Having conceived our babies through Assisted Reproductive Technologies – IVF, our parenthood journey didn’t come easily or happen overnight. At times we felt alone and disheartened, but our journey also brought strength, resiliency, and connection. While growing our family over the last 4 years, we experienced both challenges and rewards, but the journey has always been our own and we can’t (and wouldn’t) change anything because we were meant to have these exact little boys grace and brighten our world.
When I was pregnant with my first we did not find out the gender until the birth so we loving named the baby “piña” (aka “pineapple”) while in utero not only because it’s cute and I once loved traveling to tranquil turquoise destinations to eat fresh tropical fruits, but also because I ate a whole heck of a lot of pineapples (yes, including the core) throughout my IVF experience to conceive Hudson. If you’ve been through fertility treatments yourself, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Pineapples have been dubbed a symbol for the trying to conceive (TTC) community and a symbol of friendship and strength for the infertile. Through hardship, pineapples stand tall and have pointy defenses to protect them, yet are bright, positive, and sweet. I love the analogy.
It was June 6th and we actually had an ultrasound scheduled that morning at 8am for a growth measurement. I was followed by a high risk OB so these were pretty routine. I only gained 10 pounds during my pregnancy so there was concern that Henry might be underweight. My alarm went off at 6:30am to get ready for our ultrasound appointment, when I woke up I grabbed my phone and started scrolling Instagram haha. I noticed my lower back was sore but I figured it was just from laying in bed. I got out of bed and started to walk to the kitchen and when I stood up I felt something wet. YUP my water broke when I stood up! I yelled for Josh to come quick, he sprung out of bed and asked what happened, I told him my water broke and that I had to call my parents. My parents live about a 4 and a half hour drive from us, so my first thought was… I should probably tell them. I called my dad because my mom didn’t answer, I remember telling him that my water broke and I “might” be having the baby today. He quickly went to grab my mom from work and they started their drive to see us. Josh called the number the hospital gave us in case anything was to happen. I was scheduled to have a C-section so they wanted me to go in right away if I went into labour beforehand. Josh called and spoke to the nurse who informed us to come in once we were ready. I got a shower, curled my hair, Josh had breakfast and we packed our bags which I think took about an hour, I still hadn’t had any contractions but I was starting to get anxious to leave.
In the winter of 2012, I went out with some friends for what I thought was a casual dinner. It turned out my best friend was telling us she was pregnant! I couldn’t have been happier for her.
When we started our journey to a baby in 2014, we had that blissful naivety that it would be easy, and initially it seemed like it would be. Our first month “trying” we became pregnant. I remember shaking with excitement and I remember Aaron panicking because he didn’t think it would happen that quickly. For 3 glorious weeks we basked in the joy of expecting our first baby. It had been a tough 9 months before hand, we were newly married and while Aaron was at basic training for the navy, my mom passed away from a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Our lives were a constant rollercoaster. But the notion of a baby brought a sense of calm and excitement. It was something good in all that had been so hard. But as quickly as our excitement came it was dashed when I woke up one morning bleeding. After 2 days in and out of the emergency room we confirmed my fears, we lost our baby. Continue reading →
It would be my pleasure to support you and your family on your fertility and reproductive health journey. As your Fertility Support Practitioner, I would support you with your unique needs – the options are infinite and tailored specifically to what you want.
Fertility Support Practitioners support individuals with the following and beyond:
Each individual / couple / family has different needs, thus it is difficult to define the multitude of ways in which I can support you. Essentially, you dictate the best ways I can support you. As a certified, registered, and insured yoga teacher, I can also combine yoga services (meditation, fertility & reproductive health yoga, Yoga for Women, etc…) with my Fertility supports.
The beauty of having a Fertility Support Practitioner is that your supports are designed specifically for you and your desires and wishes. You might not want to spend much of your time focusing on birth control, natural birth control, pregnancy achievement, pregnancy prevention, reproductive health, Assistive Reproductive Technologies, etc…, depending on what you already know/need, but you might rather focus your time on hormone imbalances, cycle charting, regulating cycles, reproductive health conditions, healthy living, available resources, and how I can best support the other individuals who are involved in your journey, etc…
Here is a brief overview to give you an idea of the types of services I can provide, but my services are dictated by my clients in consultation with them. These services are à-la-carte, i.e. a fertility session could be swapped for a yoga session, etc…We can tailor/modify these to meet your needs.
