Not Quite a Waterbirth

I'm guessing you've heard this before, but labor is unpredictable.  

During a prenatal visit, our doulas always go over a worksheet with our clients that is titled, "Birth Options and Preferences."  We do our best to help these awesome moms achieve the birth they have been thinking about, planning for, and waiting on for so long, but since so much can't be planned ahead of time, we just have to see what hand we are dealt when labor begins.  And that is exactly why I think that having a doula is such a wonderful thing!  She can help guide you along this unfamiliar, unpredictable path and hopefully help you be thrilled with where it takes you.

One such story recently happened here in Knoxville, TN.  There was a mama who was planning to deliver at the birth center and had chosen Stephanie as her doula.  Unfortunately, when labor called, Stephanie was sick with a stomach bug and in no condition to be with a mama through labor.  So this mama got me (not that I'm too shabby of a replacement, but it's just not what this mama had planned!).

This woman wanted a water birth, but when it came time to push the pool was not so comfortable and it was difficult for her to really feel what she was doing.  The most comfortable position for her was actually sitting on the toilet.  Thankfully, she had chosen her provider well and was attended by a kind and supportive midwife who acted like it was no big deal for a mama to push a baby out while sitting on the toilet.  So she did!  It was really awesome and so powerful to watch this mama go with the flow, use what she had, and bring her baby into the world.  I'm so thankful that I got to be part of their beautiful day.  

Congratulations, Mommy and Daddy!  You rocked that delivery and I'm so proud of how you handled everything that labor threw at you.  You are so strong and your little girl is so precious.  Thank you for letting me be there with you!