice midwife for my home birth but she might as well have been a regularly practicing fully certified midwife because she was as much involved in my check ups and the actual labor and delivery of my baby as my main midwife , Sue Baelen (also amazing! Highly recommended!) Jen has a very calm presence, and even though she is young, it's clear that she possesses so much wisdom that it feels very natural to trust her. She has a lot of experience with birth, having started as a doula. I always felt completely safe and honored in her care, both in the visits to my house for check ups and at the birth of my son. One of the best parts of the care I got from Sue and Jen were the check ups leading up to the birth. They came to my house and it felt like a combo medical check up and therapy session! They were always curious to hear how things were going, answer any questions I had and take care of my emotional and spiritual transition to motherhood, not just the physical. I loved getting to know Jen in these sessions and it created a lot of trust and closeness. The birth was everything I hoped it would be. It was hard, of course, but I knew I could do it in great part because of the support I had with my awesome team. I felt very safe with Jen and Sue, and they gave me a lot of confidence. Another best part was the after care. Jen and Sue came to our house several times over the 6 week period after my son was born. It was so wonderful to have them here checking on us, answering questions, sharing in our joy and alleviating the inevitable worries. Jen also did the prep and encapsulation of my placenta, which I also recommend. My recovery was remarkably quick and easy and I think the placenta pills really helped. Jen is a wonderful, kind, smart, caring person. You'll be well taken care of if you choose to work with her. read more

It is with such a grateful heart that I write this review about Jen. Jen played an invaluable role in the birth of our child. She is hands down one of the warmest, intelligent, passionate, and strongest women I've ever met. And there's no way that I (in this case Dad) would have ever gotten through the labor process without her. I'm not exaggerating when I say this; and, I'm forever grateful. I hope that any future Dad reading this understands that Doulas are just as much for them as they are for their wives. (Btw, my wife is equally grateful for Jen, but just wanted to provide a different perspective, writing this from a Dad's point of view). Jen has the unique ability to take control of high-pressure situations while not offending or alienating anyone (and this is especially unique and effective given that she was dealing with someone, me, who is a super Type A, SF resident, on the cusp millennial). This demeanor really enabled constructive dialogues to occur between everyone in the delivery room (Mom, Dad, Nurse, Doctor) during multiple high-pressure situations. Jen understands that all Mom and Dad want to know are 1) what is going on, 2) what are their options, and 3) is Baby alright. Her empathetic approach enabled us to get through a very difficult delivery (40 hours of labor) and come out with a positive attitude. I highly recommend Jen and feel so privileged to know her. (Please reach out to me if you'd like more information about Jen as it relates to our delivery). read more

After my first long, hard delivery, I knew I wanted a doula for my second. It was my second at UCSF, and because I didn't know which midwife/resident would be there for the delivery, I wanted someone to count on for sure. And thanks to Jen, I actually made it to the hospital to have the baby! Turns out my second labor was pretty short and not as intense as my first, and she saw the signs and got me to the hospital just in time--at 9cm! Because I was so mellow (in large part to Jen being so fun and relaxed), the hospital staff didn't think I was very far and left me in triage forever. Once again, Jen was to the rescue and got the hospital staff jumping; I don't know what she told them but I made it to a delivery room with a few minutes to spare. She quickly made friends with the nurses and residents, told them my birth plan, and made sure all my wishes were understood, even ones that went against standard procedure like not getting the pitocin shot to deliver the placenta. She did all this while being respectful and assertive with everyone, not an easy task! I can't say how reassuring it was to have her there during the quick transition from home to the hospital to popping out the baby. My husband and I could focus on the baby while she took care of everything else. I highly recommend her, especially if you are planning a natural/unmedicated/hippie/read-too-much-Ina-May-Gaskin birth in a hospital. If you are looking for someone no-nonsense, without much "woo", energetic, reassuring, and who will make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time doing the right thing without being bossy or overbearing, Jen is the doula you're looking for. Oh, one more thing: she was very responsive via email and text, so it was great checking in with her with those "hi, I'm not sure if I'm having a contraction or not, but just wanted to check in and let you know" conversations leading up to the action. read more

