Empowering Birth Story: How Doula Support Helped Second Birth Experience

We want to express our gratitude to Hannah, a mother for the second time, for sharing her lovely birth story with us!

"The day before going into labor I went to my 39 week check up at the OB, at this time being 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant. At this time the doctor told me I was 3cm dilated, which at that point I knew labor could be around the corner. After coming home that day I began tying up any loose ends, and packing last minute things in case labor began!

I woke up around 7 am the next morning with contractions. I was in pain, but it was bearable. We went on one last family walk as a family of 3, and I would stop and breathe through my contractions as they would come. Andrew was so supportive; reminding me to breathe and letting me squeeze his hand as the contractions would come and go. I was so excited to be meeting our baby boy but I also was so sad about leaving our sweet Lola! My sister and our nanny came over to the house to take care of Lola and we headed to the hospital!

Upon arrival at the hospital, I had Andrew order Chipotle because I wanted one more last meal before labor. As soon as the DoorDash delivery arrived they called me back into triage. We had to laugh, but I knew somehow I was going to eat that Chipotle bowl. Andrew snuck me bites of food while the nurses and doctors weren’t around. I was SO hungry!

The doctor came in to check how dilated I was at the time, and they told me I was 6cm, and at that point contractions began to really pick up. I knew we were going to meet our boy so soon! We got checked into our room, and I got the epidural shortly after.

Tara, my wonderful doula, was helping get my body in different positions to help me dilate. Andrew, Tara and I chatted and the time seemed to fly by. The whole time, Tara was working her magic! She was massaging parts of my legs and creating such a calm and peaceful environment. Between that and Andrew making me laugh, holding me and giving me kisses, it was the perfect recipe for the most beautiful labor experience.

Once I hit 9 cm the pain was intense, and I remember shedding some tears as I was really feeling him come down the birth canal. However I knew my body was meant to do this! Before I knew it, I was 10 cm and ready to start pushing. Tara was helping me with different positions to push in, rather than simply on my back. I laid on my left side, and a couple pushes later our baby boy was earth side. The first time Asher and I looked at each other I knew he was special and I felt such an incredible bond with him, so early on!

I tell everyone, if all births were the way it was with Asher, I’d have 10 kids! It was such a different birth than my daughter exactly 17 months earlier, and it brought me healing in a way. My daughter’s birth was extremely long, and quite honestly 3x more painful. I am so grateful for the birth experience I had my second go around. My husband and Tara were my rocks, my peace, and my calm through my birth. The experience alone makes me excited shall my husband and I have another baby in the future. Thank you God for my beautiful and healthy baby!"

Authored by Hannah, mother of Lola and Asher

Thank you, Hannah and Andrew! It was a pleasure working with your family again, and helping to welcome baby Asher into the world!

-The Mindful Birth Doulas

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