Services by the hour:
Free Consultation
All Fertility services include one free consultation via phone / FaceTime to determine needs and wishes. I will also be available via text for support outside of our scheduled sessions throughout the time period in which I am supporting you.
In person services: In person consultation.
Sessions & Support
Individual and family support: Unconditional and nonjudgmental emotional support, education and resources, holistic solutions and community supports, recovery process & healing, mood support, relationships support, nutrition & healthy habits, accompany appointments, etc…
In person services: In person meetings.
Pricing
$35/hour
Fertility Support Packages
Depending on the monthly package, each month of support would include 3-4 weeks of support, 2-3 60min virtual/in-person sessions, continuous support: phone/text/messenger/e-mail, as needed during term of contract, unconditional and nonjudgmental emotional, physical, and informational support as needed, assistance determining what your family needs throughout your upcoming fertility journey, customized and individualized fertility support – information and preparation specific to YOU, community referral information, support group referral information, and evidence-based information & holistic wellness.
Sample Packages:
$150/month – Cycle Charting Support Package (includes 2 one-on-one sessions)
$150/month – Fertility Wellness Support Package (includes 2 one-on-one sessions)
I can also customize a monthly package for you if you are looking for a combination of services.
IVF Preparation Support Package (Sample)
3-4 weeks of support for BOTH partners, depending on your IVF start date
THREE 60min virtual/in-person sessions Continuous support: phone/text/messenger/e-mail, as needed during term of contract Unconditional and nonjudgmental emotional, physical, and informational support as needed
Assistance determining what your family needs throughout your upcoming IVF journey
Customized and individualized IVF support – information and preparation specific to YOU
IVF Community referral information
IVF Support group referral information
Evidence-based information & holistic wellness
$225
Reproductive Health Treatments and/or Assistive Reproductive Technologies
Support Package (Sample):
Free Consultation
All Fertility services include one free consultation via phone / FaceTime to determine needs and wishes. I will also be available via text for support outside of our scheduled sessions throughout the time period in which I am supporting you.
In person services: In person consultation.
Support Sessions
Two 60-90min information visits prior to your treatment to discuss all aspects of the treatments, expectations, coping techniques, comfort measures, health history, plan of wishes, recovery, etc…, and to go over any questions or concerns.
Continuous Support
Available to you via phone, text, or email from date of contract signing and 24/7 availability during the specified period of medical treatments.
Medical Treatment Support
Dedicated support including at home and/or appointment/hospital support, up to, and including the medical procedure(s) if wanted/permitted. Ability to act as your support person.
Immediate After Treatment Support
1 to 2 hours of immediate home/ in-hospital / medical centre support to tend to needs of individuals.
After care Support
1 or 2 90min after treatment visits to discuss treatment, lend emotional support, any other post medical treatment wound care / recovery support, information, or care/help as needed.
Pricing
1/3 of the fee is due at the time of contract signing. The second payment of 1/3 is due at the first prenatal. The remainder is due 10 days prior to your expected due date unless otherwise agreed upon.
$500, unless otherwise discussed
Virtual & In-Person Prenatal Class:
Providing new parents with information and support to help make informed choices regarding pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and in the postpartum period. We will discuss pregnancy, biology of labor, interventions and pain management, comfort measures and so much more!
Pricing:
$35/hour
Labour and Birth Doula Services: Virtual options available
So, what do Doula’s do? In brief, a Doula is a support person – or a birthing coach – for the birthing person, their support people, and their family. As your Doula, I would support you and your family with your unique needs – the options are infinite and tailored specifically to what you want. Each parent / family has different needs, thus it is difficult to define the multitude of ways in which I can support you. Essentially, you dictate the best ways I can support you. As a certified , registered, and insured yoga teacher, I can also combine yoga services (Prenatal, Postpartum, family yoga, and/or Yoga for Women, etc…) with my Doula supports. Feel free to visit my online yoga profile with the Canadian Yoga Alliance to view my credentials here.
If this is not your first pregnancy or delivery, what you want from having a Labour & Birth Doula would be very different from a first time mom. This is the beauty of having a Doula, your prenatal, labour, and birth supports are designed specifically for you and your desires and wishes. You might not want to spend much of your prenatal time focusing on the stages of labour, pain medications, medical interventions, c-section overview, etc… depending on what you already know, but you might rather focus your prenatal time on prenatal yoga positions, optimal positioning of the baby, comfort measures during labour, your birth plan, and how I can support your partner so they can best support you, etc…
Here is a brief overview to give you an idea of the types of services I can provide, but my services are dictated by my clients in consultation with them. These services are à-la-carte, i.e. a prenatal visit could be swapped for a postpartum visit, etc…We can tailor/modify these to meet your needs.
