Our first Mindful Birth doula baby of the New Year! Camden Rowan b. 1.4.19

Camden's birth announcement was written by our birth doula, Tara. Tara is our Naples area doula and is a quite a natural at this doula thing! Tara is a mom of two boys and one pup, with her background in social work.

Camden Rowan was born at 1:13am on January 4th, 2019. He was 8lbs and 1oz and 21 inches long. His big sister was soothing him minutes after he was born. She’s a natural!

MEET JESS

I first met Jess at noisy little Starbucks with her very outgoing daughter. Jodi was five and couldn’t wait to meet her little brother. I could tell Jess was nervous and I wanted to put her at ease. Jess told me she wanted a natural birth, on her own terms. She explained that the birth of her daughter had been traumatic, and this time she wanted a team who would support her wishes. We talked about the importance of establishing our relationship and also setting up a birth team she trusted. I wanted her to know in her soul that I would be there for her and support her decisions. Building rapport with your doula is so important during your pregnancy so you know you can rely on her on the big day!

THE RIGHT DOULA, THE RIGHT MIDWIFE

Jess’s first hurdle was finding a provider whom she trusted. At the time she was not feeling heard or respected by her midwife. I agreed she needed to make a change, but she was over 20 weeks and most providers will not accept new patients this far along. Jess’s persistence and determination paid off and after several calls she was able to meet with a new midwife who immediately put her at ease. At each visit she took time to really listen to Jess. This was so important because it is essential that a woman feels safe and secure during labor in order for labor to unfold normally, especially after a traumatic experience.

MEMBRANE SWEEP

Throughout her pregnancy Jess had some signs of preterm labor. As an early childhood teacher, her job is very demanding so in early December it was decided she should stop working. As the holidays approached, she continued to have contractions and started to dilate. I thought we might have a Christmas baby, but the 25th came and went. On the 3rd of January, Jess had her last appointment with her midwife. She was exhausted from the prodromal labor, so they decided to sweep her membranes to get labor started. She was two days past her estimated due date.

MEET BABY CAMDEN

Jess tried to go home and rest, but her contractions were too strong. After several hours of managing them at home with her mom and daughter she decided to head to the hospital. I arrived at 7:30pm to Jess managing her contractions well. At her previous birth Jess had felt very rushed to have her baby so she was getting frustrated that her contractions were not staying consistent. We assured her she could take her time. After having her amniotic fluid released, lots of walking and having both her doula and midwife at her side, contractions intensified. Once Jess was fully dilated, Camden was born in just three pushes!

Please join me in welcoming Camden Rowan, born January 4th 2019 at 1:13am. Big sister Jodi is ready to teach him a thing or two, but mostly how to love. What a wonderful New Year's gift for this beautiful family.

In doula love,