When my husband and I first found out we were expecting, I started researching birth like a madwoman - determined to leave no stone unturned! I wanted to be prepared, but most of all, I was afraid. I was terrified of the unknown and all the horror stories I had seen on TV and heard from other women. As I educated myself, I became fascinated with birth and the amazing way God has created women's bodies to bring life into the world. My anxieties were soothed; birth didn’t have to be scary and miserable! It can be purposeful and empowering!
I was able to experience doula support firsthand as a first-time mom, and the difference it made to have someone who knows birth and what was normal, to hold my hand and apply counterpressure to my aching back, and to encourage and support my husband as well was huge. Shortly after my first birth experience, I started the processs to become a doula myself.
During my certification, I was able to aid in several different labors. It was a blessing to be able to learn with these mamas during such a beautiful and intimate part of their lives.
Now, I am blessed to walk with women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum pretty consistently, and I can say that there is absolutely nothing like watching women achieve their birth goals together with their husbands. That moment of disbelief, triumph, and sweet relief when baby is born and they realize it is over and they DID IT! I find myself praising God all the more after each experience!
