Birth #2: Welcome! Welcome! Little One!

This morning at 1:12 am, my second doula client gave birth. The labor was very fast. I got to the hospital at 11:50 pm. Mom was having steady contractions and wanted the epidural.

I could tell that the contractions were very intense and very close together and mom was showing signs that she was in transition. I thought it might be wise to check mom before administering the epidural to see how close we were to pushing. I asked mom what she thought of the idea and when she asked the nurse, the nurse said that they would check again in a few hours but there was no need for that right now! I wanted to shout, "In a few hours, there won't be a need to check because she'll be busy breastfeeding!!" I could feel that this baby was coming fast.

As the anesthesiologist was prepping for the epidural, the nurse was moving the external monitor around on mom's tummy trying to find the heartbeat and I noticed the baby's head between mom's legs. I did my best not to sound like a smarty-pants and just mentioned that it looked like the baby might be arriving. A few minutes later a beautiful, healthy little boy was born.

I'll post pictures once they're available.

First Birth!

On Friday, August 17, I attended my first birth. It was beautiful and the baby was beautiful and mom and dad were elated and joyful. I am so grateful that they welcomed me with open arms into the most beautiful moment of their life.



I met a nurse midwife at the hospital who talked to me about her career and I feel inspired now to pursue a career as a nurse midwife. It is an amazing thing to watch a family grow with the arrival of a child. It is a beautiful thing to listen as new parents call their own parents and grandparents to share the joyous news that a new member of the family has arrived. I feel honored that this family would let me be there, would let me rub a shoulder or take a picture of a new dad meeting his child for the first time. I look forward to the hard work ahead. I have found my place in this world.



The resident who attended the birth said that it was the most joyful birth she had ever attended and that the mom was the perkiest mom she had ever met. She then added, "...but, I guess that this is also the first doula birth I've ever attended." What a compliment! What an affirmation! Mom and dad were wonderful so I can only take a portion of the credit but I will treasure those words as I move forward in my career.



I have permission to post a picture of my first birth so please meet the little one.