Was a doula for the first time on Saturday. It was my first hospital birth I've ever been too and because of special circumstances it didn't go exactly as planned. But, it was a perfect birth.
It gave me insight into a different side of birth that I've not witnessed before and I cherished every moment of it.
Mom was great, she did a fantastic job. She was so happy with her labor and thats what I'm there for so I feel that I did a good job too. I'll go see them later today and make sure they're doing okay.
The hospital staff was great and I'm surprised at how included they made ME feel. They let me help move mom around since she was incapacitated, I got to hold her leg up to help her push during the birthing. They also approached me about most of the medical circumstances and let me discuss changes that were taking place with her. This openness between me and the staff was very essential to helping me fulfill my role in helping mom make decisions and feel like she is a part of the process. I was actually quite impressed. Though there was one moment the doctor was pressing mom to do something and I had to ask him to leave the room so we could talk it over. It was a much easier decision for her to to make when he left and I was able to completely explain why I agreed with the doctor. He really didn't give her the why he wanted her to do something which was very frustrating for her.
After looking back on a few moments that were scary for her, I'm so glad I was there. I really helped her out when she needed someone to look to for answers and support.
The hospital staff was impressed with me and has asked me to provide them with a card so they can contact me when they get moms in that don't have anyone to look to. She told me of a story of a Dad dropping off his teen daughter in labor at the front door leaving and coming back to pick her and the baby up after it was all over. (That's quite a dad, I think it should be a crime) But I would of been a great tool for the hospital keeping the young mother calm for a healthier birth. For me to get kudos from the nurses there and get the smiles and tears of joy from mom was incredibly rewarding. I was able to walk the line between the natural birth and medical birth community and I was able to ensure a positive birth memory for a wonderful woman.
Vaginal Birth, 15 hour labor, Baby Girl, 6lbs 1oz, 17in long, black hair, wide open eyes and happy :)
2 comments:
Congrats, that has to be something very special. I'm sure you're going to be there for many more.
Awesome! Sounds like your first time went great. :) How exciting.
Post a Comment