Jen Madanat - Jen with us at UCSF in 2014, moments after the birth of our second baby. She's the best! - Doulas Near Me

After interviewing several doulas, my husband and I hired Jen to help us through the birth of our first child. It was the best decision we ever made! We wanted to have a natural childbirth in a hospital setting and found the perfect partner in Jen. Between her midwifery training, extensive childbirthing experience, caring demeanor, and positive attitude, Jen was the ideal blend of medical knowledge and emotional support. From our very first meeting we immediately felt at ease and as though we were in the company of an old friend. Jen patiently answered all our questions, was incredibly supportive of our birth wishes and was wonderfully empowering throughout the whole process. She helped us mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for the birth and armed us with practical knowledge to have productive, respectful discussions with my OBGYN and the hospital team. Jen also responded to us within minutes - even when I reached out in the middle of night when my water broke. I cannot say enough about Jen's support during labor. She had such a warm, caring presence that made me feel safe, well cared for, and capable. Jen is also very intuitive and recommended different positions and breathing techniques that made labor manageable. I didn't even think to ask for pain medication! She also made sure my husband and I were hydrated and had enough energy and rest to make it through 20+ hours of labor. Because of Jen my birth experience was exactly what I had hoped - all natural, surrounded by positivity, and empowering. I cannot recommend her highly enough! read more

Where do I even start?! Jen is simply FANTASTIC. She was our Doula, for the birth of our first child and I just can't say enough good things about her! She is incredibly supportive, always goes the extra mile to make sure that you're comfortable making a good decision (and have all of the information that you need), and makes time to check in and see how things are going. I felt immediately comfortable with her and I'm just so thankful to have found such a genuinely caring person to support me through this experience! Beyond her wonderful personality and approach Jen is also just incredibly on top of things and professional. She always responded very quickly to us, made time for phone calls when we had concerns, and had checklists and info at the ready for us. Her breadth of knowledge between is simply incredible too! She's attended so many births and also has the benefit of her Midwifery training. When it came time to meet our little girl Jen was a total trooper! She was just coming off being up all night with another woman and didn't miss a beat. She was incredibly supportive during our labor and spent the night with us in the hospital. She has continued to support us through the first days of recovery and figuring out breast feeding. If you are lucky enough to contact Jen when she's available you simply could not be in better hands. We will always be grateful to her for her support, and the role she played in bringing our daughter into the world! read more

Jen Madanat - Baby Camille delivered with the support of Jen! :) - Doulas Near Me

I used Jen as a Doula for my third pregnancy. I was trying for a natural delivery after having two c-sections. With my doctor on board I thought I needed a doula to help me get through. Jen was amazing. Although I didn't end up delivering naturally, because of previous c-section complications, Jen was there throughout the entire process. She helped me before and after my c-section. She helped the baby latch on correctly. She is amazing! She made me want to become a doula! read more

Jen was our doula for the birth our first baby, and when we got pregnant a second time, my biggest fear was that would not be available for the next birth! Luckily she was, and I am so grateful. Jen is competent, intuitive and kind. She has more experience than anyone else you will find. Our first birth was full of drama and emergencies and Jen was a force of calm and comfort. During her pre-birth visits Jen answered all of our questions, addressed all of our fears and concerns and helped up set up the support we needed for after the arrival of our little ones. In the lead up to our deliveries she was communicative and supportive, and again, a great source of comfort. During labor and delivery she knew exactly the right moments to offer ideas and jump in, and the right moments to step back. The physical services she provided during labor--massage and pressure--were invaluable. Lastly, her post-natal visits are a joy. I can't recommend Jen highly enough. read more

I have used Jen for placenta pills for both my pregnancies and they do help a lot. Jen is so sweet, she was at the hospital both times to pick up my placenta and had the pills ready for me the next day. She prepared the dried placenta in easy to swallow capsules and a cute jar with directions on how to take them. I would highly recommend Jen for placenta pills. read more

