Three Unique Births That Shaped My Path as a Birth Doula
My journey into birth work really began in my living room, and each of my three births taught me how powerful continuous support can be and inspired me to become a birth doula offering compassionate childbirth education, prenatal care, and postpartum support.
When I labored with Juniper it was long. It lasted twenty seven hours and for eighteen of those I was fully dilated. I had a home birth team and after about 10 hours of being 10cm dilated everyone agreed it was safest to transfer to the hospital, I trusted their birth planning advice completely. At the hospital, the on call obstetrician immediately recommended a c-section even though neither Juniper nor I showed any signs of fetal distress. My husband, my midwife Rachel and I were shocked. I knew I wanted a natural birth without unnecessary surgery so I asked for an epidural to rest. About six hours later Juniper arrived vaginally. She had a small birth bruise from her head presenting at a slight angle but she was healthy and perfect. If Rachel had not stood by me as my doula offering continuous advocacy I would have consented to a surgical birth I did not need. That experience highlighted the crucial role of birth advocates in protecting informed choice and respectful maternity care.
With Odin my second birth was completely different. Labor at the home lasted only four hours but I was not prepared for how intense the transition phase could become. I found myself overwhelmed with fear when I imagined ending up back in the hospital under bright lights and losing my birth space. When Odin arrived safely at home I felt like I was in shock because even though it went really well I felt like I could have used some-one to tell me that everything I was experiencing was normal.
By the time my third baby came around my friend Jenna had completed professional doula training and was ready to provide birth doula support. At home after my waters broke prematurely we waited anxiously for twelve hours hoping I could avoid hospitalization. My friend Perri although not a doula in the professional sense prepared the room with cozy blankets fresh fruit birth herbs and thoughtful comforts. Across state lines my friend Lauren offered distance Reiki to ease my anxiety I went to bed and labor began. Once it started it only took four hours. Jenna used counter pressure and affirmations before my baby arrived. Having a circle of dedicated birth professionals and friends ensured I felt safe supported and grounded throughout every phase of early labor, active labor, transition and the golden hour.
Those three unique birth stories taught me exactly what a doula does: compassionate continuous support evidence based birth preparation personalized birth plans advocacy for informed consent and nurturing postpartum care. A good doula is not there to replace your midwife or obstetrician but to fill in the gaps where families need an unwavering ally a calm guide and an informed partner. Whether you are seeking a hospital birth, birth center experience, water birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), c-section or home birth having a professional doula means you have someone dedicated to your emotional well being and positive birth outcome.
If you are expecting a baby and want a skilled birth companion to offer prenatal education labor support evidence based comfort techniques, breastfeeding guidance and postpartum recovery assistance I would be honored to walk beside you. My goal at Moon & Mama Doula Co. is to empower birthing people with confidence knowledge and loving encouragement so every birth story feels supported respected and celebrated. Reach out today to start planning your personalized birth journey and let’s partner to create the confident compassionate birth experience you deserve.
My journey into birth work really began in my living room, and each of my three births taught me how powerful continuous support can be and inspired me to become a birth doula offering compassionate childbirth education, prenatal care, and postpartum support.
When I labored with Juniper it was long. It lasted twenty seven hours and for eighteen of those I was fully dilated. I had a home birth team and after about 10 hours of being 10cm dilated everyone agreed it was safest to transfer to the hospital, I trusted their birth planning advice completely. At the hospital, the on call obstetrician immediately recommended a c-section even though neither Juniper nor I showed any signs of fetal distress. My husband, my midwife Rachel and I were shocked. I knew I wanted a natural birth without unnecessary surgery so I asked for an epidural to rest. About six hours later Juniper arrived vaginally. She had a small birth bruise from her head presenting at a slight angle but she was healthy and perfect. If Rachel had not stood by me as my doula offering continuous advocacy I would have consented to a surgical birth I did not need. That experience highlighted the crucial role of birth advocates in protecting informed choice and respectful maternity care.
With Odin my second birth was completely different. Labor at the home lasted only four hours but I was not prepared for how intense the transition phase could become. I found myself overwhelmed with fear when I imagined ending up back in the hospital under bright lights and losing my birth space. When Odin arrived safely at home I felt like I was in shock because even though it went really well I felt like I could have used some-one to tell me that everything I was experiencing was normal.
By the time my third baby came around my friend Jenna had completed professional doula training and was ready to provide birth doula support. At home after my waters broke prematurely we waited anxiously for twelve hours hoping I could avoid hospitalization. My friend Perri although not a doula in the professional sense prepared the room with cozy blankets fresh fruit birth herbs and thoughtful comforts. Across state lines my friend Lauren offered distance Reiki to ease my anxiety I went to bed and labor began. Once it started it only took four hours. Jenna used counter pressure and affirmations before my baby arrived. Having a circle of dedicated birth professionals and friends ensured I felt safe supported and grounded throughout every phase of early labor, active labor, transition and the golden hour.
Those three unique birth stories taught me exactly what a doula does: compassionate continuous support evidence based birth preparation personalized birth plans advocacy for informed consent and nurturing postpartum care. A good doula is not there to replace your midwife or obstetrician but to fill in the gaps where families need an unwavering ally a calm guide and an informed partner. Whether you are seeking a hospital birth, birth center experience, water birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), c-section or home birth having a professional doula means you have someone dedicated to your emotional well being and positive birth outcome.
If you are expecting a baby and want a skilled birth companion to offer prenatal education labor support evidence based comfort techniques, breastfeeding guidance and postpartum recovery assistance I would be honored to walk beside you. My goal at Moon & Mama Doula Co. is to empower birthing people with confidence knowledge and loving encouragement so every birth story feels supported respected and celebrated. Reach out today to start planning your personalized birth journey and let’s partner to create the confident compassionate birth experience you deserve.