Toronto Birth Doula

I hope I didn’t have to write this review , but I feel obliged to warn other moms of my experience with Leah Jackson of Toronto Birth Doula. I was struggling with my pregnancy because of a sudden loss of a close relative and I was still dealing with the emotional trauma from the birth of my first child. I was very worried about postpartum depression and anxiety so I decided to hire a doula to help me cope. Unfortunately, the decision in hiring Leah was a huge mistake. Even though she was very much aware of my situation, she did not fulfill 33 hours of postpartum care that were paid in full. She only completed one night of postpartum care at the hospital and never showed up for the rest. She cancelled 4 consecutive times on the day she was supposed to show up. She said she was sick and other times gave me no reason. I gave her chance to get her schedule organized and when I reached out to book my hours, she said that she is fully booked in the next 6 weeks and can only “squeeze” me in by then. I was very unhappy about this considering she cancelled on me at the last minute and now I have to wait 6 weeks to get postpartum care ( which is the end of my newborn stage). When confronted, she then changed her story to “she has long covid” thus the 6 weeks wait. We tried calling numerous times, left voice messages but none were returned or answered. I asked for my money back if she can’t fulfill the hours and she refused. 33 hours at $45/hour - you do the math. She took it and never looked back.  Needless to say that this caused me incredible stress during my most vulnerable state.

Leah was my prenatal/postpartum doula for my first child. My partner travels for work and I was worried about being alone if I went into labour early while he was away. Leah calmed those fears instantly. She has a wealth of knowledge and a comforting presence. My little breech baby came early with my partner home, and because it was a c-section, her services were not required at the hospital. Leah’s focus after that was caring for me during my healing process. Our visits consisted of helpful information, mindfulness and massage. I felt great mentally and physically after every visit.I am very grateful Leah was part of my journey into motherhood. I would not hesitate to recommend Leah, or hire her again.

Leah was part of my two member birth team along with my husband. I used Leah's services leading up to the birth to help us understand birthing positions and how my partner could support me during labour, as well as during the labour and delivery itself. I cannot say enough great things about her. My labour was long and difficult and Leah spent 24 hours with us in the delivery room supporting us. From giving me different positions to try during labour to get the baby in the right position, to helping me relax with soothing massages, to supporting me heavily during the pushing stage, Leah was amazing at it all. The nurses at Mt. Sinai even complimented her and wanted to learn from her. Leah even had the presence of mind to take detailed notes during the whole process and to take photos right when our baby was born - which I really appreciated.I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Leah's services to anyone looking to add a wonderful calm and knowledgeable human to their birth team.

Leah Jackson is not to be trusted. After being paid in full, Leah could not stick to her commitment of overnight stays to help mom post-birth with her newborn baby as was agreed pre-birth. Leah repeatedly cancelled last minute claiming she was sick. This occurred 4 times in a row over several weeks. She then could not make herself available for phone calls and would only take a new appointment a month out over text, which obviously could not be relied upon. We can't even get her to reply to calls or texts anymore. Leah claims to be a yogic healer and caregiver but in reality, she is more like a huckster and a fraud. There's a special place for those among us who prey on women at one of their most vulnerable times in life, pre and post-birth, so it’s disgraceful that she pretends to be a healer. Leah's take the money and run" routine also dirties the name of doulas and the yoga community at large exploiting the compassion that both of these communities can provide. Leah Jackson is a fraud

Leah was my doula for my first baby born in April 2021 and I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with her. I didn’t realize the importance of having support from a doula until actually going through pregnancy and postpartum. Leah was a huge emotional support for me throughout the entire journey, provided the most relaxing prenatal massage and yoga, and educated me and my husband on many aspects of childbirth and postpartum care. I felt empowered and unafraid going into labour and delivery, largely because of the conversations and preparation that Leah and I had done beforehand. Leah is an extremely loving and conscientious doula and truly cares about the health and happiness of her clients. I would highly recommend her services for any new or experienced mom!!

Leah supported us through our twin birth and has supported us with overnight help! Our experience with Leah has been perfect. She is so incredibly wise, calming and easy to connect with. She attended my twin birth and truly helped me to feel relaxed and stress free. She has supported us with an overnight, where mom and dad were able to get some sleep and she taught us some tips and tricks to help lengthen our twins sleep. I would highly recommend working with Leah if you are considering using a doula.

We had such a great experience with Leah through my pregnancy. Giving birth during such uncertain times through this pandemic; restrictions with one support person etc. was unnerving to say the least! But Leah offered virtual doula sessions that brought such comfort and security; equipping my husband and I to prepare for the birth of our second child.Her wealth of knowledge and calm demeanour helped me tune in in the weeks approaching my due date. Her breathing tips helped me through all my contractions, with a very speedy delivery!She wasn’t physically at our birth but her guidance certainly was.Her care continued even after my son was born with postpartum advice virtually.I can attest my baby loves bath time because of her recommendations of sweet, soothing techniques that any baby would adore.Leah would be an asset to any birth and empower any mama.A Tremendous Thank You Leah!Alex & Jon

Leah is a special soul. She has a beautiful, gentle, calm energy about her. She brings a plethora of knowledge regarding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, and has a a very balanced and inclusive approach. Hiring Leah was one of the best things I did for this (my first) pregnancy. She was instrumental in helping me during the home birth I chose to have - I felt safe, guided, and supported the entire time - she was my rock during labour and delivery! She helped guide my husband to be the best support he could be. The pre and post natal sessions were key in helping develop a relationship prior to, and having support with my many questions afterward! If I were to have another child I wouldn’t question for a second hiring her again. So grateful for Leah.

Hiring Leah was one of the best decisions that I made during my journey into motherhood. Leah provided prenatal services that were catered to me and my partner in preparing for labor and delivery. From our first interaction her energy was calm and confident and reassuring, and her wealth of knowledge and experience was evident.After 3 months of working with Leah, I am still extremely grateful for the warmth, kindness and respect that she brings into my home and with my family. Leah continues to cater each visit to what we need as a family that includes advise and guidance on bathing, feeding, sleeping and development in the first few months of life, we well as personal yoga and massage.

I was pregnant with my second babe and planning a second home birth with lots up in the air. First of all it was the pandemic, we were planning to move out of Toronto but didn’t know where yet, and home births don’t always go as planned. This time around we’d also have my son, a three year old, present at the birth. So, we needed someone who was very flexible, great with kids, willing to potentially travel a bit, and have experience at home births. Leah was all of these things and of course more. I had found her online after having my first son and from our first conversation and meeting I could tell she was the doula for us this time around. She was so calming, non-judgemental, held a spiritual space I was looking for and was great with our son. We had a few prenatal sessions and several phone calls before my birth. I was dealing with some fears this time around and Leah always helped by giving them space to exist and then helped me move forward. My birth was a lot different this time around. Leah and her photographer arrive and were so patient, supportive and calming throughout. Leah intuitively knew when to assist me and how and never left my side unless I asked for it. My daughter ended up coming fast once my water broke and Leah, alongside my midwife, gently helped guide my body in the water to reduce injuries and bring my girl gently into the world. I felt so supported, respected and empowered my entire birth and pregnancy - with a photo taken by her photographer showing just this when I’m seen first holding my daughter. As soon as my babe came I asked for my son who was sleeping in the next room - Leah ran and gently woke him up and brought him in our birth room so he could meet his sister. Everything happened so naturally and gently, with many thanks to Leah. I highly recommend her support to anyone!