Jen is amazing, I can't say enough good things about her. She delivered my first child at Pacifica Family Maternity Center, where she was a midwifery apprentice. Due to a scheduling fluke, Jen and I actually didn't meet over the course of my prenatal care, which was extremely unusual for Pacifica. So when I went into labor and found out she was on call I was a bit nervous -- she was the only midwife I hadn't established a relationship with over the past 6 months, and I had no idea what she would be like. Also, one of the main reasons I wanted to deliver at a birth center was for the continuity of care so I was kind of disappointed that I wouldn't get to deliver with one of the midwives I'd grown close with. But then...I met her. I was in early labor and fairly cranky (i.e. not really in the market to "meet new people") but I instantly loved her. She was funny and kind and warm; it's impossible not to feel cared for when you're around Jen. I had a pretty hard labor, no pain meds, and some risk factors for hemorrhage, and throughout the entire process Jen was there, supporting but also observing and adapting her approach based on the circumstances. There were times when I wanted suggestions and needed a push (no pun intended) to change my position or environment, and Jen knew just what to do. But during the other times, when I couldn't stand anyone talking to me or touching me, she took a step back and let me labor in my own way. Jen was amazing at intuiting exactly what I needed at any given moment. And this is even more incredible considering we had never even met before. Jen was also wonderful postpartum, and has kept in touch in the year and a half since I gave birth, which is so great. She gets to see the baby she delivered grow and our baby gets to know the amazing woman who brought him into the world. We consider Jen part of our family, and know that if I am ever pregnant again we will want her to be our midwife or doula. She is truly gifted at what she does, and any family would be lucky to get to work with her! read more

Jen was our amazing doula for the birth of my son in 2014. Not only was she very well-informed and knowledgeable, but she also was extremely respectful and made it a top priority to support our priorities and goals throughout the entire process. She was calm throughout the early process of me managing labor at home, and then quietly but assertively helped us navigate the hospital check-in and communication with staff once active labor began. I had a goal of a natural birth, and I am sure it wouldn't have come true without Jen's support through the 40-hour process! And I know my husband feels just as strongly as I do -- he always tells me, "I don't know what I would have done with Jen's help!" read more

Jen is someone my husband and I would 100% love to work with again if we had a second baby and would not hesitate to recommend to friends. Jen was very responsive in all our communication. This may seem small but was very important in making us feel secure leading up to our due date. On the birthday, Jen was in constant contact and then arrived at our home with reassurance, gave a sense of how we were tracking and passed on an energy that helped my husband and I feel emotionally on level when otherwise, we may have started to fray. We had a very long time at home so without Jen, I think we would have panicked. With Jen, we felt we had support and could relax for longer. I look back on this experience at home as one where I always felt Jen and my husband were in control so I could zone out. At the hospital, Jen was there to help me find comfortable positions when all the medical team where staring at my contractions on the monitors. She also shared in the joy of our son being born. Felt like a team effort and celebration! Debriefing with Jen a couple weeks post, she was curious about my husbands experience as well as my own. This helped us put the birth in our review mirror as a crazy ride we took together and look ahead to a wonderful world with our son. read more

Jen Madanat - Our boy - Doulas Near Me

Jen is phenomenal! She is such a genuine, caring, beautiful person and a joy to work with. She was my doula for the birth of my first child and I could not have done it without her. I had a "natural" (drug free) vaginal birth with back labor, and she was there to help me cope each step of the way - not to mention take turns with my husband pushing on my back for two hours to help alleviate the pain of contractions. Jen helped advocate for me in the hospital in a professional manner, she wrote notes of the birth for us to keep for posterity, and she checked in on us as a family at home after the birth to make sure we were all doing well. I would highly recommend Jen to anyone looking for a knowledgable and warm doula. I recently had my second child, but now live on the east coast, and I found myself wishing that Jen could be there by my side for baby number two. You will be in good hands if you are lucky enough to have Jen as your doula. read more

