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.
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.
| natalia_hals-1.pdf |
RSS Feed
