Janet Tolley
RNC-OB, BAN, IBCLC, CD (DONA)

Janet Tolley is a Registered Nurse who is certified as a Labor and Postpartum Doula. She is also an International Board Certified Lactation Counselor. Janet has worked with mothers and babies since 1981. Janet was the Lactation and Doula Programs Facilitator at the Birth Center at St. Johns Hospital until her retirement in November 2014. Janet and husband John are the parents of 4 sons including a set of twins. She is also skilled in helping parents with new babies in their homes.
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"I became interested in doula service when I was introduced to the concept of labor support. I never realized that the service I provided to my close friends and family members had a special name. I have worked as a nurse since 1973 and find that now I am doing what I was meant to do. I love helping parents bring their much-loved child into the world and I am humbled that they allow me to play a small role in such an exciting and wonderful moment. Seeing parents fall in love with the newest member is a great joy for me. I feel I bring a quiet supportive presence to the couple during a time that they find the inner strength to deliver their baby. I like the ability to assist in transition from the hospital to the home with the postpartum care."

I am committed to the promotion, support and protection of breastfeeding. I have been assisting mothers and babies since 1993 and as an international board-certified lactation consultant since 1996, I am here to help women establish and maintain breastfeeding. If you have a breastfeeding challenge,  you can contact me for assistance.

Cell: (217) 971-2855
Email: janet.tolley@att.net

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Testimonials

We can not think of having a baby without doula. Our friends said it would best the best decision we could ever make, and it was. Thanks Janet for your help, guidance, and support during our pregnancy. Your presence at our delivery made a big difference! 
- Katie & Josh

At first we didn't know if we could afford the cost but after our shower we had plenty of money to pay for our doula." Our family thought it was a great idea to have a Doula shower. I have suggested this method to getting what you really need - someone to help at the birth. 
- Susie B

As a new Dad I was afraid that I would let my wife down when the tough part started in labor. Janet was very reassuring and supportive to both of us. She showed me how to do the double hip squeeze and back pressure support. My wife was able to give birth the way she wanted, with no medications. Our baby girl was born alert and breastfed shortly after birth with the help of our knowledgeable doula Janet. I think every dad could use a doula and the cost is very minimal. Actually the last thing in considering her expertise in helping parents was the money. 
- James

Doulas are the best thing that ever happened for new/expecting dads. 
- Justin

Thank you very much, Janet was a big help and I will suggest anyone who is expecting to consider getting a doula. 
- Michael

Having Janet as our doula really helped me through the stages of labor – I avoided an epidural and made our experience wonderful. We will definitely recommend her and call her for our next baby. 
- Jennifer

For first time parents to be having a doula is a must. Having that extra person with the knowledge of what is going on and what is coming up. 
- Eric

When the pain was really bad and I felt I couldn’t go on Janet was a godsend from Heaven. Her organization and planning skills helped things go smoothly. She has a tremendous sense of humor that was essential in keeping things light. A doula functions as friend, mentor, and most importantly support person. Janet was all of these things as well as an expert on breastfeeding. She got me through the toughest part of labor when I wanted to give up and quit. She made me realize my body was not betraying me and that the pain had a purpose. Although I was disappointed I ended up with a c-section. Janet helped me to realize a healthy mom and baby make for a successful birth no matter how the child is born. I also appreciated Janet’s knowledge of the internal workings of the maternity ward and its staff. I am very glad she was part of our miracle. 
- Ericka