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My name is Jessica Nicholson Oates. I grew up in the Lake Country area, moved to Madison, WI for schooling, and then moved back to the area once I started a family. I consider myself to be very optimistic, genuine, and thoughtful. I believe, if I am my true self that it will help others feel comfortable enough to show me their true self. You will always be greeted with a smile, as I have a very positive and have an upbeat attitude. Lastly, I love listening and learning about my clients. This allows me to put personal touches and thought into all that I do for my clients so that they feel special, cared for, and have a positive experience.

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and love to learn about relationships, families, and especially women’s health. I will list below my education and training. My education is continuous as I actively meet more people and listen to their stories, read more books, and take in any education I can.     
   
I have a history of working with many different families through care taking and as a Family Therapist. My whole life, I have been driven to working with women and kiddos. When I learned all the positive benefits a Birth and Postpartum Doula can have for families and the birth/postpartum experience, I was drawn to it! I feel very passionate about being a Doula by empowering expecting individuals and enhancing the birth experience throughout their postpartum period.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me, I truly believe there is a Doula for every family that wants one. I would love to meet with you to learn all about you! Please keep reading to learn more about Tree of Life...

About the Doula

I love the outdoors, exploring new places, learning new things, staying active, and I consider myself a bubble bath connoisseur. I have made it my life's mission to find the worlds best pizza, Cesar salad, and almond croissants.  When I am not busy doing those things you will find me with my family or friends!

LOVES

"Hate's a strong word" my mom always told me, so my list is small... when people (especially birthing people/parents) are not treated fairly or respectfully. 

HATES

Welcome

Are you an expecting parent, thoughtful birth partner, or maybe someone curious about birth work or what a Doula is? Then you have come to the right place! My hope is that everyone feels welcome in this space, to find support, and the right resources for them.

To learn more, keep scrolling or click the navigate links. To view all of TOL's content please view it on a desktop to see FAQ's, resource guide, and more. You can also follow TOL on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration and all things birth related @tolbirthdoula. To connect to TOL directly, please email jnicholson@treeoflifebirth.org. I look forward to hearing from you!

Tree of Life.

Doula & Birth Services.

Photography by Leah Kornish

Education & Training

B.S. In Psychology from Edgewood College
M.S. In Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College
Childbirth Education from Dr. Amy Gilliland (DONA certified)
Birth Doula training from Dr. Amy Gilliland (DONA certified)
Powerful Prenatal Workshop training from Dr. Amy Gilliland (DONA certified)
Prenatal Yoga Level 1 training from Amy Kranz, Ph.D., E-RYT, RPYT & Doula
Spinning Babies trained by Tammy Ryan, AdvCD/BDT (DONA), SpBT
Certified in Acupressure for Birth by “Acupressure for Birth”
Lactation Management for Doula’s by L.E.R (DONA certified)
Breastfeeding Support for Doula’s by Barbara Robertson (DONA certified)
Postpartum Doula Training from Patty Brennan (DONA certified)
Herbs for the Childbearing year by Katia Lemore (Midwife & Herbalist)
VBAC Link Certified
Body Ready Method Certified


Tree of Life LLC. is a business which provides Birth and Postpartum Doula services to people that are expecting a baby or just have welcomed home a new baby. I am located in Delafield, WI but am willing to travel anywhere in a 60 mile radius*. My hope is to build a community of families that can support each other through all the different phases of life. Stay tuned as TOL will be expanding it's services!






*Additional fee after 30 miles, see pricing below.


About Tree of Life.

To get in touch please email jnicholson@treeoflifebirth.org.

 

Photography by Leah Kornish.

Photography by Leah Kornish.

This package is great for experienced birthers, last minute bookings, previous clients, or families on a budget but still want birth support. 

~ 1 Prenatal visit & 1 Postpartum visit in your home.
~ 24/7 availability via phone or email for questions and concerns.
~ On call from 38 to 42 Weeks. 
~ Continuous support throughout your labor and delivery.
~ Take pictures, if desired. 
~ Support/breaks for "birth partner (s)".
~ Guidance with breastfeeding, if desired.
~ Up to 3 hours initial post delivery support. 

*See location pricing below.



"Just the birth"
Birth Package Highlights

$900.00

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Photography by Leah Kornish.

Please contact me for more information regarding DETAILS or pricing. I do feel strongly about families getting the SUPPORT that they want/need so I do offer a sliding scale and package adjustments.

This package is great for first time birthers, families wanting a different birth experience, or families that want a deeper connection & education/support.
 
