Towards the end of my pregnancy, our midwives started asking if were planning on having a doula attend our home birth. We were planning on my husband being my main supporter and we had our wonderful midwives, why would they think a doula would be necessary. And just what exactly was…a doula?? After hearing our midwives thoughts, we thought we should meet Natalia and just see if we’d be a fit and if she were someone we really wanted to include in this most special time of our lives! Well, that first meeting with Natalia won us over completely. She truly is an amazing person. And it is clear that being a doula is calling for her. 

The final weeks before I was due, Natalia came over to our home and spent hours with us – talking about our upcoming birth, any fear and joy we had and going over different labor positions. So much peace arose out of those visits. Looking back on my labor, I don’t even want to try to imagine it without Natalia’s support.  

Our precious daughter came after a couple sleepless nights. The first night I was going in and out of sleep as very mild contractions started. The next day was lovely and spent staying busy; my husband and I almost not believing that this was it! Our daughter was coming! Natalia came over at about 1AM when my contractions were more intense but I still wanted to chat in between. 

One of the biggest things I appreciated about Natalia was her sensitivity. It was as if she saw how I was flowing and jumped in at the exact same speed; with the greatest care and tenderness. When I was chatty, she laughed and joked with me (oh, her sense of humor is amazing – how much that helps!!!: ) . As the night progressed, I started to get very tired and started to lie down in between contractions. She stopped chatting and all of a sudden there were tea light candles everywhere, she had built me a “nest” of blankets and pillows and soft music was playing. When I got up in between contractions to sway, she was right there applying the exact right pressure. When I wanted to be alone she didn't follow me into another room. And when my husband woke up from his nap and became my main supporter, it was as if she wasn't there anymore, quietly fading into the background. She helped my husband immensely. She gently reminded him to take nourishment to keep his strength up and she helped him immensely with assuring him with what my body was doing and how he was helping me. 

As transition came and I started to doubt my ability to birth my baby, Natalia was ever supportive… assuring, strong, gentle and confident in me and my body’s design. She didn't even flinch when I bit her hand (hard I’m afraid!) during one of my last contractions! I don’t even know where she found our camera but she filmed that moment of awe when our baby entered the world. We treasure that video and those pictures she took. As we were bonding with our baby, without us asking her, she cooked up an incredible and nourishing meal with the ingredients she found in our cupboard. She really did work so incredibly hard all night long and into the next day; and with such a gentleness and sweet spirit about her. 

Two weeks later, she brought over some food and helped me process the incredible gift of that birth. I still tear up thinking about all that Natalia was for us during the tender, intense, beautiful process of birth. I am and will forever be so thankful that SHE was our doula! 

My husband and I were not sure we “needed” a doula, as my husband thought that after reading Husband Coached Childbirth and attending a series of Bradley Method classes, we would be fine. I wasn’t so sure… the last thing I wanted was for us both to be caught up in the labor and delivery of our first child, and forget everything we had learned. I didn’t want to be frustrated with him if he forgot all the moves and information we had learned. So, when we found out that our birth center was working with a doula who could attend our birth as part of our care, we were very excited. I took it as an opportunity to convince my husband that a doula would really be nice to have!
We met Natalia several weeks before my due date, and again at 38 weeks. She was so friendly, and a great listener. She understood that we wanted my main assistance to come from my husband, but that we would need her to guide us, help us know when to go to the birth center, and remember positions and relief measures. She consistently emailed me to check in as my due date came and went.
At 42 weeks, they broke my water. I had a somewhat long and arduous labor, and Natalia was great at giving my husband breaks from rubbing my back, getting me water, etc. After pushing for four hours, I had to be transferred to a hospital because my midwives were concerned about the baby’s heart rate and the lack of progress. Natalia came with us to the hospital and was right there with us for the remainder of the labor (which was very short once we got to the hospital… who knew?!). It was especially comforting for us because we knew that Natalia was also a Christian, and there was a lot of praying going on in that labor room, especially toward the end! Natalia also took some amazing pictures right after the birth. I don’t even remember anyone taking pictures, but I am SO GLAD to have them!
Natalia made sure I felt good about getting nursing started, and then gave us our space. She came to our home several days later to check in. It was great to see her and talk about the birth and everything that had happened since. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have Natalia at our birth, and believe that she played a crucial role in the successful outcome!

Amy and Jordan I.