Doula –
Gorgeous baby girl born Tuesday 24th September 2013 weighing 8lb6oz.
I first found out about the role of doulas through the experience of friends, who had Cherie as their doula, and when I found out I was pregnant with baby number two I started to think I would like to have Cherie as a doula at the birth. I had a good experience with the birth of my son, with a relatively quick and easy labour, however, during the last stages of labour I felt unable to communicate my preferences; due to the physical intensity of childbirth. I liked the idea of having a doula at the birth of my second baby, who knew what I was hoping for and who could advocate for me.
My due-date came and went and still no baby. At five days overdue I had an appointment at the hospital and had a stretch and sweep to try to get things moving…. and it did. I had contractions overnight that had strengthened by the morning, and around 8am we headed in to the hospital. I had given the hospital a copy of my birth plan, in which I had said that if staff and facilities were available I would like to have a water birth. The midwives came in to see me and said that they were happy to help me with a water birth and that the bath was available, yay! Cherie arrived at the hospital after the midwives had seen me, and went about making things more comfortable by putting on relaxing music and putting out aromatherapy oils etc.
My contractions were five minutes apart, and grew progressively stronger during the day, but didn’t get closer together. I got into the bath early on, but had to get back out of the bath as my contractions slowed right down – a relief but not helpful . Cherie helped throughout the day by encouraging me to eat and drink to keep my energy up, making suggestions on how I might be more comfortable during contractions, massaging my back, and putting cold face-washers on my neck and face. She also encouraged Andrew to give me a massage, hold my hand and give me cold face-washers. I really appreciated the way Cherie encouraged Andrew as to how he could help me, as he became more involved in the process and felt less like a bystander.
After about 7 hours of contractions in the hospital I decided I would like to try getting back in the bath, so I did and again my contractions slowed down. I was starting to feel frustrated, wondering just how far along I was, and was considering the option of getting back out of the bath for an internal to assess my progress. The midwife left the room for a moment, and I had another strong contraction during which I felt like I wanted to push. Another strong contraction came quickly and my waters broke, and I knew that I was ready to start pushing. All of a sudden I felt my baby move down the birth canal, ready to crown. A couple more pushes and my beautiful baby was out and in my arms. 🙂
Cherie stayed with us while we moved back to the delivery room and had the usual checks etc. She continued to offer support, bringing me a drink and offering something to eat. Once we were all settled she left us to rest. A few days after I left the hospital Cherie came to visit us at home, bringing her notes from the birth, a traditional energy restoring slice, and other helpful information on breastfeeding etc. We had an opportunity to chat about how it all went. From the moment we decided to have Cherie as our doula, I have found her to be a great source of information and resources, and a quiet but strong support and encouragement during labour. I would recommend her as a doula anytime!
Jo-Anne.