After a traumatic first birth, I hired a doula for my second
I experienced a very traumatic birth with my first child that caused physical injuries to both of us, as well as postpartum depression and the inability to breastfeed. My baby was in a brow presentation and the OB used the vacuum and forceps on them. I received a fourth degree tear and was unable to breastfeed my child due to their injuries.With my second child, I sought alternatives.
Initially, I was under the care of a midwife within a special funded program in my province of Alberta. (This was in 2005. Midwifery is now fully government funded there.) Unfortunately, I could not continue attending my midwifery appointments as the clinic/hospital was out of town and my husband would have to take a half a day off of work.
My family doctor, who had been at my first birth and knew what I wanted to avoid, suggested a doula.
We were not well-off; but, we found an amazing doula through our local doula association. She was the perfect fit for our family. I measured big during my pregnancy. It concerned my doctor and she brought up Cesarean section. Thankfully, with my doula's support, I knew I could birth a 10 lb baby (if that would be the case). Our doula constantly checked in via phone. We had great visits as well. She supported all our wishes.
When the day finally came, my water broke after I squatted to pick up my toddler and put them back into their bed. My neighbors watched our toddler as we sped off to the hospital. (I had group B strep and noted a little meconium on my pad.)
Our doula and doctor arrived at the hospital about a half an hour after we did. Because of the group B strep and meconium; I decided to accept an induction of labor. The induction took a long time. My waters had released around 5 or 5:30 a.m. and I didn't have any painful contractions until close to 4 p.m.
Once, while I was standing up with my head against when wall breathing through a contraction (I refused to be tied down in bed), a nurse came in and ordered me to get in the bed "for the sake of my baby!" I told her to leave and get me another nurse. My new nurse arrived shortly and agreed to monitor me on the birth ball.
Soon, I was on my hands and knees draped over the ball. (I should mention that my amazing husband was so much more involved in this birth. He was always by my side.) The contractions were becoming intense. I briefly considered an epidural, which required the nurse to check my dilation. (Previously, I had refused most internal exams.)
I was 8 cm, so I determined that I didn't need pain relief. Within what seemed like seconds, I felt the urge to push. My beautiful son was born and immediately laid on my chest. Our doula captured wonderful photos. Shortly after his birth, I was able to breastfeed. Something I desperately wanted to do the first time.
I felt triumphant! By the way, my husband said he would never have another baby without a doula!
Fast forward three years and I became a doula myself. Before taking a leave of absence for health reasons, I had the blessing of serving over 60 families. It's my dream to be able to work as a doula again very soon in London, Ontario, Canada.
You can keep in touch with Michelle via her Instagram account @doulaforyouldnont.
Did you have a doula at your birth? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments.
