To Doula or not to Doula? ...that is the question!

It’s seven weeks later but I’m still on cloud nine. I attended the most beautiful, calm birth and I just can’t get over how incredible it was! Although I’ve been a midwife for a long time and been teaching hypnobirthing for five and a half years, it’s rare I get be at the birth too. 

I was asked if I would be my client's birthing partner in addition to her husband and I couldn’t contain my excitement. 
I first met Mairi-Claire and John four years ago when I helped her with hypnobirthing for the birth of her daughter.
It was so lovely to be asked to provide them with a refresher session for the preparation of the birth of their next child.

This time was different. I had a couple that knew birth could be a positive experience. One in which they could be completely in control. Over the four sessions I watched their confidence grow and grow. More than anything I watched them become so excited to meet their second beautiful baby.

They were dedicated to the technique practice. Even their daughter was saying the words "calm and relaxed" whenever she knew I was coming to deliver the next session.

The night they asked me to attend their birth was amazing. I felt so honoured. I left feeling privileged that they would want me there at such a precious moment in their lives. I was ‘on call’ and loved the suspense that it could be any minute. Luckily, my husband is self employed, so I had the flexibility that if I could be there for them at any time. 

Mairi-Clare’s timing was perfect. We had been out for my husband's birthday, had a lovely night and just as we had fallen asleep, I got the call to go!

On arrival, I was so impressed! Mairi-Clare and John were the perfect team. She was so focussed on her breathing and she barely noticed my arrival as I quietly sat next to her. The midwives respected her wishes and her birth preferences were honoured. They did they essential checks of mum and baby but the support came down to John and myself.

I watched in awe as labour continued and Mairi-Clare’s breathing became instinctual. Her body knew what it had to do. She went with it and relaxed into each surge.  She was incredible! 
 
In a short time, her beautiful son Daniel came into the world!

Born into a pool in their living room, he had the perfect start to life. Being born into such a calm atmosphere where the love in the room was palpable!  I knew Mairi-Clare would do it! Her determination and strength was so admirable. She is officially my hero!

Once baby and mum were all settled, I made my way home to my husband and beautiful babies. I was in such awe of what I had just seen. 

But now I’ve got the bug! I want to do it again!

Being a midwife is amazing but I loved being there solely a support role! So I'm planning to do a doula course this year so I can do this again and again!