Jen Ballew
Jen Ballew
Jen Ballew
About me
I’m Jen Ballew, a birth and postpartum practitioner with over a decade of experience supporting families through the sacred threshold of bringing new life into the world. I believe birth is not just a physical event—it’s a profound rite of passage that deserves reverence, preparation, and care. My work blends somatic wisdom, trauma-informed support, and a deep respect for each family’s unique path. I guide parents in reconnecting with their inner knowing, understanding their options, and approaching both birth and postpartum with clarity, confidence, and trust. As the founder of The Parenthood Project, I’ve created a holistic framework that weaves together evidence-based education, nervous system regulation, and community-centered care. My postpartum support is especially focused on helping parents recover in body and spirit, adjust to new rhythms, and feel truly nurtured in the early weeks and months after birth. From emotional processing and newborn care guidance to sleep support and somatic healing practices, I hold space for the full spectrum of this tender transition. You don’t have to do this alone—this journey is meant to be witnessed, honored, and held.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice (2005)
Certification and training
Birth Doula Certification, International Doula Institute (2018)
Birth Doula Certification, Madriella (2025)
Mama Moon Postpartum Healing Program - Traditional Chinese Medicine Postpartum Healing Program (2020)
Postpartum Doula Certification, Madriella (2025)
Ecstatic Birth Practitioner Program (2021)
Sleep Savvy Sleep Professional - Sleep Counseling Institute (2022)
Specialties
Languages
English
Service introduction
I offer holistic, trauma-informed care for families in the prenatal, birth, and postpartum seasons. My services include personalized birth preparation rooted in somatic practices, evidence-based education, and nervous system support to help you feel grounded, informed, and confident as you approach birth. I specialize in preparing families for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), helping you navigate the emotional and physical layers of healing and reclaiming your birth experience. My postpartum offerings are designed to support the full spectrum of early parenthood—from emotional integration and physical recovery to newborn care, sleep, and family rhythm. I offer nourishing postpartum meal prep with healing foods rooted in traditional care, placenta encapsulation for hormonal balance and vitality, and gentle postnatal bodywork to support healing and release. I also provide overnight newborn sleep shaping during the early weeks, as well as sleep coaching when challenges arise later on—helping families create sustainable, responsive sleep rhythms without resorting to harsh methods. Whether you’re looking for hands-on help, emotional support, or guidance as you adjust to life with a new baby, I’m here to walk alongside you with care, presence, and deep respect. Both virtual and in-person support options are available.
Ratings and reviews
Jen was my doula for the birth of my second child. I was determined to do a hospital VBAC with minimal intervention and Jen was instrumental in helping me design and realize my birth plan. I was immediately drawn to her confident and down-to-earth energy; I knew she was strong enough for me to lean on, but would not overpower my voice. I appreciated that she was was supportive of my evidence-based values but also challenged me to consider some of my choices in a different way. For example, she helped me get connected to more supportive midwife care at HOAG when I was experiencing some pushback from my original OBGYN group on my VBAC plans. During the birth, Jen felt like a stable pillar of support. I felt more confident in my own ability to have a low-intervention birth knowing she was there by our side. There was a point when I wanted to give up, but Jen held my hand through the pain and helped me find that confidence in myself again. I know my husband was also grateful for her steady leadership and guidance. Jen taught us some critical counter-pressure techniques and helped me advocate for things that made my birth experience more comfortable in the hospital setting (inflatable tub, laughing gas, etc.). Overall, I had a really wonderful birth experience with Jen by my side. I wish I had her with me for the birth of my firstborn.
- Nicolette Z.
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