Birthy Thoughts

This painting by Brian Kerishisnik is one of my favorites. It's called "Nativity." As I sit here writing my 6 week old baby’s birth story, I am thinking of all the angels, seen and unseen, in attendance at his birth. Their presence was definitely felt.

How interesting it is how Joseph, Mary and the midwives in this painting are unaware of ALL the angels surrounding them and how only the dog in the far right corner can sense them. I wonder how very often I am unaware of the angels surrounding me. I recall a birth I attended, as a doula a few years back. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary about the birth, but after the baby was born I could suddenly sense that there were angels in the room and it was as if they were standing in reverence and awe of the beautiful event that just took place and the sacrifice of this mother to bring life into the world. The room was full of hospital staff rushing around with the tasks of birth, but I felt like this dog, sensing these unseen spirits and just wanting to stand in awe and reverence too.

Birth is such a sacred event and I believe that angels always attend the births of God's children. I image they are often our ancestors or close friends that have passed onto the otherside of the veil, lovingly guiding these spirits into our arms and through this journey of mortality we call life.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

Randi's Birth Story

Hypnobabies was extremely helpful to me in preparing me mentally to believe in my ability to fulfill my calling as a woman. I am so thankful to have had the experience to reach within myself and truly find my inner God given strength. 

My birthing time was quite sudden and quick. The day after my due date, (the 28th) I had my midwife check me to find that I was not dilated or thinning hardly at all. I was quite discouraged because I was feeling Braxton hicks and lots of pressure in my cervix. I had her sweep me but we weren't confident it would do much. Also baby hadn't grown since the previous week so I was a bit worried. I used the fear clearing track that night to calm myself along with prayer. Friday I started getting sporadic "birthing waves" but didn't think much of it. Then Saturday morning I woke at 4:30am to birthing waves that were pretty regular and by 8am they were stronger. I got in my bathtub and listened to my birthing day affirmations and started channeling my hypno-anesthesia with each wave. I found myself turning my switch to center and saying in my head "pressure not pain" as I visualized the anesthesia attacking the pain in my body. My midwife Cyndi came around 9am and saw me in my bath and asked if I wanted to use her birthing tub... I hadn't planned to use it but opted to try it. The birthing assistant brought the tub and we filled it up while I got out of the bath and used my hypnosis through each birthing wave - while sitting on the birthing ball. By about 11:30 the tub was full and I got in. The water was an amazing comfort and I hadn't even thought until then about how my special safe place is in water and how right for me a water birth could be. Birthing waves quickly became more and more intense at that point and my husband was doing a great job at saying relax and peace to calm me but ultimately I had to remove myself from the real world and  search within myself for strength and peace. I would immerse my entire body except my face and hands (which were holding my husband's hands) under the water and either pray or say peace to myself. The anesthesia became harder for me to channel and then I became really loud, lol. I think freaked my husband out with my loud noises. I kept asking my midwife when I should push and she said I need to trust myself and push when I feel the urge. It was so strange for me to not be told when to push but soon enough I was able to listen to my body. I wish I had remembered in the moment to use Hypnobabies more but by then it was happening so fast and I lost all control. I was scared and I was making a lot of noise. My midwife then said "Randi, give me your hand." She put my hand on baby's crowning head and this incredible peace came over me. All pain left me - I saw my special safe place, my body relaxed and I let out a big sigh. I knew I was about to meet my baby. Three pushes later and my sweet Penny was on my chest and in my arms. Although I didn't use all of Hypnobabies throughout my birthing time, I am so thankful for the part it played! 

Tips For An Easier Pregnancy and Birth

Whether a woman is expecting her first or ninth baby, pregnancy and birth are important events in her life. Women who take time to prepare prenatally can have easier, more comfortable pregnancies and births. Here is a list of things that can help you as you prepare to give birth.

Hire a care provider

Many women today are looking for more natural birthing options, like un-medicated birth, water birth, delayed cord clamping, and immediate skin-to-skin with baby after the birth. Read some books on childbirth to find out what is important to you and then talk to your care provider and ask how he or she plans to support you in achieving the birth you desire. Remember, your doctor or midwife works for you, and it is in your best interest to hire one that is supportive of your desires.

Take a childbirth class

There are several different childbirth classes available today. Look for one that teaches the physiology of birth, how to stay healthy and low risk, the benefits, risks and alternatives for common medical procedures, and relaxation techniques. Every woman, whether planning a natural or medicated birth, needs to understand how her body will be working in labor and what options she has when giving birth. It is very empowering for a woman to go into her birthing time armed with the knowledge and the tools to help her give birth.

