Five years ago, I became a mom to a sweet, dark haired, little boy. Seventeen months later, I welcomed a beautiful, bald baby girl and was a mom of two under two. There are many great things we get to experience in this life, and I believe that pregnancy and birth are two that will never leave one’s memory. 

I can remember how during my first pregnancy I read all the books, asked all the questions and quickly asked my doula friend to be my support and guide. With my second pregnancy, I had little time for reading as I was busy chasing my one year old around. I remember moments where I would feel so ready and calm, yet the next minute feel overwhelmed and uncertain.  The sweet movements of my baby wiggling inside, and the kicks that just about made me pee, the memories are so vivid. 

During my first labor, I felt confident at the start.  I knew as soon as I was in active labor and was focused on breathing and relaxing just like my doula had taught me. But as the emotions and waves of labor grew over time, I felt tired and eager for the end.  My labor progressed quickly, so my doula was on the phone with me and my family, until she arrived.  The words she spoke to me and my husband will never leave me.  She listened calmly to what I was saying and the sounds I was making during contractions and would say,” You are sounding great, this is just what you need to be doing, keep going”.  She encouraged my husband in ways he could help me manage my pain and stay calm, and assured us during each stage that the feelings I had were normal. The words of assurance, ideas for coping, and hands of comfort that my doula and family provided me were so refreshing and were exactly what I needed to work through each contraction until my baby was in my arms.