Doula –
Gorgeous baby girl born Friday 30th August 2013. 7 pound 13.
My Birth Story – by Rachel.
Finding myself quite anxious about impending labour, when I heard about Cherie I knew straight away that I’d love for her to be at our first birth.
I keenly desired as natural a birth as possible but doubted my ability to stay mentally strong and not give in to my fears. By God’s grace and strength, and with Gwyn and Cherie at my side, I surprised myself and had a wonderful labour right up until the end. It happened pretty much just as I had hoped. Cherie was very encouraging and really helped me to stay focussed when contractions got stronger, keeping me calm and able to persevere through them. She helped Gwyn help me with massage and also was able to give Gwyn a break when he needed one. I only required gas as additional pain relief once transition approached.
Cherie was very calming and sensitive to my particular needs and desires. She was able to communicate these effectively with hospital staff so I could just get on with what I was doing with no interruptions. When the time came to push the lovely midwife Di was very encouraging helping me through it gently but also firmly urging me on when I needed it. When the moment came for Eliza’s entry into the outside world things happened very quickly – a bit too quickly. The most surreal moment was feeling her between my legs – I tore quite bad and heard the midwife say there was a bit of blood loss, but all I could think of was that I had done it! I was now holding in my arms this precious gift from God, this moment Gwyn and I had been hoping for, for so long had become a reality. Gwyn had tears of joy; my heart was full with thanks to God and love for my new family J.
Unfortunately the tear meant a spinal anaesthetic to stitch me up, and having to spend a few hours away from Gwyn and Eliza which seemed like the longest time ever. During this time Cherie patiently kept Gwyn company and got him some dinner, which really helped prevent him from worrying about me and not knowing what to do. Instead he could relax and enjoy the first of many cuddles with his little bundle of joy.
Gwyn and I are both so grateful to Cherie for the calming support that she was. All the little things you’d never think of that she did made all the difference in easing our minds and making the experience even more special.
We thank our Heavenly Father for providing exactly what we needed through Cherie – she was truly a blessing to us.