Hire a doula

A doula is a non-medical labor support person who is trained to help women throughout birth by providing information, as well as physical and emotional support. Statistically, women who have the support of a trained doula have shorter labors, fewer complications, decreased medication use, fewer cesarean sections, and increased overall birth satisfaction. A doula can be a great asset to all women in a variety of birthing situations and can help them achieve their goals for the birth they desire.

Schedule time to relax daily

Women who take time to relax daily have easier and more enjoyable pregnancies and labors. In labor, a woman’s birthing muscles function better when she is relaxed. Sign up for some yoga classes, practice meditation or hypnosis, or listen to classical music — do whatever makes you feel physically and mentally relaxed — and do it every day.

Eat well

Pregnancy provides a great opportunity to begin eating healthy, if you aren’t already doing so. Your diet will impact your health and your baby’s health. Replace processed foods and soda with whole foods and water. Read food labels and eat lots of fruits, vegetables and high-quality protein. When you eat well, you feel well.

Receive regular chiropractic care

Women who are regularly adjusted by a chiropractor throughout their pregnancies have much more comfortable pregnancies and labors. As a woman’s belly is expanding and growing, it can shift the spine out of alignment. Regular adjustments not only help ease pregnancy discomforts but also help your baby get into the best position for birth — head down, chin tucked, facing toward your back. When your baby is in the optimal fetal position, you will have an easier labor, and you will have more options as you give birth.

You will remember your child’s birth for the rest of your life, so make sure it is a good memory. Your educated choices can empower you as a woman and mother like no other event in life. Birth is unpredictable and full of surprises, so maintain flexibility as you plan for and expect the very best.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

*Originally published by The Spectrum Daily News on December 17, 2014

7 Reasons Why You Need a Doula

We'd like to thank Amy from Pink Stork Solutions for allowing us to share her article on our blog. 

Doulas are awesome. Plain and simple. These incredible women provide invaluable service to mothers around the world. A more natural birth experience is on the rise and for good reason. Check out these seven reasons why you need a doula!

Women with doulas are less likely to have C-Sections
Who wants a C-section? C-sections are expensive, intensive, and result in a long recovery time. This major surgery is on the rise throughout the US, despite the advances in technology and medical knowledge regarding birthing. In a review of studies published from 1968 to 2012, researchers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found significant data supporting the reduction of cesarean sections in women who used doulas during labor. In three studies, doula support in labor was associated between a 5%-22% reduction in C-sections. Another study found a reduction of 20.6%, and yet another found a reduction of 34.2%! Any way you slice it, having a doula improves your chances of delivering your baby naturally.

Doulas save you money!
In an age of ever-rising medical costs, a study published by the Wisconsin Medical Journal, found an estimated $29 million dollars could have been achieved for every low-risk birth were attended in-hospital by a professional doula! An estimated cost savings of $424 per delivery or $530 dollars per low-risk delivery.

Birth is expensive enough! Doulas actually save you money! Choosing to work with a doula is an investment, but one that rewards handsomely.

Doulas reduce labor time and result in fewer medical interventions
A study published in 2005 shows that the presence of a doula during labor resulted in fewer epidurals and shorter labor time. The study supports the role of the doula in the birthing process and encourages institutional changes to provide doula support to laboring women.

Doulas reduce rates of tears and deliveries via instruments
Doulas provide focused labor support to laboring mothers. Women who received doula support were 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps and 25% less likely to experience painful tearing of the vagina and proximal muscle and skin structures. A less painful birth and quicker recovery were associated with doula support.

Doulas result in more personal support from the fathers-to-be
Doulas allow fathers-to-be to support their partners physically and emotionally while doulas assist the mother during the labor process. This way, the partner can provide the personal support mothers so desperately need while having their birthing needs tended to by a certified professional. This study showed that the fathers remained further away from the mothers than doulas and talked and touched less. The father provided far more personal support while the doula resulted in significant benefits in outcome.

Women who use doulas report greater self-esteem, less depression, and a higher regard for the babies compared to women who don’t use doulas
At 6 weeks after delivery a greater proportion of doula-supported women were breastfeeding, reported greater self-esteem, less depression and a higher regard for their babies. Furthermore, doula-supported women held a much higher regard for their ability to care for their babies compared to the control mothers who opted for no doula support during birth.

Doula-assisted mothers are four-times less likely to have a low birth weight baby
In this study published in 2013, doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a low birth weight baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding. The study suggests communication and encouragement from the doula increased the mother’s self-esteem regarding her ability to impact her own pregnancy outcomes.

