Why I Owe My Labor to My Doula

If you’re anything like me, shy self conscious and self dependent. The idea of a doula might make you a bit uncomfortable. After all, during birth you’re so vulnerable and exposed. Literally you’re pretty much naked the whole time!

Was I ready to let anyone besides my fiancé witness this?

This big question weighed heavy on my shoulders. I kept on telling myself I could do it all by myself. Little did I know that hiring a doula was going to one of the best decisions of my life. At the end I gave in. We realized we had many reasons on why we needed a doula. All our family was a state away and we where all alone. We needed a familiar face and support. My fiancé wanted to be as involved as possible. Yet we had no idea how that could be possible. Most importantly I knew nothing about giving birth. I knew I needed someone experienced on that day to guide me.

So we got on it! We researched and interviewed three doulas. We honestly clicked with all three. They all seemed to be intelligent strong empowering women. There was just something about our doula that made us choose her. A softness and calm to her being. It spoke to our hearts and told us we where going to need her that day.

When friends ask what was my choice of pain medication? I reply my doula.

She practiced the rebozo method relieving the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back that never seemed to ease. The hip squeeze method as well which was heaven! She did this with almost every contraction. Let me tell you that’s hard work, ask my fiancé! This magnificent women was by my side every single minute of my 12 hour labor. She was attentive to all my needs. Never once did she let me go thirsty. She would hold my hand with every contraction. She would hold me up when all I wanted to do was breakdown. She reminded me to relax and let my body do it’s thing. She reminded me I was doing a great job when I felt like I was failing. Little does she know how much that kept me going.

I have a never ending list of how she made my birth so peaceful. Yet the most important reason is that she helped my fiancé be involved. She was a role for him to follow. He was there just as much never letting go of my hand. Making sure I wasn’t thirsty or my lips too chapped. Making sure I was warm and comfortable. Encouraging me and supporting me. Guiding me when my body would uncontrollably shake from the pain. I am truly lucky and loved. I will always be thankful for these beautiful people in my life. For such a wonderful team and labor.

On August 3rd at 1:25 PM our son Mateo Han made a peaceful entrance into this world. Complication free, beautiful and in my book perfect. I owe all this to my doula.