Last Birth for 2012

2012 is ending with a bang. I attended my 6th birth on December 18th. My client wasn't due until early January, but labor came on fast and furious. This was my first truly precipitous labor. By the time we met at the hospital, she was ready to push. I didn't do much as a doula, but my client said she found what I said to her during pushing very helpful. I learned that words can be as powerful as touch!

On a personal note, this birth was very meaningful to me. Last year on December 18th, I suffered my 5th miscarriage and this year I was able to witness my 5th birth (since one I attended was a c-section). Also, baby's name means "blessed". I feel really blessed and redeemed!

I am looking forward to what is in store for me in 2013. Stay tuned...

Come on! Get Homebirth Happy

I attended my first natural and homebirth  on Sunday. One word--AWESOME!  Attending a homebirth is so much different than a hospital birth. It feels peaceful and relaxing and mom was able to labor wherever she wanted. This is the first time that I was super hands-on as a doula. I did massage, position changes, and other comfort measures. At one point when labor stalled, I was actually napping with mom on the same bed. It was very rewarding when she really needed me. The midwives were great. We really had a great team. Mom was such a trooper. She overcame many obstacles and achieved her goal beautifully. It was worth every hour!

I highly recommend homebirth if the circumstances are safe for you!