Convinced yet? Check out our directory of doulas and midwives here and find someone local to help you during your pregnancy journey!

Jane's Beautiful Birth

Natural childbirth, Home birth, midwife, St. George Hypnobabies

I have to start this birth story by writing a little about my first three birth experiences. I didn't choose to educate myself about birth when I was pregnant with my first two children and I had very challenging births as a result.  My first son, Jack was born via cesarean and even though it was difficult I felt that the cesarean was truly necessary. My second son, Sam was a VBAC in the hospital with an epidural--his birth was full of unnecessary interventions and was quite traumatic. After his birth, I felt like my body was broken and I couldn't even fathom the idea of ever wanting to have another baby. After 3 years I did want another baby.

When I became pregnant with Ben, my third son, I hired a midwife, Cyndi Johnson, took the Hypnobabies course, and gave birth at The Birth Sweet. My perspective on birth completely changed after Ben's birth. I experienced how birth is meant to be--gentle, kind, and peaceful. It transformed me in such a powerful way. I think I was on a birth high for a year! I wish that I had more eloquent words to describe the way I felt after his birth. I am so grateful for Cyndi's quiet confidence in me--it empowered me in so many ways as a woman and a mother. I am also grateful for the Hypnobabies program for helping me to let go of my fears about birth and to feel confident in my body's ability to give birth.

This is the story of Jane's birth; my forth child, third VBAC, second Hypnobabies-baby, and first home birth.

The night before her birth, I went to bed having pressure waves (Hypnobabies lingo for contractions) and even woke up during the night with more pressure waves, but then I would fall back asleep. This was typical of the past 3 weeks, so I tried not to get my hopes up about this being my actual birthing time. But, around 5:30 a.m. they were starting to regulate and at 7:30 a.m. they were about 7-10 minutes apart and over a minute long. I decided I should call Cyndi. I also sent my doula a text. She told me earlier in the week that she was going to be out of town. I asked her if she had left town yet. She had already left, but I wasn't worried; everything happens for a reason and I knew I was in good hands. I sent my mom and sister a text telling them that it was finally time and I hoped it really was this time (I had a few false alarms in the past month)! My midwife arrived around 8:30 and my mom and sister shortly after.

It also just so happened to be my 6 year old, Sam's birthday. I asked him, before everyone arrived, if it was okay if his little sister was born on his birthday. He thought about it for a minute and then said, "Yeah."  I was glad he was okay with it--because I don't think he really had a choice!

My mom got to work making Sam his birthday breakfast and Cyndi got set up and timed my pressure waves, did counter pressure and rubbed my back. She told me that my waves were much closer than 7 minutes apart and more like 3 minutes apart--I was surprised, but was glad that things were progressing and that I was enjoying my birthing time. I really was too. I had a massage appointment scheduled for that afternoon and I remember thinking, would I rather be getting a massage right now or be doing this? And I thought--Giving birth! I guess I really love birth!

Cyndi's assistant, April came about an hour later and she took over doing counter pressure and rubbing my back.  The mood was still pretty light and we would talk a little bit in between pressure waves and Jake would come in and make jokes and sit near me. The house was unusually quiet that day, especially with three little boys at home--I think they must have sensed the special event that was in progress.

I spent most of my birthing time rocking on the birth ball on my hands and knees. As Jane dropped deeper into my pelvis, I had to empty my bladder more often. After a pressure wave ended, I would get up and hurry to the bathroom and then before I would make it back to the birth ball I would have another pressure wave--they were that close together! So I would drop to my hands and knees--it just felt so much better to be in that position. I had my Hypnobabies Easy First Stage playing out loud on my phone right next to me during my whole birthing time--it was a huge comfort and I felt so much more relaxed when I could hear it.

At about 11:00 a.m. I decided to get into the bath tub. I floated on my belly and worked with the pressure waves. About 10 minutes later, I could tell that the waves were changing--becoming more powerful as Jane began to move her way down my birth canal. April showed Jake how to massage my back and it felt so good! As a pressure wave would begin, I would start to groan and become vocal, then Jake would massage my back and within seconds it would help me to relax and refocus. Cyndi, would say just the right words at just the right time. I hadn't really discussed any of the Hypnobabies cue words with her because I had planned on having my doula there, but she picked up on them and would say, "Release." The Hypnobabies cues really helped so much to keep me relaxed and focused. Sometimes, as I could feel a wave approaching, I would say, "Talk to me Cyndi."  Her voice and words were so calming.

