On Tuesday my friend Meg gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I had the great honor of attending her birth as a doula (I was kind of nervous - it was my first birth in that role!).
This birth was a little extra special: It was a VBAC. Meg was up against a doctor who was ready to do another c-section at the slightest stall, and total exhaustion from laboring through the night. She and her husband were a great team, and stood their ground, doing everything they could to have a natural birth.
After about 26 hours of labor, she pushed out sweet little Penny. On her own.
You were amazing, Meg. Thank you for letting me be a part of your birth. I will never forget it. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't strong enough - just remember Penny's birth and know that you can do anything.
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."
Barbara Katz Rothman
"I think one of the best things we could do would be to help women/parents/families discover their own birth power, from within themselves. And to let them know it's always been there, they just needed to tap into it."
John H. Kennell, MD
"The whole point of woman-centered birth is the knowledge that a woman is the birth power source. She may need, and deserve, help, but in essence, she always had, currently has, and will have the power."
Heather McCue
Also, a huge thank you to my Mother. She sat in the waiting room from 1:30am until 4pm (at which point she took Tony with her to her midwife appointment!) watching my own precious baby so that I could be with Meg. I love you, Mom. (For anyone wondering, Tony was an absolute angel. I nursed him every two hours, and he was quiet and happy staying with my Mom. That was a great blessing.)
I think this will be my motto as a doula:
"Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well."
Mother Teresa
Congratulations, Meg!
ReplyDeleteGreat quotes, Jess.
I met a lady at the St Patick's Day parade (she in her Ergo gravitated towards me in my Maya Wrap :P) who knows about home birth in this area and has had one herself. She gave me some great info, and I'm kind of excited.