I am profoundly grateful for Renee’s support during the birth of my second child. She was a cornerstone member the tribe who helped me to achieve the unmedicated, natural childbirth I so deeply desired.
My first labor and delivery included epidural and Pitocin interventions even though I planned a natural childbirth. I prepared by selecting an excellent midwifery practice, investing in learning about natural childbirth through reading Ina May’s guide and taking classes, receiving regular chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture. I maintained healthy weight gain and focused on nutrition. I was deeply committed to giving myself the best chances. However, after many hours of prodromal labor my midwife and I decided, together, to augment labor. She could tell I was growing uncomfortable and exhausted and was concerned if I continued to labor in this manner, I would not have the energy to push. Even though my first experience with childbirth was purely magical, I still desired another try for an unmedicated, natural childbirth.
When I learned I was pregnant with my second child in October 2019, I contemplated hiring a doula to give myself an additional advantage to having an unmedicated, natural birth experience. After all, “if a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it” (Kennell). Then, on March 13, 2020 the United States declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency. I faced the possibility that my second child’s birth may be in a hospital treating patients with a novel, highly contagious respiratory infection and that my husband and midwives may not be allowed to attend the birth. I would not be allowed to walk, eat, drink, or utilize the many measures to support natural childbirth. The possibility that my husband or the midwives would not be able to support me during birth was unacceptable and gave me proper motivation to commit to a birth center birth and enlist the support of a doula.
I met Renee through a trusted relationship with my chiropractor, Dr. Meghan McGowan. I attended an online seminar that they co-hosted about birthing during the pandemic. I was immediately attracted to Renee’s warm and nurturing manner and by the end of the seminar I was convinced I wanted her support during my second birth. Looking back, it was the pivotal decision that lead to a perfect birth experience.
Even during the early and uncertain months of the pandemic, Renee was eager to support me through in-person educational and support sessions. She wove the important learnings of the birthing process, comfort measures and what a partner should know with emotional support. Renee and I communicated often on phone calls or Zoom meetings and a bond that would prepare us for labor and delivery formed.
The day before I gave birth, I had irregular, early-labor contractions. I enjoyed sharing text updates and phone check ins with Renee throughout the day and evening and felt she sincerely shared my excitement about the upcoming delivery. At 11 p.m. that night, with contractions about four minutes apart I asked my husband to call Renee to join us. It was an excellent opportunity for him to get some rest before moving to the birth center. Renee was a comfort and support to me during the hours of intense laboring at home. She coached me on breathing, suggested changing positions, soothed my legs and back with massage and essential oils, hugged me when I needed comfort and encouraged me when I felt despair. I am certain this time at home with Renee’s support helped labor progress as much as possible at home.
With contractions about one and a half minutes apart we relocated to the birth center at four a.m. There, Renee ensured a soothing environment with soft music, low lights, essential oils diffusing and continuation of comfort and support. She flawlessly integrated into the care team including a midwife, midwife assistant, birth center nurse, and my husband. Midwife, Caitlyn, later commented how seamlessly Renee incorporated her role into the care team. When it was time to push, her gentle and encouraging reminders kept me focused and resolute. Natalie was born a couple of hours later and Renee remained with me and continued to provide support and comfort. She helped me into bed and, when I was ready, assisted with Natalie’s first latch and breastfeeding. I felt victorious and overwhelmed with joy.
In the following days and weeks, Renee and I remained in contact as she continued to provide breastfeeding support and held space for me to work through a vast medley of emotions and thoughts. We talked about changing relationships, problem solving, navigating parenting two children, and how to respond to stressful situations.
Renee’s support was the exact piece of the puzzle that allowed me to thrive through Natalie’s birth. I am eternally grateful for her wisdom, expertise, time, and comfort. She will always be a pivotal part of Natalie’s birth story and hold a special place in my heart.
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