In 2016, when I gave birth to my first child, I want to share with you all how much help my dear friend Aeran was to me.
At the time, I was living in the Surrey area and going through my pregnancy and birth journey with a midwife. Through my midwife, I learned about doula services and had already signed up for one.
On the day I went into labor, mild contractions turned into active labor, and I immediately informed both my doula and my closest friend, Aeran—who had already experienced childbirth herself several times. (At that time, she was not a doula yet, but a very experienced birth “senior.”)
When my contractions became less than 10 minutes apart, we headed to the hospital, and that was when the indescribable pain truly began. Even after arriving at the hospital, after a total of 17 hours of labor, I was finally able to hold my baby through a natural birth. (Halfway through, the pain became unbearable, and I did receive an epidural.) To be honest, the pain was so intense that my memories from that time are not very clear.
Yet, the moments that remain vividly with me are almost all memories of Aeran caring for me so attentively.
My husband and the doula were also by my side and did their best to support me, but throughout those long hours, Aeran stayed awake the entire night without sleeping even once (while my husband and the doula did manage to rest briefly). She constantly reassured me emotionally, telling me I was doing well, helped calm me down, massaged me wherever I needed, and took care of everything I required. And when my baby was finally born after that long and exhausting labor, the person who cried with joy—almost more than I did—was Aeran.
(Sorry to my husband and the doula at the time, but I honestly don’t remember much about them;;;)
As an immigrant, I gave birth without my own mother being able to come to Canada yet to help me. In that moment, Aeran played a role far greater than that of a mother. In fact, I don’t believe anyone else could have cared for me so devotedly throughout the entire night without any rest.
So when I later heard that Aeran had decided to formally study and pursue the path of becoming a doula, I was truly overjoyed and cheered for her, knowing it was such a wonderful decision.
I am deeply confident that her natural character, the way she treats people, and her strong sense of calling and passion for her work will shine beautifully in her role as a doula. Anyone who has experienced her doula services—whether as a mother or as a family member—will know that there is not a single exaggeration in what I have written here.
I sincerely hope that this story helps someone who is reading this as they make their own choice.
- HYEWON K.