Jocelyn,

​I can't even begin to thank you for all you did during and after labor for me. From the minute you got there, everything changed for the better. Your timeless support was an incredible blessing to both of us. We couldn't have done it without you!

Love, D.J. and Rebecca

posted 8/25/2016

Crista
5/5/2020
I highly recommend Jocelyn for anyone looking for a doula! We came to her last minute when it looked like we were switching from a midwife to an OB with the hope that having a doula could make sure our wishes were heard. We’re so thankful she took us on! She stayed in contact with us frequently leading up to my due date to check in on how I was doing. The morning I went into labor (at 3 am) she arrived quickly and got right to work gathering all the information about the beginning of my labor and getting a TENS unit on my back. We quickly realized I was progressing too quickly to make it to the hospital and while we were all frozen with that reality, she calmly gave everyone a task to prepare for an unplanned home birth. She coached me with such a calm demeanor as I brought our boy into the world. I’m immensely thankful Jocelyn was there. Her calm presence made what could have been a traumatic experience a beautiful and empowering birth

Kate M.

Allison A.
3/4/2021

My husband and I decided to hire a doula since it was our first pregnancy and we weren't sure what to expect. After searching many doulas, we found Jocelyn and instantly knew she would be a great fit! She's calm, knowledgeable, resourceful, and is psssionate about what she does. She also was available any time I had questions. I felt that she really helped educate/prep me for delivery. Our goal was completely natural- Which we 1/2 way achieved. I was doing good until my labor started moving super fast, I couldn't keep up with it. I ended up getting an epidural and as soon as it was starting to kick it, I was already pushing-.. haha that's why I say we 1/2 way achieved a natural delivery. I think my favorite part of the whole experience were a few things.. 1. Jocelyn was so supportive and did such a good job at explaining everything. I felt like I was able to make informed decisions without feeling persuaded. 2. She took some amazing pictures for us during labor and delivery which I will be forever grateful for. 3. She sends an email after birth that sums up the process.  Words can't describe how incredible it was to reread/review the birthing process while holding my baby. Such a cool experience and I was happy to relive it during the email. Thank you for everything Jocelyn! You truly are such a blessing.

Kate M.
3/3/2020
Jocelyn has a presence about her that makes her feel like your friend's cool mom who always has cookies in the oven and gives really good hugs. Like she's not your mom, but a really close second. That was exactly what I was looking for in a doula, and Jocelyn totally fulfilled all my needs. When my little one was rushed to the NICU right after birth, having her there to hold my hand while my husband went with the baby was truly helpful. I don't know what I would have done without her. Plus she has a good sense of humor and I find that important in a doula! Thanks for everything Jocelyn, you are a star!!

 

One word: AMAZING. Jocelyn was actually my backup doula and I had never met her. My baby girl was sunny side up so I was having horrible back labor. My hubby called Jocelyn to come over because I was beside myself with pain and was not coping well at all. The minute she walked in, everything changed. She helped me to calm down and regain control. She instantly felt like part of the family; like I'd known her forever. Her voice and manner were so calming. She had all kinds of ways to help ease the pain and get me through my contractions. My husband and her made an amazing team. They got to the point where they didn't even have to talk to know what they needed to do. It was seamless. I was planning on giving birth at a birth center, but due to unforseen events, I had to transfer to the hospital. Knowing that Jocelyn was in charge of keeping the hospital staff to stick to my birth plan was a load off my mind. She very politely but firmly made sure the hospital staff knew what I wanted and why. Since my midwife was unable to stay with me at the hospital due to regulations, having the continuity of care through Jocelyn helped so much. To know someone other than my husband who was helping me made all the difference. Without her, I honestly don't think I could have relaxed enough to have a regular birth. Jocelyn sat next to me all night, encouraging me thorugh the pain, helping me make the difficult choice about whether to get an epidural (it had been 20 hours of difficult laboring and I wasn't progressing and couldn't relax), allowing my husband to sleep for a while, and continuing to remind me how to stay calm. Jocelyn is an amazing doula and a wonderful woman. If you think you don't need a doula, please reconsider. I couldn't have gone through such a difficult birth without her. I thought that a doula would be redundant since my husband is extreamly supportive. It wasn't. Both my husband and I were incredibly thankful that she was there. She is fantastic!
Rebecca
Posted 11/1/2016

As someone who spent a lot of time researching and planning to have the optimal birth experience, I can confidently say that hiring jocelyn was by far the investment during the entire process. Jocelyn met with my husband and I twice before the birth. She demonstrated daily exercises to help prepare my body and move baby into the best position. She was with us through my entire labor (which came 2 weeks early) and was absolutely essential in helping me cope and deliver baby naturally. When I look back at the birth experience, I am empowered and overwhelmingly grateful to have had Jocelyn by my side. 

Posted 7/18/2017 K. H.

Beautiful Beginnings Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula

and Childbirth Education

​​Jocelyn Skinner CD(DONA) LCCE

Shana
5/20/2020
Jocelyn was such a great support system for my first birth. I really wanted to give birth naturally, and I felt the type of support Jocelyn provided really helped me to acheive my goal. It's just so comforting knowing someone who is experienced and compassionate is in your corner and there to encourage you when things get challenging. 

