05/25/2021
My name is Jessica James. I’m originally from the New Haven area of Connecticut, but now live with my husband and our four children in Haddam, CT. We have 2 boys and 2 girls ranging in age from 3-10 years old. Before having children, I worked as an elementary teacher. Now I am a full time, homeschooling mom. We’ll be going into our 6th year homeschooling, as my older kids are finishing up, kindergarten, 3rd and 4th grade. We have chickens, two senior dogs, two 9 month old rescue puppies, and horses that are boarded a few miles away. My family and I really enjoy being outdoors. We love to go camping, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and spend time at the beach!
I became passionate about pregnancy and childbirth after having my own 4 children. Each pregnancy and birth was so unique, but my 4th was an incredibly positive experience because I was able to birth naturally, with the support of my wonderful husband. This experience, along with attending the labor of a close friend who was using a doula, awakened in me a desire to see more women have a positive birth experience. I became a birth doula with the hope that I can use my education, passion and personal experience to support other laboring moms. I am also currently working toward my certification as a Childbirth Educator.
As mentioned, I was an elementary teacher before having children. Being a teacher greatly influenced my ability to relate to people (students, parents and other teachers) of all ages with compassion and patience. Teaching also produced in me the ability to relay information in a clear and understandable way. In addition to having my B.A in education, I’ve taken Anatomy and Physiology 1&2 and worked as a chiropractic assistant for many years. This gave me a much deeper understanding of the human body and taught me how to work with people who are in pain. I believe all of these skills will greatly enhance my work as a doula and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve pregnant women in Connecticut.