~ 2-3 Prenatal visits & 2-3 Postpartum visits in your home.
~ 24/7 availability via phone or email for questions and concerns.
~ On call from 38 to 42 Weeks.
~ MotherBoard Birth Planning App.
~ Continuous support throughout your labor and delivery.
~ Take pictures, if desired.
~ Support/breaks for "birth partner (s)".
~ Guidance with breastfeeding, if desired.
~ Up to 3 hours initial post delivery support. 

*See location pricing below.


$1200.00

"Full Birth"
Birth Package
Highlights

*Clients/birth location within 30 miles of Delafield are included in all above prices. If located 30-60 miles outside Delafield, there is an additional $1/mile.

To see client testimonials, please visit my website via desktop or DoulaMatch.net. 

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JANET SMOKE

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, DESIGNER

Doula Prices & Packages

Philosophy

"Birth is not only about making babies. It's about making mothers- strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and believe in their inner strength."

  Barbara Katz Rothman

I believe that every expecting person is strong, intelligent, and beautiful. Childbirth is one way in which people show their strength and power. Today, many people birth in fear and feeling that they have no options or power. My goal is to help empower individuals to feel confident in their birth options and confident in their bodies and instincts. My hope is that families feel fully supported and cared for throughout their experience, and beginning of new life! 

Photography by Leah Kornish. 

FAQ's

What is a birth doula?

A Birth Doula is a person who provides emotional and physical support to a laboring person. As a Birth Doula trained by DONA, I was trained in techniques that are supported by research or evidence-based techniques. Techniques that I use are specific to the laboring person and the labor/delivery but they could include massage, cold/hot therapy, use of a birthing tool, assist with position changes, assist with comfort needs, support birth partner (s), empower parent (s) to speak on their desires, listening, and a lot more. I also help prepare for the birth and postpartum phase. We will discuss these more as we work together.  

What are the benefits of a birth doula?

Research shows that some of the benefits of having a Birth Doula is less likely to need a cesarean birth, less likely to need Pitocin, less likely to need pain medication, and higher rates of a positive birth experience. In general, we provide continuous support to the laboring mother, support the "birth partner (s)", and can enhance the birth experience for baby and laboring person. Please click this link to see research articles that explains the specific findings: DONA article. 

Do you take the place of dads/partners/family members?

Absolutely not. “Birth Partner(s)” all play a VERY important role in the birth of a baby. A Birth Doula’s role is to be flexible with how the laboring person and their birth partner will need support. The role of a Doula can vary family to family and that is perfectly normal. Here are some main areas of how a Doula could differ or add additional support: works together with the birth partner for a team approach to help comfort laboring individual, recognize normal/abnormal signs, assist with comfort techniques and positions, assist with communication, be an unbiased body, if baby/mom were to get separated there will be two of us to stay with each person, take pictures so you can just enjoy the moment, actively listen to expecting person and birth partner, give the birth partner a break, and make sure the birth partner is well supported. My approach is to individualize support and care per family to what their needs and desires. 

What if I have a planned or unplanned "MEDICATED" or cesarean birth, can you still help?

Yes! I am trained in how to assist a laboring person even if they had an epidural/IV pain medications and how to help even in a cesarean. I believe whether interventions are planned or unplanned it is your birth and I am here to help you. Let’s discuss this more.

Is there anyone or any "type" of birth you don't work with?

The answer is mostly no. I can work in any setting (hospital, birth center, or home), work with any relationship/family type, work with unmedicated or medicated births, work with any religious/spiritual belief system, first time to experienced expecting person, singlets to multiples, different races or cultures, and more. I encourage people to meet with multiple Doulas to make sure that they find the best fit for them. I am not able to support "unassisted childbirth or freebirth", but happy to offer referrals.

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Books

Resources and Helpful tools

Local Resources

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, April Bolding, Ann Keppler, and
Janelle Durham  

The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions by Penny
Simkin 

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin 

Breastfeeding made simple... by Nancy Mohrbacher & Kathleen Kendal- Tackett

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to Secret Fears of New Moms by Karen Kleiman

Websites/Other

DONA International: Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Mama Natural: Pregnancy, gentle parenting, newborn care, and more.

Childbirth connection: Pregnancy and maternity information.

Lamaze International: Pregnancy, birth, and parenthood resource.

Kellymom: Breastfeeding and parenting support. 

Postpartum Support International: Postpartum resource.


Do you love learning about birth? Are you feeling anxious and wanting as much information as possible? Do you wish you knew what resources were local to you? Here's your place!

Photography by leah kornish.

Seeking more information regarding pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or PARENTING, please contact me and I can help guide you to a helpful resource!