Free Consultation
Complimentary meeting to get to know one another and to discuss your pregnancy and upcoming labour and delivery. We would also discuss your prenatal and postpartum services and to what extent. There is no obligation after this meeting if you choose to have another Doula support your birth.
Prenatal Sessions
Two 60-90min prenatal visits after 32 weeks to discuss your pregnancy, all aspects of labour, expectations, coping techniques, comfort measures, labour and delivery positions, health history, birth plan, breastfeeding & feeding options, and to go over any questions or concerns.
Continuous Support
Available to you via phone, text, or email from date of contract signing and 24/7 availability after 38 weeks.
Labour & Birth Support
Dedicated active labour support including at home and/or hospital support, up to, and including the birth
Immediate After Birth Postpartum Support
1 to 2 hours of immediate in-hospital/after birth postpartum support to tend to needs of mother & family, take pictures if desired, assist with breastfeeding if desired, etc…
Postpartum Support
1 or 2 90min postpartum visits to discuss labour, lend emotional and breastfeeding support, and provide any other postpartum support, information, or care as needed
Pricing
Sliding scale pricing ($700-$1000), unless otherwise discussed. Choose the cost which best suits your family and your financial situation. 1/3 of the fee is due at the time of contract signing. The second payment of 1/3 is due at the first prenatal. The remainder is due 10 days prior to your expected due date unless otherwise agreed upon.
$1000, regular price
$35/hr, hourly support
Virtual & In-Person Postpartum Doula Services:
It would be my pleasure to support you and your family with postpartum Doula services. A postpartum Doula supports infants and families with their unique needs – the options are infinite. Each parent / family has different needs, thus it is difficult to define the multitude of ways in which I can support you. Essentially, you dictate the best ways I can support you. As a certified, registered, and insured yoga teacher, I can also combine yoga services (Postpartum, family yoga, kids yoga, and/or Yoga for Women, etc…) with my Doula supports. Feel free to visit my online yoga profile with the Canadian Yoga Alliance to view my credentials here.
If this is not your first time having a baby, what you want from a postpartum Doula would be very different from a first time mom. This is the beauty of having a Doula, your postpartum care supports are designed specifically for you and your desires and wishes. You might not want to spend much of your postpartum time focusing on after delivery hygiene and care, post c-section wound care and recovery, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, transitions at home, etc…, depending on what you already know, but you might rather focus your postpartum time on infant sleep, baby-feeding, postpartum yoga, childcare, light house keeping, etc…, and how I can support your partner and family so they can best support you, etc…
Here is a brief overview to give you an idea of the types of services I can provide, but my services are dictated by my clients in consultation with them. These services are à-la-carte, i.e. a postpartum visit could be swapped for a yoga session, etc…We can tailor/modify these to meet your needs.
Free Consultation
All postpartum services include one free consultation via phone / FaceTime to determine the family’s / mother’s needs. I will also be available via text for support outside of our scheduled sessions throughout the time period in which I am supporting a family/parent.
In person services: In person consultation.
