Daniella's Story - November 2010
When I first became pregnant everything was so new and exciting and there was so much to learn. My sister-in-law was nearing the end of her own pregnancy and she knew that I had never seen a birth; she asked if I would like to be there for my niece's birth and I eagerly accepted the invitation. Crystal was her doula and I had no idea what a doula was, but I immediately realized she was there to inform, support, and comfort the parents-to-be. I asked her to be a part of my birth.
I was nervous about letting a stranger into the birthing room, so I asked her instead if she could be there to instruct my mother and husband on how to massage and support me in labor. She agreed and so began the wait for my daughter's arrival. Even though there was a big possibility that my daughter could be born on Thanksgiving Day, Crystal said she would be there no matter what. I was a week past due according to the estimated due date and I agreed to be induced.
Crystal met us at my house, coffee in hand because she knew what we didn't. It was going to be a long, but exciting process. She stayed awake with me all night while my husband slept. Labor began at 430am and she supported me with massage while I had contractions. She provided a birth ball, which was a life saver because it was the only thing I was comfortable on. Immediately, my plans had changed and Crystal was the one that was hands on because I only wanted her to touch me. She taught my husband and mother her techniques, but she had the magic touch. My husband wasn't bad, but he was worried about me, so he just held my hands. I know that without her I would have been scared, she brought peace to the room. When my family and I had questions, she knew the answers. She's also funny, which is very important! She rapidly worked her way into our hearts. When birthing began, she took a step back and acted as photographer, the pictures came out wonderful and in good taste. Only Crystal, my husband, and I held my daughter that night, which says a lot. She also supported me with breastfeeding, she came to my house and helped me with different techniques so that my daughter could eat well and so that I would be comfortable.
She went from being a stranger to being a part of our family. Crystal, thank you for making it so enjoyable. I only have great memories from the whole experience, and in a large part its because you where there.
I was nervous about letting a stranger into the birthing room, so I asked her instead if she could be there to instruct my mother and husband on how to massage and support me in labor. She agreed and so began the wait for my daughter's arrival. Even though there was a big possibility that my daughter could be born on Thanksgiving Day, Crystal said she would be there no matter what. I was a week past due according to the estimated due date and I agreed to be induced.
Crystal met us at my house, coffee in hand because she knew what we didn't. It was going to be a long, but exciting process. She stayed awake with me all night while my husband slept. Labor began at 430am and she supported me with massage while I had contractions. She provided a birth ball, which was a life saver because it was the only thing I was comfortable on. Immediately, my plans had changed and Crystal was the one that was hands on because I only wanted her to touch me. She taught my husband and mother her techniques, but she had the magic touch. My husband wasn't bad, but he was worried about me, so he just held my hands. I know that without her I would have been scared, she brought peace to the room. When my family and I had questions, she knew the answers. She's also funny, which is very important! She rapidly worked her way into our hearts. When birthing began, she took a step back and acted as photographer, the pictures came out wonderful and in good taste. Only Crystal, my husband, and I held my daughter that night, which says a lot. She also supported me with breastfeeding, she came to my house and helped me with different techniques so that my daughter could eat well and so that I would be comfortable.
She went from being a stranger to being a part of our family. Crystal, thank you for making it so enjoyable. I only have great memories from the whole experience, and in a large part its because you where there.
