Birthing With Mindfulness: Our Tribute to Tara and Mindful Birth Services

When we first met Tara at 37 weeks, we expected a quick meet-and-greet—but instead, she spent over four hours with us, answering every question, teaching us techniques to prepare for labor, and providing guidance tailored to each stage of pregnancy. From that first conversation, we felt an instant connection and knew we had found the right person to support us through birth. Every week leading up to labor, she checked in, offering encouragement and making sure we felt confident and informed.

As we reached 41 weeks, the possibility of induction became very real. We were discouraged, worried that our birth plan might not unfold as we had hoped. But Tara reassured us, reminding us to stay patient and continue natural induction techniques like pumping and movement. She helped us navigate our options and reminded us that labor would begin when our baby was ready.

Early Saturday morning, Liz’s water broke, and Tara was the first person we called. She calmly guided us through the next steps, helping us determine the best time to head to the hospital. When we arrived, things moved quickly, and we immediately felt the intensity of the hospital setting. The staff, overwhelmed and understaffed, began making decisions without fully discussing them with us—hooking up IVs and moving forward with interventions we hadn’t planned for. In that moment, we felt like we were losing control of the birth experience we had envisioned.

That’s when we knew we needed Tara there. Despite it being the middle of the night, we called her, and without hesitation, she came. The moment she arrived, the energy in the room shifted. The hospital staff recognized her immediately, calling her one of the best. Suddenly, everything we had requested—the birthing ball, the squat bar, the Monica monitor—appeared in our room.

During labor, Tara’s presence was invaluable. She guided Liz through position changes, encouraged movement, and helped ensure that labor continued progressing. At one point, when contractions stalled, she suggested sitting on the toilet to help the baby move down—a game-changer.

When it was finally time to push, Tara helped Liz find the best positions to bring our baby into the world. After an intense final effort, our daughter was born—healthy, strong, and placed right on Liz’s chest. In that moment, despite the exhaustion and chaos, everything felt peaceful.

Even after birth, Tara’s support didn’t stop. She stayed by our side, guiding Liz through the first moments of breastfeeding and answering every question we had. When she came for her postpartum visit, she didn’t leave until we felt fully supported and reassured.

Hiring Tara was the best decision we made. She wasn’t just our doula—she was our advocate, our guide, and an irreplaceable part of our birth experience. If you’re looking for someone who will stand by you, empower you, and ensure you have the best possible chance at the birth you want, Tara is it. We will forever be grateful for her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Authored by Liz Buckley, first time mom