Manitoba
Association
for Childbirth
and Family
Education |
Below
are two stories from MACFE clients attesting to the great benefits of
Doula support during birth. |
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With my first child, I didn’t have a Doula and I sure wish that I had. I was induced and had a very long painful labour. My husband was with me and did as much as he could to help me. Then, after 21 hours of labour, I ended up having a cesarean section. It was very scary for both myself and my husband. Before the birth of my first child, I thought the support and help of my husband would be enough. We went to the prenatal classes, read books, and thought we were ready. We weren’t. Needless to say, when we found out I was pregnant with our second child, we knew we needed more help. When we decided a Doula was right for us, we met Cindy. She came to our home several times and talked about what kind of support we wanted, helped write a birth plan and talked about all the concerns we had. When it was finally time, Cindy came to the hospital and was our angel for 19 ½ hours. She did everything from explaining what was happening to rubbing my back, and even just sitting and talking. After all that labour, it turned out once more that I needed a cesarean. Cindy was there through it all. She kept my husband calm while I was being prepped for surgery, and then was there during the cesarean. My husband was squeamish, so she cut the cord! She even came to see how we were doing in the hospital the next day and she visited us several times after our daughter was born. Having a labour companion the second time around made it easier. She knew how to keep me focused on my breathing and how to ease the pain. A woman’s husband or coach may have the best intentions, but Doulas are trained professionals. They are wonderful and I applaud them. If you are thinking a Doula will take away from what your coach or husband should be doing, she won’t. Doulas only do as much or as little as you like. So phone and get more information….. you won’t regret it! Julie Deane |
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| A VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) Birth Story |
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My 1st birth experience began with my doctor scraping my membranes 2 weeks before my due date saying, “I’m just checking you.” Shortly after that excruciating procedure, I started having contractions in my back and my membranes ruptured. I felt incredible back pain from the get go, and being my 1st labour, I didn’t know what it was supposed to feel like. In the end I had a cesarean section due to failure to progress. I vowed, after lying on my back for 18 hours with an epidural, that my next labour experience would be very different. I wanted to at least be somewhat in control of my body. I believe now that if nature was left alone to take its course things may have ended very differently. I was encouraged by my doctor to have a scheduled cesarean the next time I had a baby. She also told me that if I wanted a vaginal delivery, I would need to be induced early because my pelvis was too small, and the baby needed to be no more than 5 ½ to 6 pounds. After much thought and a new doctor, I decided I wanted to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) delivery. I didn’t decide to attempt it because I felt a strong urge to give birth naturally. My concern was having another abdominal surgery when I had a child under 2 at home. I wanted to be able to pick her up and play with her. Although I had recovered very well from my C-section, I knew that healing after a natural delivery is a lot quicker. I decided when I got pregnant for the second time that I would have extra support in place for the delivery, whatever the outcome may be. I called MACFE and was put in touch with Noreen Fehr. After speaking with her I asked if she was available to be our Doula. I talked with her several times and met with her at my home. I was immediately comfortable with her, and knew that I made the right decision. Even after all of the details were in place, I was required to see an OB, who strongly encouraged me to deliver at a tertiary hospital due to the chance of having a rupture of my previous incision. After a lot of reading (The VBAC Companion by Diane Korte) I felt it was safe and I felt more comfortable delivering at a community hospital. I went into labour one week after my due date, on my own. I called my Doula that evening, telling her that I thought today my be the day and continued on with my day. I walked and walked, bounced on my birthing ball, and finally things started to happen. I laboured with my husband’s help until the middle of the night and then decided that it was time to call Noreen. I laboured with their support for some time before we headed for the hospital. When we arrived and the nurse checked me (during a contraction, I might add!) I was four centimeters dilated and completely effaced. I spent hours walking the halls, getting massages from my husband and my Doula, using the birthing ball, soaking in a hot shower and receiving counter pressure on my back during contractions. I was repeatedly told about the benefits of having an epidural or taking drugs to “relax” me by the staff, but with the amazing support from my husband and Doula, I was able to refocus and carry on. The pushing was the worst part for me. I lost it, fell apart and began to cry. I felt I couldn’t do it anymore. Noreen encouraged me to listen to my body and get into a better position to push. Once I focused on the sound of her voice and her encouraging words, I felt empowered. After only 20 minutes of pushing, I delivered a beautiful baby girl. My husband and I believe that we probably wouldn’t have been able to do it drug free and on our own terms without the help of our Doula. Her calm demeanor and techniques to cope with the contractions were invaluable. I am very proud of myself for accomplishing a VBAC birth and am very thankful for all the support I had. It was the hardest thing that I have ever done. My recovery was incredibly fast. I was able to get up immediately, and have a shower. It was terrific. After we came home, Noreen made us a beautiful birth story that documents the entire experience, which is a wonderful keepsake to have and share with our daughter. Lisa birthed a
healthy baby girl, |
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