At one point April asked me if I felt like pushing.  I told her "No, not yet." But sure enough, with the next pressure wave I started to feel pushy and I told her so--it's pretty amazing how a good birth team can become so in tune with a birthing woman. After pushing through a couple of waves my water broke. Wow, what a cool thing to feel under water!

I could feel Jane moving down even more with each pressure wave and it made me emotional, we had waited and waited for this day, and now she was almost here! Soon I could feel her crowning--I reached down and could feel her head. When the pressure wave ended, she would slip back up--in a two step forward, one step back fashion.   Cyndi's words were so encouraging. She said things like, "Perfect pushing. Good job. Just like that. You're doing it just right."

After a while I turned from floating on my belling to sitting reclined against the back of the tub.  At 11:40 a.m., after pushing through a few more pressure waves in this position, Jane's head slipped out. A moment later her body slipped out. Then I pulled her up to my chest. It all seemed to happen so quickly and it took me a little while to process it all. When I looked down at her she was so beautiful! I told my sister to go get my kids so they could meet their baby sister. They were there almost instantly. They all came in so quietly-- they somehow just knew how to reverence the sacredness of her arrival. It was so sweet and wonderful to have them all there.

Just minutes after her birth, Jake said, "That was so easy!"  Everyone laughed and Jack, my oldestsaid, "Dad, you didn't have to do it!" But, he was right--it just seemed so simple and natural to be at home, surrounded by those that I love. It didn't feel like a big, dramatic affair--it was just how I hoped it would be; no, it was better than I hoped it would be.

Jane's birth was so beautiful. She was born on her brother Sam's birthday. It was such a tender mercy that she decided to come on that day. There were so many things that I wished would have happened differently at Sam's birth and many things that were painful for me to remember when I would think of that day. My heart is so full of gratitude that God had a perfect plan. My pain was so deep, but now I feel exquisite joy and gratitude. The difficulties of Sam's birth, 6 years ago, is what propelled me to seek for something better and I am now grateful for that experience. Jane and Sam's birthdays will hold an entire new meaning for me--a new birth in so many ways.

Jane's (G-rated) Birth Video

Jax's Birth Story

A healthy baby boy born at home with the help of a midwife and doula. Mother took a Hypnobabies childbirth class and hired a doula to support her during birth.

I pretty much thought that I would go over my "guess date" because I've never gone into labor with any of my other babies early. My guess date was June 18th. Secretly I wanted him to be born on a even number (or even better the 28th) since all of our birthdays are even numbers.  I guess I'm just weird like that! When my due date came and went we were trying everything under the sun to get him to come. We ate at Pepper's Cantina a few times, always ordering their spicy salsa and sauce over my enchiladas.  That night I would feel more pressure waves start, but they always stopped when I got up to go to the bathroom.  I really felt like I might be pregnant forever! 

 I felt a lot of Braxton hicks throughout my pregnancy and really wondered what REAL pressure waves would feel like. I knew what labor induced pitocin pressure waves felt like because I was induced with all my other babies.  I even wondered if my body even knew HOW to go into labor on it's own, since I never did with any of my babies. Though, I didn't wait until my babies were past due more than 7 days to give in and say, "Okay, I've been pregnant long enough, let's get started artificially." What was I thinking?! This birth was going to be completely different from my others because we planned to have him at home, in a birthing pool, using hypnobabies to help me have him with no pain medication.  My whole mindset of birth changed throughout the course of my pregnancy and my eyes were opened to all sorts of things that made me feel completely at peace with having my baby at home naturally. I really think it's because I was surrounded by an amazing birth team. Which consisted of my wonderful husband, midwife DyAnna, hypnobabies instructor and doula Kelly, and family and friends that experienced the same thing I was going through. I was so blessed to have these people to help me.

The day of the 27th (yes, 9 days after my guess date) I started having some pressure waves that made me have to stop and bend over and breathe and relax through them. They would come and go throughout the day. Robby and I decided to go on a walk around the track a few times before we went to bed. My Mom was in town with my sister and she offered to come over and make sure the kids didn't wake up and be home alone, but it was almost 9:30 and I figured they were fast asleep and we would only be a few minutes away. I was pretty uncomfortable and felt lots of pressure as we walked, but nothing too bad that I couldn't handle it. They weren't stopping me in my tracks like earlier in the day. We got home and I felt like things settled down and that it was just another night.

