Here I go a doula-ing

Most of you know that I have a passion for the entire birthing process and that is why I decided to go back to school to become a certified doula. On Thursday, I attended an incredible birth, one that I will never forget! My client gave me permission to share Chloe's birth story on our blog.
Here's the letter I wrote Chloe about her birthday:

Dear Chloe,

            Welcome to the world sweet baby girl. Your birth was an amazing, miraculous day that will remain in my memories for years to come. That is why I decided to tell you about your birthday from my prospective.

         

 I met your Mom and Dad on October 6, 2009. Your mom was interested in having me attend your birth as her doula. Your mom was not a normal client of mine. She was so calm and confident about giving birth. I wondered how I could possibly help her during labor when she already had such a great knowledge about birth and hypno birthing. Even though she knew that I had no experience with hypno birthing, your mom hired me anyway.

         

 The very next morning, your mom called me around 7:00am to tell me that she was having contractions about 8 minutes apart. I jumped into the shower and then headed out to the hospital while your mom and dad went to the doctor’s to see if the contractions really meant that she was in labor. Unfortunately, the doctor said that your mom was not yet in labor. They did an amniocentesis to determine that your lungs were fully developed so that your mom could be induced the next day in order to deliver you early.

           

That evening your mom and dad headed to the hospital to start the induction. I stayed at home, patiently waiting by the phone to get the call that labor had started. At 5:00am your dad called. He was very calm in telling me that your mom’s contractions were 3-5 minutes apart and that the doctor broke her water about an hour ago. I immediately jumped into the car and headed to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital I was surprised to see how calm your mom was for being in labor for so long. At 6:00 am, the doctor checked your mom’s cervix and found that she was 3cm dilated and at a -3 station. Knowing that this report meant that there was a long labor ahead, your mom opted for the epidural. The doctor also started your mom on pitocin to make her contractions stronger and more regular. At 7:35am the doctor checked your mom again. She was making progress, she was now 4cm dilated and at a -2 station. Your mom slept on and off while your dad and I talked about work and comic books. At 9:30am the doctor checked your mom again. She was 5 ½cm dilated and doing well. About a half hour later your mom started feeling some pressure. She thought that her epidural was wearing off so she called for the nurse. Her doctor examined her and found that you were ready to be born! We all got prepared for your arrival. Your dad made a joke that if your mom pushed you out fast enough, you could be born at the same time as he was. I giggled, your mom didn’t find him funny! Your mom was a pro at pushing! She pushed for all of 5 minutes and you were born! When your head was born, I whispered to your mom, “September, Chloe has dark hair!” That was a moment that I will treasure. The doctor pulled you out, unwrapped the umbilical cord from around your neck and laid you on your mom’s chest. Your mom’s eyes welled up with tears and her first words were “I can’t believe she’s finally here!”  The nurses took you to get cleaned up and your dad took about a million pictures of his beautiful daughter.

            As you can tell, your birth has had an impact on not only your mom and dad’s life, but on mine too. You will always hold a special place in my heart! I hope your life is full of blessings and happiness!

Love,

Vicki

Here's Chloe and her favorite doula!
And yes, Chloe's shirt says "My Doula Loves Me"