I walked into the couples house that afternoon with excitement. The mom's due date had been approaching but now (a week early) it was time! The Dad let me in the house I took off my shoes and passed their child watching tv in the living room. The dad greeted me and led me to through the bedroom to tub where the mom labored peacefully.
I stepped in, sat on the floor and got to work! One of the first things the mom did was thank me for coming. It made my heart leap with joy because this couple had been beyond sweet form day one and I was going to do all I can to server them. During contractions the mom would furrow her eyebrows, scrunch her face and ball up her fist. So with each contraction I gently touched her face and grabbed her hands and opened them, which really helped mom relax. The midwife wasn't going to be at the birth center for another hour so there wasn't a rush to get going. I mentioned to the Dad to start getting the car ready so we could be ready to leave and he eagerly started on the task.
Minutes after entering the bathroom I got pulled into labor land where time stands still and soon it was time to leave. Contractions were picking up in the water and baby had moved from one side to now right in the middle of the belly, ready for take off. With no mention of the need to push I wasn't worried about an unassisted birth but knew it was time leave. The Dad had the car packed and had mushed up some beans for mom to eat. I stepped out and let them have a birthing moment to themselves. While on break I marveled at how this mom was handling labor. In the time I had been there I mostly just used my voice to remind her to breathe and relax her face. But I think the biggest help was the planning she had been doing while pregnant. This mom had a childbirth educator, read 'Ina May Guide To Childbirth' and watched one of the birth documentaries I recommended. Not only that but while on break I noticed a road-map to birth hanging on the wall, as a reminder for mom. This moms labor was different because she was educated and prepared.
After my exploring I grabbed the warm towels out of the dryer, it was time for this mama to get out of the tub. With a bunch of help from dad we got her out of the tub. Dad and I helped mom get dressed and to the car. Before leaving for good measure I tell mom "if you feel the need to push, don't". I grab my doula bag which I had yet to need and headed out the door. On my way out the dad thanked me for being such a help, this made me smile.
I got to the birth center before the couple and anxiously waited with the midwife. They pulled in the driveway and I was happy to see there was no baby, and saw no pushing urge yet! My insistence have proven good. Once mom was in the bed the midwife checked her cervix and mama was at a 7cm! Contractions were very close together and water was this moms friend so they started filling up their tub. While laying in bed the moms emotions were high and
she whispered to me "I told myself I was going to cry."
and I whispered back "It's okay to cry."
I whipped her face and stroked her hair as she shed tears. She was happy to have made it, she was happy she was a 7 , she was happy the day had come to meet her baby boy....These were tears of joy.
Once mom was in the tub contractions eased up and mom was able to rest in between contractions, in labor bliss. I resumed my position next to the tub providing gentle guidance/ encouragement to the mom during each contractions. The dad was in and out the room tending to their other child, but I could tell wanted to be there for his wife. So when he asked to switch I eagerly took over childcare. I know many doulas are not a fan of helping out with other kids, but in the end I am there to be whatever the mom/family needs.
Soon after the beautiful baby was born! I went in with the child and watched him meet his baby brother which I helped prepare him for while waiting... the joy in the room was unreal! The dad offered me food or drink for the 100th time, wanting to make sure everyone was taken care of. The mom told me I was called to do this work, to keep on the road to becoming a midwife and don't let anything stop me. This day was uniquely beautiful and I got to serve them!
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