The Impact of Doula Support: Real Birth Stories from Orange County New Moms

Labor of love is happy to share another one our client's Orange County birth doula stories -

Thank you Amber for sharing, your trust means everything to our team...

As I sat down to reflect on my birth experience, I realized how pivotal the role of my birth doula from Labor of Love was in shaping my journey into motherhood. Sharing this story feels like an opportunity to honor the support I received and hopefully inspire others considering hiring a doula for their own birth experience.

From the moment I discovered I was pregnant, I immersed myself in research and preparation. I read books, attended classes, and envisioned the kind of birth I wanted. But as I got closer and closer to my due date , I also began to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. That’s when I decided to hire a doula.

Getting to know my doula was a lot of fun. Bringing her in immediately gave me relief. I thought I might have waited to long to hire her; however, from our first phone calls and prenatal visit, her wealth of knowledge made be feel so prepared and ready for my birth. I really appreciated how she would constantly check in with me and ask if I had any concerns or questions.

When labor finally started, it was a surreal mix of emotions. I wasn't sure if it was the real thing but also knew that something was different. When I called and talked to my doula, she helped me trust what was happening and so I left work and went home. My husband met me there and we were able to relax and get excited about what was ahead. When things started to intensify, my doula joined us. Her presence was like a soothing balm in the whirlwind of contractions.

With my husband and my doula by my side, I was able to stay focused on my breathing and movement. We went for a walk, I remember swaying my hips and leaning my partner, feeling supported both physically and emotionally. The atmosphere felt safe and nurturing, which was exactly what I needed.

As labor intensified, I faced moments of doubt and exhaustion. By the time we got to the hospital, I was pretty sure I was going to get an epidural. Originally I wanted to go without one, but my doula helped me figure out what was best for me. I still had a long way to go and I was so tired. I knew that I needed to rest, I had already been laboring for 16 hours, I hadn't slept, and I was about 5 cn dilatated. She helped me understand that an epidural was just a tool and there was still a lot of work ahead. I was so grateful for her support as that decision was harder than I thought and I of the best choices I made. I was able to sleep for the rest of the night and felt like I was more emotionally prepared to meet my baby.

Pushing was the part I was most worried about but was probably the easiest part of my 26 hour birth experience. I felt so supported with my husband on one side and my doula on the other. My nurse was so encouraging too. When my doctor came, I was totally ready to meet my baby boy. It was really a wonderful moment and one I will never forget!

I am so appreciative of my doula that and the supported she gave me and my husband!

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If you live in Orange County and are thinking of adding a doula to your birth team, we would be honored to chat with you. Please inquiry within!