Support for Mom
Unconditional and nonjudgmental emotional support, education and resources, holistic solutions and community supports, recovery process & postpartum healing, mood support, postpartum relationships, breastfeeding support (help with latch, positions, breastfeeding education, ect…), etc…
In person services: Accompany on outings if needed, donated breast milk pick up, preparing bottles, etc…
Support for newborn/children
Information and education on diapering (cloth or disposable), infant/toddler feeding options, nutrition & healthy habits, sleep strategies, etc…
In person services: Assistance with baby care so mom can take a nap, shower, or care for older children, etc…
Support for family
Family nutrition, infertility support, routines, and scheduling, etc…
In person services: Meal prep, light housework, laundry, caring for older children, grocery pick up, caring for family pets (walking a dog or cleaning a litter box), overnight support, any task you or your family need to make the transition with baby easier, etc…
Pricing
$35/hour
Package discounts available
Virtual & In-Person Yoga Services for the Whole Family
Prenatal, Postpartum, Yoga for Women, and/or Family/Kids yoga:
Virtual/In-home/On-location sessions
Private, partner, and group sessions
Introduction to yoga & benefits
Yoga fundamentals & anatomy
Breath linked movement
Guided yoga practice
Guided meditation practice
Hands-on assists
Self-guided yoga postures – home practice
Mom & baby yoga, stroller yoga & fitness, kids yoga, and family yoga
$35-$50/hour
*The investment for yoga services when added to Doula services will be considered on an individual basis. *Group class pricing to be negotiated
Reviews
“The support Jessica provided was very prompt and helpful during what was a difficult labour.” -Laura
“Jessica is fantastic! She is kind, empathetic, supportive, knowledgeable, and so much more. She is a great support person and has been there for me through so much (from fertility issues to postpartum). She really goes above and beyond to help you out. Her personality just shines; she’s made for this line of work. She is just so positive, talking to her or being around her can change your energy instantly – for the better of course!” -Courtney (see photos below)
“I am so appreciative for all of Jessica’s help. She made me feel more comfortable and confident with being a new mother. I was very scared and timid being a first time mom, and she gave me a lot of tips and help, not only for my son but for myself as well. I highly recommend her services to anyone as she is very friendly and accommodating. Thank you again!” -L.B
“Jessica did an incredible job supporting me and helping me recognize what is going on with my body. I learned when I typically ovulate in my cycle and how to recognize when I do and how my body physically and mentally reacts to the change in hormone levels. I found it to be extremely helpful in determining what menstrual and ovulation symptoms I feel regularly throughout my cycle. Jessica is an excellent communicator and speaks in a way that is easy to understand and I loved working with her.” -A.G
I love surprises! One of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself was keeping the gender of our baby a surprise. Despite it being torture for my poor husband who would have preferred to find out the gender at 20 weeks, he humoured me and we waited. The wives tales, guessing, and anticipation was exciting and I waited anxiously for one of the greatest surprises of my life. Few things in life are surprises, but I knew this would be one worth waiting for. By not knowing the gender, I also found that preparing for the baby’s arrival (who we lovingly referred to as “baby”, “piña” – pineapple in Spanish, or “they”) was easy and enjoyable.
Are you feeling muddled, disconnected, or foggy? That’s exactly how I felt when I first moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. My husband and I finally had the blessing of moving back to the East Coast, but after living in four cities in less than twelve months it takes a toll on the mind, body, and spirit. Although we finally made it to the city where we wanted to be–our “home”, I felt ungrounded, disillusioned, and a bit lost. After numerous moves, countless flights, and world travels over the last few years, I couldn’t remember what ‘home’ felt or looked like. Although I’m originally from Nova Scotia, I never had the opportunity to live in Halifax. Our arrival was both exciting and overwhelming and with that came many unknowns. I didn’t know where we would live, where I would work, or what my life would look like being settled in one place after nearly 3 years of bouncing around and living out of suitcases. Halifax would be another new beginning and start over–the typical life of a pilot’s wife.
My mother recently shared a saying with me she saw online (even before we heard the news): “Advice from the ocean: be SHORE of yourself, come out of your SHELL, take time to COAST, avoid PIER pressure, SEA life’s beauty, don’t get TIDE down, MAKE WAVES “, and it couldn’t be more true! We are coasting, seeing life’s beauty, and making waves along the way! Looks like we are meant be living back on the OCEAN. Well, as you probably expected, we are on the move again! Surprised? I’m not! I’m moving to my fourth city in under 12 months. The joys of being a pilot wife; everyday is an adventure! We have been transferred to…
If you’ve been following my social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest) then you may have noticed the pictures I posted doing yoga poses all over the Maritimes and northern Ontario this fall. With fall in full swing, I’m preparing for the winter to come. My 10 days of yoga challenge helped me to calm the mind, relax the body, and warm the heart in preparation for the coming winter season. From flying as far north to the Hudson Bay or walking along the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia, my fall season brought me to incredible places in eastern Canada and in Ontario’s northern region. What are your favourite fall memories?
I love surprises! One of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself was keeping the gender of our baby a surprise. Despite it being torture for my poor husband who would have preferred to find out the gender at 20 weeks, he humoured me and we waited. The wives tales, guessing, and anticipation was exciting and I waited anxiously for one of the greatest surprises of my life. Few things in life are surprises, but I knew this would be one worth waiting for. By not knowing the gender, I also found that preparing for the baby’s arrival (who we lovingly referred to as “baby”, “piña” – pineapple in Spanish, or “they”) was easy and enjoyable.
Turquoise Compass Wellness 