Happy 2012!!! Oh wait!! its close to the end now!! Opps! What a year this has been and to only begin writing now for 2012.

This year began a sadder one for me. I lost the best Nana in the world! We knew it was going to happen just not so soon. The cliche of "It took a piece of my heart" it oh so very true. She was the glue that held my family together. Since November of last year I took no clients because I was driving back and forth to see her and help as much as I could. I just didn't feel like I could give my all to my work while my mom was doing 99.9% of the caring for her. The very weekend after her passing I received my first inquiriy. Pulling myself together, I met with a very nice couple and they hired me. To me it was like my nana was telling me "It is ok Mi Hija let's start again".

Since that time I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful couples and the birthing of their babies. I still feel that I am placed in the lives of those people for a reason. Friendship, support and sometimes even prayer. Whatever it is I pray I can fulfill my role in what I am meant to do. I have also had the greatest time learning the ropes at the Birth Center! That has been such a thrill for me and am feeling very blessed!

I am looking forward to the remaning part of 2012 as I have 2 moms, one anyday now. This one is a second time mom with me and I am beyond thrilled they asked me back! Such a great couple and family!

Happy Fall!!

Reflecting

As I look back at this year, remembering the wonderful births I was a part of, I can still say I am happy to be a Birth Doula still. The births were few this year but the ones I took part in were wonderful. The miracle of birth is still there, the strength of these moms to bring a bundle of joy into this world is still there, the fantastic looks upon the parents faces as they see their baby for the first time...wow!! I love all of it! yes even the numerous phone calls...or lack thereof sometimes....the lack of sleep and sometimes food.

I love to get the Christmas Cards year after year and see these babies grow up.  I love the invitations to the first birthday parties when they say...Look baby...This was your doula too!!

I am looking forward to 2012 and the births I may get to be a part of and the lives of parents I may get to touch more even just a moments time. 

This is the first year in many years that I have had the holiday's off. I am thankful for that as the end of this year year was a little rough with sick family matters I needed to tend to. Now that things may be settled I can shift a bit of my focus back onto birthing moms and their families.

Incredibly Busy Tuesday

All I can say is wow. In the time I have been a doula I have never had this happen to me. On Tuesday, I had two mommies go into labor around the same time.  Luckily, they were at the same hospital

I took a client at the last min. knowing they needed help. I couldn't stand the fact that would enter into this incredible journey and not have enough information. They were due the beginning of Aug (as in the 1st of Aug). I knew this was quite late to get on board but my feeling was better late than never. I am glad they finally reached out.

My other client whom I contracted with months ago and have followed her birth closely was doing great but not due until September 2 (September 12 according to her Dr..Mom knew without a doubt the day).  I really had no thought that she would go this early.

I mean what are the odds one would be 2 weeks late and the other 2 weeks early (or 4 according to her Dr). I have to say I was somewhat relieved when Sept 2nd baby delivered extremely quick. A beautiful healthy 5lb 10oz baby girl.

By the time this birth ended the others were admitted and things were very slow giving me time to run two doors down as they tried to rest for some moments.

Later that evening, a healthy 9lb 15oz baby boy was delivered to his tired but very happy parents. 

After carefully and slowly making my way home and grabbing a cold drink....I cried with overwhelming joy of ok yes complete and utter tiredness but also being able to be a part of two births with parents who put enough trust in me to support them through this wonderful journey into parenthood.

A Praying Doula

I have said this many times before...I love being a Doula.  The fact that I am able to give support in many differnt area...and actually make a differnce is such a GREAT BIG reward for me.  Once again I was able to not only give support but a little..or a lot more.

Let me start with....my client is not due until August 2nd.  I have recieved great updates from the prenatal visits...all is well and on tartget.  Great!!

On Tuesday, after leaving a prayer meeting ( I am a Christian ) I ran some errands and found that I had to run to a nother city 40 min away to get an item. Needless to say I was not happy but did it anyways.  As I was leaving the store my clients called and said during a routine appointment preeclamsia was found and on the very high side.  They were rushing her to another hospital via ambulance so could I come.  Where are you I asked?  Guess? The same city I was in just down the street? 

Of course I went and when arrived saw the look of total fear on her face.  Tears streaming down her face I asked if I could pray for them (they are also Chrisitan). They said yes.  The Drs told them the baby would be delivered at the other hospital. Of course she was scared. I did my best with words and my knoweledge to calm her. We joined together in prayer believing that it would be done and all would be well.  The ambulance attendants asked us to go ahead as they were going "Lights and Sirens" and we couldn't keep up. That did not help calm her one bit!  I just kept saying just believe! We prayed..He heard!

Long story short....I stayed 2 hours with them at the new hospital prior to leaving.  At that time her BP was perfect They later called with good news. BP still good and levels of protein had decreased. They kept her for observation and the next day was "Go home enjoy you pregnancy but rest". No worries here. 

Needless to say they were beyond happy knowing she would be able to carry the baby a while longer. 

I usually do not bring my faith into my work....unless they ask or request a Christian.  This time I am glad that we took the time to pray and believe. 

I can say I am proud to be a Christian Doula

Delivered

What a great birth! I am again very blessed to have been able to be part of a couples birth.  Mom was such a trooper and her strength amazed me.  She focused really well and took in all the advice I was gave to her. 

In the beginning I told them I thought it would be all afternoon that we would be laboring. I WAS WRONG!. She progressed much faster than I thought and in less then 45 min. advanced from a 6 to a 10. The nurse was rushing to put everything together...guess she thought the same thing:).  With one push there came a wonderful baby girl. I think all were amazed at how quick it happened.

The parents were very well pleased and much happiness was in the air!.

Another surpise came as they weighed the bundle of joy. Weighing in at 9 lbs 2 oz. :).

All in all I am happy for the parents and their new baby girl.