We went to bed around 10 pm and I started having pressure waves. They were little so I tried to rest and see what happened.  I turned on my hypnobabies scripts on my phone and had them playing softly. The pressure started getting more intense that I couldn't sleep, so around 12:30 I got up and got in the warm shower. It felt so good to have the warm water pounding my back.  When I got out of the shower I thought the pressure waves were so intense that I knew we needed to call my midwife and doula. I woke Rob up and he told him I thought it was time to call DyAnna and Kelly. He was like, "Really?! You think it's time?!!" YES it's time! He called DyAnna and I texted Kelly and they both said that they'd be here in 30 minutes. My doula, Kelly, would be bringing her 5 week old baby girl, Jane, with her. It turned out to be a miracle that Jane slept the entire time in the other room and Kelly was able to help me the whole time.  I got on my birthing ball (just my big blue yoga ball) and rested my head on a few pillows on my bed. My hypnobabies track, "Birthing Day Affirmations" was playing in the background. When a pressure wave would come I tried "Ahhhhhing" it out and the breaks between them were so welcoming! I started to feel nauseous and told Rob I was going to throw up. He quickly grabbed the throw up bag that came in my birth kit. Good ol' birth kit! :) After I threw up I hoped I wasn't going to be doing THAT again since that was worse than the pressure waves in my book!

Rob started pushing on my lower back and soon I heard DyAnna and Gina come in my room and begin setting up the birthing pool and getting everything ready. I was thinking, "Wow is this really happening?!" It was 1am. I think that's the last time I glanced at the clock. Kelly arrived and she began saying hypnobabies scripts to me and massaging my back during the pressure waves. Rob was helping set up the birthing pool now, too. Soon I heard our little 2 1/2 year old come trotting in and he started "helping" set things up. :) The Pressure waves would start in my back and move forward and down to my cervix. It was very intense. I couldn't completely turn myself "off" like I had learned in my hypnobabies classes, but I was relaxing my cervix during the waves so I felt like I was doing great just staying in center. Finally I heard DyAnna say that I could get into the pool after I emptied my bladder. She helped me up and into the bathroom and there I had some really intense waves. I was hanging onto DyAnna for dear life during the waves. I finally got into the birthing pool and it felt SOOO good!! I leaned over the side and held onto Rob as each pressure wave came.  Little Knox was now in the living room watching Toy Story. He would come in and out to see what was going on. Kelly and DyAnna helped push on my back and pour warm water on my back. Soon I felt my water break. I felt a "POP" and gush of fluid come rushing out and I told everyone what had just happened. After that the pressure waves came stronger and closer and I could feel Jax's head moving down and my body stretching. It started stinging and the pressure was SO intense!!! Finally, his little head came popping out and I reached down and felt his head and all his hair! I use the word "pop" because it really felt like that! DyAnna said that his little hand was up by his face. The pressure was like having a HUGE bowel movement. My body was pushing him out without me really doing anything. It was Amazing! I was very vocal saying "Ahhhhh" through all the waves and keeping my focus on relaxing.  I needed Rob right there in front of me. I thought I was going to wake up the other kids because I was so loud. :) I kept saying, "Oh my goodness!" DyAnna told me to now close my mouth and push him out. I felt his body slide out and DyAnna was telling me to reach down and pick up my baby!  I looked down and saw him in the water! I picked him up and put him to my chest. He was perfect.  His round little face, chubby little cheeks and dark head of hair. "Look at you!" was all I could say, over and over again!! I couldn't believe he was here. He had THICK white vernix (white creamy good stuff) all over his back. He was born at 3:20 am on the 28th!! My favorite number and the day Knox and I were born! :) I thought it was special that his little brother Knox was there to see him be born!

I got up out of the pool to deliver the placenta. I kept holding Jax and he was so happy to be in my arms.  He was grunting but never screaming or crying. I was helped into bed and DyAnna checked me to see if I had any tears. NO TEARS!! Just a tiny little paper cut on the side where Jax's little hand was up by his face. It was amazing!  Jax was still attached to my placenta while DyAnna showed us how big it was! It was a huge, healthy placenta. After a while Rob cut the umbilical cord and Jax was already trying to make his way to start nursing. He was so alert. He started nursing and was doing so well. Awhile later, he was weighed and measured and checked out by DyAnna. He was perfect as can be! 10 pounds 2 ounces and 22 inches long! Such a big boy!