Moms Mental Health Initiative

On Purpose Psyche Counseling

Lake Country Moms- Wisconsin Facebook Group and Events

Choice Matters Midwife Collective

Essense Family Chiropractic

 @tolbirthdoula

Ali Ali Healing Acupuncture

Steps to take:

Photography by leah kornish

Client Testimonials 

I cannot say enough positive things about Jessica - I would hire her again in a heartbeat! Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, but put in a lot of effort to get to know my husband and I as individuals. She provided a wide variety of resources based on the birth experience I wanted and it was great to pick her brain. She never told me or my husband what to do, but provided great resources, tips and suggestions so we could make our own choices and feel good about them.

Ultimately, I had exactly the birth experience I wanted. Jessica was a great presence to have at the birth and brought supplies with her that I would not have considered, like electric tea lights for around the tub. She was constant, steady and affirming, even in the hardest moments of labor. Jessica is intuitive and I know she would have easily pivoted to fit whatever needs I had or the experience I wanted. I highly recommend her! 
~Selina




There are not enough good things to say! Jessica was invaluable during my pregnancy and birth journey. This was my second baby and even though I had already been through the experience once, having a doula was not negotiable for me. Jessica communicated with me regularly throughout my whole pregnancy with frequent check-ins and quickly answered any questions I had and found resources that were relevant. She was an absolute dream to work with and made me feel so comfortable through my whole labor. She also made sure my husband felt included and useful, since sometimes it's hard for partners to know what to do during labor. You need her!
~Jillyan

Jessica is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I largely credit her with being able to achieve my VABC. My first birth experience was far less than ideal and my only goal for this birth was not to repeat my last experience. Hiring Jessica was the single best decision I made in pursuit of that goal. She stayed with me through the entire induction process, helping me find ways to move my body as well as ways to relax. She held me as things got hard and she supported my decision to get pain relief 18 hours in. When it was time to push, she asked the nurses for a squat bar and wrapped the rebozo around it to give me leverage. This is exactly what I needed, but I was unable to communicate it. Once baby emerged, Jessica grabbed my phone and captured moment that I will cherish forever. In the following weeks she reached out to check on me and gave me a chance to debrief, filling in the gaps in my memory. I cannot recommend her highly enough! 
~Laurin 

I can’t say thank you enough Jessi for all of the help and support you’ve given me throughout my pregnancy. There have been so many ups and downs and you’ve always been there giving me such loving, kind and compassionate advice, without judgment, along with guidance, a listening ear, reliability, stability and the strength and confidence that I need to make it through as my journey continues! 

I’m so very grateful for all of the love you put into your work. Your giving nature and joy for motherhood, helping mothers feel more secure in the most important time in there life! I give you all the credit in the world, your truly an angel.

Thank you for all you do! To all mothers and us soon to be mothers in this world! 
- Your such a blessing!-
~Alex


Jessica was nothing short of amazing! When I initially hired her as a doula, I thought that she would be a source to lean on for my labor and delivery. I had no idea that she would become so much more. From prenatal visits to postpartum help, she was ultimately someone I would call a friend. She walked me and my husband through so many questions and scenarios during the prenatal visits. She made me feel better prepared for birth. She was very patient and nonjudgmental with both of us, as we were newbies to labor and delivery. She was incredible for the birth, and I would never want to have another baby without her present. She was always taking notes and listening, making sure my needs were being met by the nursing staff. She was also very attentive to the birth plan, observing the staff as an extra set of eyes to make sure our wishes were being honored. The nursing staff was very busy that night and didn’t have the extra hands available to always be there when needed. Jessica made me feel like I had my own personal nurse by recommending position changes and helping me execute those movements with safety for mom and baby in mind. She was a huge motivation, encouraging me to keep going. Jessica was great about making sure I stayed hydrated- something so small but honestly, I would have overlooked it in the moment. She had many supplies with her that I never would have thought to bring, and I used several of them. The icing on the cake was an essential oil massage of my feet during labor! The postpartum visits were a great resource as well. I am very particular with who holds and cares for my baby and she is one of the few I trust with my child while I take a break. She isn’t afraid to jump in and start doing household tasks which were piling up from my recovery. I will recommend Jessica to all my pregnant friends.
~Natalie

Jessica was amazing! She was so supportive of our birth plan and all the changes we ended up making in labor. She rolled with everything, always making sure we felt well informed before we made any decisions. Jessica did an excellent job supporting me physically and emotionally, and sharing with my husband what he can be doing to best support me. We plan on having her back for our next birth. I highly recommend hiring Jessica if you want a supportive and encouraging birth experience. 
~Marie

