Birth preparation classes only

I think I just felt very vulnerable and then when there wasn’t space on the ward so we were in that room without proper pain relief for hours… it was a hard birth… But with that said, your calming presence helped immensely. And also being American where help is usually always there when you need it, not having that, nor a relationship with any of the staff was harder to overcome than I thought.

For the hours I rode the intense sensations of labour, Sarah stood, unwavering by my side, as I gripped onto her for dear life. I leaned on her intensely, both physically and mentally, demanding more of her as I struggled with back labour. I remember so clearly how she held my hand with one of hers, fanning me with the other as I complained like a petulant child how hot I was feeling. Poor Sarah, I felt bad about how demanding I was but she did it all with grace, kindness, and a gentleness I will never forget. She guided me through transition and pushing with a gentle force, reminding me of my strength and capabilities when I felt like giving up.

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Sarah was exactly who we needed when we welcomed my second child into the world! My search for a doula began shortly after I found I was pregnant. I learned about Sarah through my husband’s work and quickly fell in love with her calmess and personality. She is a gem that will always be part of my family. Labor wasn’t as intense as it was with my first since she had loads of experience on how to mask pain with various techniques. Since I wanted to do most of my laboring at home, she was a godsend when she told my husband and I that it was time to go to the hospital. She called it as I was 8cm dilated when we arrived! I will forever be grateful to her for helping us welcome my second child into this world. Thank you, Sarah!

A minute of rest, then one powerful contraction. Sarah offered some encouragement, "That contraction has come and gone. You never have to feel it again." I took a deep breath, and just as she had explained about my body's ability to cope, the next one was much easier.

Read all three chapters of Aviel’s birth story on Callie’s blog, here.

I had heard of doulas because I had two friends who had recently used them for their births. I liked the sound of having one for my family for many reasons - 1) we were living away from home without a strong support structure close by, 2) this was a first child for both me and my husband so we weren't familiar with what to expect, especially on a different medical system, 3) we had recently experienced a miscarriage and I wanted someone with pregnancy knowledge near by in case anything unusual should happen, 4) I really wanted to stay centered and tranquil throughout the pregnancy to provide a loving, peaceful womb for my baby to prosper in and 5) I wanted someone who could essentially provide a nurturing sort of care for me, without my mother there.

Read Mako’s birth story here.