Jen is AMAZING!!!!! She has such a warm presence about her that makes you feel calm, safe, accepted, and loved. As a first time mother, I have interviewed and experienced different doctors, nurses, midwives, and doulas. I even requested Jen to be my part of my birthing team and wellness visits while I was at the birth center in Berkeley. We felt so comfortable with Jen that we decided to go with her to do my placenta encapsulation. She's trustworthy and genuine. When I have baby #2, I would love to contact Jen again for support :) read more

We can't say enough how we liked our wonderful doula Jen! She was our doula for our first one and we will want to have her for our second one when time comes. We were lucky to find her on the web and, among the other doulas we interviewed we were immediately struck by her positive energy, her calmness and her knowledge (also of other cultures and birthing). She was our sun! Especially because we have no family here we almost practically relied on her help and she was very responsive through text and email. Thanks to her, I had a relaxed delivery and she helped my husband have an active role too, which I really appreciated. I delivered at UCSF and she was great at communicating with the staff, making sure our birth plan was respected. My delivery went super quick for a first one and all I can remember is that she always had my back (figuratively, through awesome massages, and literally too) and so I didn't worry about a single thing - and it worked because the doctors came in just a few times to check if I was ok, joking about how an easy patient I would be. She also came a few times postpartum and made sure to keep contact in that sometimes difficult adjustment time. All her reviews only tell me I was right about her, she is an amazing person and I can't wait to see her again for my second. read more

JEN IS FANTASTIC! My husband and I worked with Jen this year for the birth of our baby boy at UCSF. Jen was super knowledgeable, caring, and helpful. I would absolutely recommend any family to work with her. There is no doubt that she made the entire process of the birth so much easier and more calming. read more

5 stars feels like an inadequate rating for Jen and the generosity she extends to the families she works with. We hired Jen as our doula and she was one of the greatest gifts of our entire experience. She was truly a partner in bringing our daughter into the world. What is unique about Jen is that she has this beautiful way of fully supporting you and at the same time creating space to empower you in the process. She is not only a loving spirit, a powerful soul, a stunning human being she is also deeply knowledgeable and full of wisdom when it comes to the birthing process. Hiring Jen will be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and this special experience in your life. read more

I highly recommend all of Jen's birth services. She supported us every step of the way with incredible warmth, care, dedication, expertise, and professionalism. Her prenatal care, support during labor and an unexpected hospital transfer, and placenta encapsulation services were all outstanding. I trust her completely and definitely want her there for my next birth. In addition to everything she did for me, Jen was the perfect calming presence for my nervous husband, reassuring him and helping us navigate the hospital system. Before our birth my husband didn't understand the need for a doula, and now says he never wants to go through it again without Jen there! read more

Jen is awesome! I interviewed a few doulas prior to choosing her for the birth of my daughter. Jen's calming demeanor and friendly disposition got me. She was knowledgeable and informative on our meetings leading up to delivery and then a HUGE help while I was in labor. I remember how relieved I was when she showed up to the hospital. Truth was that the L&D nurses didn't seem to care much or even try to help calm me while I was having painful contractions. Thank God for Jen! She entered the room and took charge! Shower, massage, etc...she was all over it. The biggest thing I wanted (and got) was an advocate. She was my voice of reason when I had to decide on a c-section 2 days into labor. She didn't push me towards it, she just helped me clarify my choices and what would I prefer. So greatful to have had her present at my delivery. She is passionate about her work and I highly recommend her. read more

Jen was the doula for both of my daughters' births in 2014 and 2016, and I couldn't have asked for a better support person than her. I can't imagine ever giving birth without Jen! Her calming, reassuring demeanor was exactly what I needed. Jen is very knowledgeable, also studies midwifery, and knows everything about massage techniques, placenta encapsulation, and of course the hospitals and their policies in this area. Jen was the one that was there for me when my husband packed the car for a quick minute (being alone would have been horrible otherwise), when I switched hospitals during the first birth (she organized everything and we wouldn't have done it without her), and she called the nurses when my second daughter nearly came in triage...She answered the phone promptly at 5.30 am in the morning when I texted her that I might be in labor. What I like most about Jen is that she really accepts you and your birth wishes. There are other doulas in this area that are too pushy for a specific type of birth in my opinion, but not so Jen. read more