Hiring a Doula Helped Jodie During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 7:15 on a Sunday morning to cramping. I immediately thought to myself, "I'm going to have a baby today." I went to the bathroom to realize I had lost my mucus plug. We got ready for church as usual and went about our day. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart during church service. As they started growing in intensity at lunch, I finally said out loud that I believed we would meet our newest daughter before we went to bed that night.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I labored at home until my contractions were a few minutes apart since we live only 10 minutes away from the hospital. From then on, things moved so, so fast. Much faster than expected. Labor was so intense once we got to the hospital that I was taken up immediately. My water broke in the elevator. I know everyone says it's not like it is in the movies... But this was exactly like the movies. It was a rush. I had a baby within an hour of getting to the hospital, but throughout that hour, it was so difficult knowing that the pain I so desperately wanted to avoid could be avoided with a quick IV... Having my husband, mom, and doula there to remind me why I didn't want medication was very important.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was hiring a doula. This was a game changer for me. I was a VBAC patient, and having my doula to help me better understand the facts and risks was invaluable.

What surprised you about your birth?

At the beginning of each contraction, I would start saying, "No, no, no!" I was so afraid. My mom finally looked me in the face and said, "You were made for this." I needed to hear that because it certainly did not feel like I was made to do what I was supposed to be doing. I was surprised by the fact that everything I needed to do to deliver my baby was the opposite of what I wanted to do. I needed to use my energy to push, but I wanted to use my energy to scream. I needed to open my legs (duh), but I wanted to close them. The pain is necessary, but I wanted to do everything possible to avoid it. This has been a beautiful image for me. We work hard to avoid pain in our lives, but if we push through it and endure it, we are able to fully experience the beauty on the other side. It was so beautiful to be able to hold my precious baby girl knowing well every bit of the pain it took to bring her into this world.

Make up your mind that you are going natural, and do it. If you have the option in the back of your mind that you are going to use medication, you will absolutely do that when they offer it to you in the middle of your worst contraction. You have to keep your eye on the prize and know the the facts. Research and know for yourself why a natural birth is the best thing for you and your baby.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My labor progressed very quickly, so I didn't have to practice many pain relief strategies. It was most effective for me to kneel over the couch and take deep breaths.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was sitting up in bed with nurses helping me pull my knees back.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

I have never in my life experienced such beauty and relief at the same time.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Make up your mind that you are going natural, and do it. If you have the option in the back of your mind that you are going to use medication, you will absolutely do that when they offer it to you in the middle of your worst contraction. You have to keep your eye on the prize and know the the facts. Research and know for yourself why a natural birth is the best thing for you and your baby.