What having a birth and postpartum doula meant for our family

Before even planning to start a family, I knew if I got pregnant I would want a Doula by my side. Although I had no idea what this journey would entail, I knew plenty of women in my life who had gone through it and I could see and feel the emotional upheaval they experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. I knew myself well enough to know that although it’s great to have people in your life to talk to and ask questions, I also wanted someone who would be able to focus on me rather than speak from their personal experience or opinions. I wanted support in finding my inner knowing through all the noise within and around me.

I couldn’t have been more grateful to have Rachel by our side during this journey. From the very first conversation to our last postpartum visit, Rachel was a steady, calm, and powerful presence. I still remember the first conversation we had where I listed all of my fears and concerns about birth and she gently, but firmly, encouraged me to question my beliefs, think about what I envisioned for my birth, and let that guide my decisions. We ended up changing our entire birth plan in the 3rd trimester because of this incredibly powerful conversation! She helped me realize that it was possible to have an empowering birth experience whether things went according to the “plan” or not. Any questions or concerns that she couldn’t address, she had a list of references and resources to point me towards.

I experienced a very short and intense labor and with it all happening so quickly, I didn’t have time to process it. I still remember the feeling of looking up and seeing Rachel walk into the room and immediately feeling a sense of relief wash over me. She kept me hydrated and nourished and let me squeeze her hand (very tightly) the entire time. Her calming presence and gentle reassurance helped me feel so cared for. Later on during our postpartum visits, it was healing and helpful to be able to talk about our birth experience with her and process it all together.

I thought pregnancy and childbirth was tough on my body, but postpartum healing was a whole different story for me. Thankfully, Rachel and I thoroughly discussed a postpartum plan beforehand and she set me up with a pelvic steam and cleansing herbs that I truly believe helped me heal so quickly; something I never would have even known was available to me without her.

Having a doula on our care team was essential in helping me feel supported, seen, and held. In my experience, this entire journey has been more emotionally and mentally challenging than physically - and that’s saying a lot since you’re creating a human from scratch and bringing them out into the world! Having the extra emotional and mental support is what held me together at times when I felt I was falling apart.

Thank you, Rachel, for being an integral part of the most special and important journey of our entire lives! I wish more birth givers knew what birth and postpartum doulas have to offer and that more had the privilege of having one by their side.