As a first time mom, labor and delivery is one of the scariest unknowns you can think of. All of the what ifs and anxiety of what could happen can overwhelm you. From the second I met with Jessica when I was pregnant, she made me feel heard with what I wanted out of my birth. My husband was on the fence about getting a doula thinking he could support me enough, but when the day came he couldn't have changed his mind fast enough. We will have Jessica at every birth of our little ones. She worked w my husband and the nurses as a team. She supported my choices during labor and got me trying all positions to try to relieve my pain. She was truly amazing and I can't think of what my labor would've been like without her. The nurses are there for you, but don't have your best interest like she does. Even when I got my epidural which I didn't want to have to do, she still had me changing positions every hour or so to keep baby moving down into the cervix. She even took detailed notes of my labor and tons of amazing pictures that we will be able to look back on forever. She set up my room with the most peaceful ambiance too! I truly cannot say enough good things about my experience. She turned what was a really scary and nerve racking unknown into a memorable and amazing labor and delivery process. One that I'll never forget. Thank you so much, Jessica!
~Carly N.

I had the most incredible birth experience because of Jessie's incredible work as my doula. For my 3rd baby, I really wanted to have an unmedicated water birth at Authentic Birth and I knew my husband could only do so much as my support person. I found Jessie and she was a godsend. She had such calming energy, she worked with me through every contraction, she offered suggestions for position changes, encouraged me, and made me feel like I could really do this! I really don't think I could have gotten through it without her and I am so grateful that she was there to support me! After the birth my midwife commented that she was an incredible doula and that her presence was so calming and zen. My husband also really appreciated all of Jessie's help and I think her presence also helped him a great deal. If there's any chance of my having a 4th baby, I would certainly hire Jessie to support me again. I couldn't have possibly gotten through the marathon of birth without her by my side!
~Ashley H.

Jessica was an AMAZING doula! I cannot say enough great things about her. I just delivered my fourth child a week ago and my experience was incredible. I knew right when I met Jessica I wanted her as my doula. I wanted my husband to be able to be there as my support partner and not have to think about everything else. My husband and Jessica were a great team. Jessica asked about all of the details of my previous births and about my current birth plan. She supported every aspect of it during birth and after for the baby. I had the most incredible natural birth and Jessica played a huge part in allowing me to do this. She had great recommendations on different positions I should be in throughout labor that really helped things progress. She was so calming and created a calm ambience. Jessica had tea lights setup around the tub, had calm music playing, did accupressure, used oils, used cold compress on neck and head and applied counter pressure during contractions which helped immensely. She jumped right in and even my nurse commented on how amazing she was. It was amazing to have Jessica at my birth and I'm so grateful she was able to support me through a natural delivery.
~Julie O.

To see more testimonials please visit doulamatch.net//profile/24122/jessica-nicholson-oates

If there is one thing that I would do again in preparation for labor and delivery, it would be to hire Jessica each and every time. When I was deciding on a home birth or hospital birth, the one thing I knew I wanted was a calm and supportive environment and hiring Jessica allowed both myself and my husband to experience that for the birth of our son. 
I opted for a hospital birth with an induction due to some higher risk tendencies of my pregnancy. As the birth neared, Jessica came to my house multiple times and provided guidance and information to help prepare us for the different experience and outcomes. At the hospital, during labor, her expertise helped us make informed decisions, enjoy a relaxing environment, and keep my grounded when I was experiencing the peak of pain and exhaustion. And, after the birth, she provided a wonderful recounting of the experience with photos, which I never would have expected but truly appreciated. 
To anyone looking for a true partner before, during, and after labor, and a pre- and post-partum resource, I'd highly recommend hiring Jessica for her doula services. 
~Mattie 

We loved having Jessica as our doula and will 100% hire her again. The education and support she provided us throughout our whole journey was amazing. She was super organized- the information, resources, and check-ins pre birth were super helpful in getting us prepared. During labor she provided a calm presence that helped set the vibe in the hospital. Her suggestions for positions and breathing were so helpful since I couldn't make decisions during those tough moments. After birth I still felt supported- she brought postpartum snacks and was continuing to be a resource for the million question we had being new parents. Also, being able to talk through our experience was something I didn't know I needed. She did all the little things that made a huge impact. 
Having Jessica as our doula was the extra piece to the puzzle to help us feel confident and supported and ultimately helped us have a successful labor and delivery. She feels like a friend and a resource that we will continue to use. Thank you for everything Jessica!
~Paige

We will be in touch shortly. Meanwhile, feel free to browse our Facebook or Instagram feed @tolbirthdoula.

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