My mother was one of the original Birth Circle Doulas, I was seventeen years old when she started her journey to becoming a doula. Fast forward to the fall of 2007, I found out I was pregnant.
By this point, I had been forced into watching my best friend deliver her first child. I witnessed firsthand, how traumatic that was for her. So naturally, I was terrified and excited at the same time.
Self-Education was Important…
I had a doula of my own, another woman whom my mother worked closely with. So, I got all the childbirth education; books (that I didn’t read), videos, diagrams, etc. I thought I was ready.
Oh, my the Weight Gain….
Somewhere at the beginning of my third trimester. I was retested for gestational diabetes. It became my entire pregnancy thus far. As, I had been gaining weight rapidly when, I was already a pretty healthy sized young lady. With my due date rapidly approaching my blood sugars weren’t doing any better with insulin.
Then, An Unexpected Turn…
At thirty two weeks my new OB recommend my induction to be scheduled for thirty six weeks so, I would not be struggling to deliver an 11lb baby. So, on May 18, 2008, my induction day! I had previously discussed with my OB that I wanted a natural birth. Unless, it was absolutely necessary. I labored down for three days, I was the perfect patient, my only complaint was that I couldn’t eat.
Please Stop Asking…
Every time the nurse came in she asked if I want the epidural?! I never complained of pain because, well I wasn’t having any. Even after they started the Pitocin. I still didn’t have any pain. When they broke my water. I still didn’t experience any pain. Just slow progress. It was three days later, they checked me and decided. It’s time for a cesarean.
I was happy to have my healthy baby. But, I felt defeated. I felt like my birth was sabotaged. Just, so a resident could check a skill off of their list. My heart hurt for a good while. That was the point at which no other birth, I experienced would be the same.
Today, I have four healthy happy children, Cienna who will be eleven years this May. A set of fraternal girl & boy twins Jerae’ and Resuan. Who will be three years old this April. But, last but not least my Tayten who will be one year’s old this March.
We all have a story that needs to be told. But, I would love to be part of another woman’s great labor experience while birthing memories.
This is why I feel so strongly about joining the “Unshakeable Motherhood” campaign. As they are raising funds towards funding up to (10) aspiring doulas, as well as, mother meet ups. So, mothers will not feel alone and terrified of entering motherhood.
I experienced firsthand just how important it was to have a doula by your side. Where I could have possibly would have had a very different birth experience. Please join in and take action by giving a donation today. Click HERE!
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