We gave Jocelyn a call at about 2am when we arrived at the hospital and she arrived shortly after and was with me throughout the whole experience. She was just the right amount of vocal and worked beautifully with the nurses and hospital staff. She has really perfected the art of knowing how to comfort someone in labor! I realized once I was in labor that I really did not like people talking to me, and I never felt annoyed by her, because she intuitively knew what I needed! That is a gift! 

I'm so thankful that Jocelyn was able to help us welcome our baby boy, Holden, into the world. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking out an additional support person to help them through the process of pregnancy and childbirth. Thank you Jocelyn!

Alysha
3/12/2021

I had the pleasure of having Jocelyn as my doula for my second child's birth. I had an epidural with my first daughter, and I was really hoping to have a natural birth the second time around. Jocelyn did an exceptional job helping me accomplish this. She was extremely knowledgeable in answering our questions during our prenatal visits and made us feel comfortable putting such a precious moment in her hands. Throughout my 18+ hour labor process she encouraged me, helped coach with techniques like spinning babies, used resources like her TENS unit/the birthing ball, and even encouraged me to pump in order to speed up the contractions. She also sat next to me as I labored for lengthy periods of time in the tub. She put cool wash cloths on my head, encouraged me to drink water/eat, and made sure I was being advocated for. I felt like she knew exactly what I needed at the perfect time. If something wasn't working, she was quick to find a way for it to work or think of something new. My husband really enjoyed having someone there who could coach him throughout the process as well. Jocelyn truly went above and beyond. She even managed to take pictures for us. I know for certain I would not have been able to accomplish a natural birth without her. She is such an inviting, caring, and sweet individual. I would highly recommend her to any pregnant momma. 

Testimonials 

I cannot recommend Jocelyn enough!  We had a great birthing experience and I credit much of that to Jocelyn's presence, support, and suggestions.  She had a ton of information and recommendations both during prenatal visits and throughout labor and delivery.  She kept our preferences and aspects of our birth plan in mind the entire time and helped us get the information we needed to make decisions.  We really appreciate all of her help!​

Kami
Posted 4/21/2019 

Jocelyn was so great! Prior to labor she met with us to find out the kind of labor we wanted. Her questions were detailed and thorough. When I went into labor she was easy to get in contact with, and had some good ideas to help my labor along. Even when we called in the middle of the night, she was ready to come over and provide assistance. Throughout the whole labor she knew when to jump in and when to step back. She worked well with my husband, helping him to help me. I also liked that after our baby was born she came to visit twice to make sure we were doing well and offer help with finding resources. Overall, our experience with Jocelyn was very positive, and I will be reccomending her to my pregnant friends!  
Alex H.
Posted 9/9/2016

Jocelyn was an absolute essential part of our birth team, hiring her was one of the best decisions my husband and I made regarding the birth of our daughter.  She was not only professional and knowledgeable, but she was also caring, supportive, and very reassuring.  She was respectful of my wishes and at no time did I feel anything but support from her.

Jocelyn met with us a couple of times before the birth to discuss my birth preferences, answer questions, and help navigate through the planning process.  Due to some health issues, the birth went nothing like I had planned.  Jocelyn helped me through each step of the birth and was tremendously calming in my worst moments.  She helped normalize the process for me and helped me make informed decisions for myself.  

If we have another child I will definitely want Jocelyn by my side for that birth!
Christy Appell
Posted 4/29/2017

Jocelyn was very kind and encouraging. Although my birth plan did not work out as hoped, due to complications, she was there to support me and coach me through my 11 hour labor. I especially appreciate the pictures she took of my baby's birth to help capture those precious memories that I may have otherwise forgotten. I also really appreciate her help in getting my husband involved in an uncomfortable situation for him; and Let's face it, most men don't know what to do in that situation. Lol But Jocelyn helped him feel as comfortable as possible and to get in there and support and encourage me and to be part of the whole process. Thank you!!
Deanna 
Posted 7/12/2017

I couldn’t more highly recommend Jocelyn; she was a Godsend to us. I am so grateful for her calming presence and encouragement throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. She was supportive of us and our decisions and affirming to me when I struggled in my anxiety. My husband and I agree that our son’s birth would not have gone as well as it did without Jocelyn’s presence and expertise as a doula. (Plus, she’s a wonderful person, and we enjoyed her company!) I would certainly work with her again and am recommending her to everyone I know. 
Shelley
Posted 4/22/2018

I would not have been able to give birth with no intervention without Jocelyn. I was skeptical of how much a doula can help when you get an epidural, but the exercises, the psychological support, pushing techniques, and help handling all the options that the medical staff offer that she provided, were key for me to safely give birth and have a great recovery.
Maura
Posted 2/27/2017

Jocelyn helped with the birth of our first child a couple of weeks ago. Before the birth, she helped us put together our vision for the birth and work on some positioning and other exercises to help with labor. Unfortunately nothing about the birth happened like we had envisioned. Jocelyn was instrumental in helping me physically, mentally, and emotionally get through 3 days of labor induction and an eventual c-section. She was also a huge help mentally and emotionally for my husband. She had an amazing optimism and enthusiasm despite little to no sleep for 2 days. She was so supportive and encouraging when I just wanted to give up! She was also great at helping my husband support me and make sure he was a full participant in the process. I am so glad she was on our team for the long journey to welcoming our son into the world. My husband and I would hire her again in a heartbeat. 
Keeley
Posted 2/18/2018