I was able to get up and get in the shower really quick to get cleaned up. Kelly made me a yummy egg salad sandwich that I gobbled down. It was so good!  Everyone had everything cleaned up and put away and said they'd be back to check on us soon.  We all were able to get a few hours of sleep before the older kids came into our room and were excited to see their new baby brother!  The rest of the day we had family visitors and lots of resting!  I was still in shock that Jax was finally here, healthy and happy and I was already at home in my own bed. I never felt so good! I never knew how far I was dilated or effaced because I was never checked throughout my pregnancy or during my birthing time.  I am thankful for that, too! It was an amazing experience and I am blessed that during the whole thing I never felt nervous or scared. I was at peace and was able to relax and let my body do what it was designed to do. I wouldn't do it any other way!

Elizabeth's Story

Growing up I had always planned on getting an epidural during labor, but I found myself reevaluating that decision when I was actually pregnant for the first time.  I did a lot of reading and talked to several friends who had experienced an unmedicated birth.  This appealed to me and I decided I would also try to have a natural childbirth.

My husband was also supportive of this.  We felt strongly that we would need extra support to help get us through labor.  A family member had suggested we hire a doula.  Luckily we listened to this advice and found ourselves meeting with Karen (Editor’s note: Karen was a previous doula at Peaceful Birth Choices and is now taking a break from birth work) a couple months before I was due.

Karen was very helpful even before I went into labor.  She came to our home to meet us and to get an idea for our birth preferences and to answer questions.  She also helped us become familiar with our birthing options and gave me suggestions on topics to discuss with my doctor before the big day.  Most importantly, she helped me feel calm about labor.  I knew she was a good fit for us.

We called Karen at 2 AM, two days before my due date, to tell her that my water had broken and that we were on our way to the hospital.  She was there shortly after we arrived. She immediately was helping me feel comfortable by getting me drinks, offering suggestions to help my labor progress, and by providing many words of encouragement.  My labor progressed very slowly at first and my doctor wanted to start Pitocin.  This was one of my big concerns with labor and was something I absolutely did not want to do.  With Karen’s help we had learned the importance of asking for more time before starting interventions.  We also were aware of natural ways to help labor progress.  We were fortunate that my labor did pick up on its own and Pitocin was not necessary.  Karen and my husband were very involved during my labor by helping to manipulate my body into more comfortable positions during contractions.  Karen was great at suggesting new positions for me to try.  She was also able to guide my husband and help him know how to best help me.  Karen was able to discern when I needed help, when my husband needed support, and when we needed privacy as a couple.

The birth of my son was such a beautiful experience for me and my husband.  We will always feel a close connection with Karen since she was part of such an intimate moment in our lives.  Since my experience with Karen was so positive I plan on doing natural childbirths with my future children, of course with the help of a doula!  on getting an epidural during labor, but I found myself reevaluating that decision when I was actually pregnant for the first time.  I did a lot of reading and talked to several friends who had experienced an unmedicated birth.  This appealed to me and I decided I would also try to have a natural childbirth. 

My husband was also supportive of this.  We felt strongly that we would need extra support to help get us through labor.  A family member had suggested we hire a doula.  Luckily we listened to this advice and found ourselves meeting with Karen a couple months before I was due.

 Karen was very helpful even before I went into labor.  She came to our home to meet us and to get an idea for our birth preferences and to answer questions.  She also helped us become familiar with our birthing options and gave me suggestions on topics to discuss with my doctor before the big day.  Most importantly, she helped me feel calm about labor.  I knew she was a good fit for us.

Woman delivers her baby un-medicated in the hospital with the support of a doula.

We called Karen at 2 AM, two days before my due date, to tell her that my water had broken and that we were on our way to the hospital.  She was there shortly after we arrived. She immediately was helping me feel comfortable by getting me drinks, offering suggestions to help my labor progress, and by providing many words of encouragement.  My labor progressed very slowly at first and my doctor wanted to start Pitocin.  This was one of my big concerns with labor and was something I absolutely did not want to do.  With Karen’s help we had learned the importance of asking for more time before starting interventions.  We also were aware of natural ways to help labor progress.  We were fortunate that my labor did pick up on its own and Pitocin was not necessary.  Karen and my husband were very involved during my labor by helping to manipulate my body into more comfortable positions during contractions.  Karen was great at suggesting new positions for me to try.  She was also able to guide my husband and help him know how to best help me.  Karen was able to discern when I needed help, when my husband needed support, and when we needed privacy as a couple. 

The birth of my son was such a beautiful experience for me and my husband.  We will always feel a close connection with Karen since she was part of such an intimate moment in our lives.  Since my experience with Karen was so positive I plan on doing natural childbirths with my future children, of course with the help of a doula!