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Ilona's Story "My Doula Assisted Birth"
How did you hear about a doula?
I received a brochure from my midwife and then made the call once I saw the news clip on doulas.

How did your doula help you?
I think I could break this answer into two parts: physical techniques, and mental/emotional help.

Physical techniques:
My doula was wonderful with counter pressure for my back labor. She responded immediately when I told her that pressure was too much or too little. She encouraged other positions that helped. She was not offended when I did not stay in a position she suggested. It was good that she just knew what to do. She kept the bath water warm enough for me. She let me lean into her. Physical contact with her was very comforting - she was always right there. When I moaned she reminded me to moan low, and to keep my jaw and shoulders loose, not tense. She remembered what I liked and did not like. When the labor became really intense, she didn't distract me with a lot of talk. She kept me hydrated - early on she was feeding me yogurt. When contractions were really intense, several times I just pressed my face into her neck and just hung on. That sounds odd, but she was like an anchor during those really tough times.

Mental/emotional techniques:
My doula was very strong, confident, professional, non-intrusive, knowledgeable, encouraging, and she passed these things along to me. She was with me emotionally, and though she may have gotten tired, she did not show it. Her voice was calm and encouraging. She told me often that I was doing well and she kept encouraging me. I remember saying to her "We are doing good, aren't we? We can do this, can't we?" and she was able to read beyond just this "Yes" answer and know what I needed. I was getting weary, and she needed to give extra encouragement, as well as extra fluids, even juices (not just water). Her tone of voice, her body language, her smooth, relaxed yet strong touch, all made for good emotional focus for me. And she didn't stop being there once the baby was out. She helped me in the shower - she was there for me, just for me. And she was also able to encourage my husband and answer his questions, and keep him calm, so I did not have to worry about him.

How did the doula help your husband?
In Tarek's words: "The doula was very beneficial. I didn't really know what to expect. This was Ilona's second birth, but my first. I didn't know what to do to help her. Sure we saw tapes and had classes, but there was too much to remember. Our doula provided me with peace of mind that Ilona was cared for. She knew how to help Ilona. She was there to walk us through labor. She showed me how to be of assistance to help my wife. It was like a marathon, and she had endurance and she passed it on to us. She was understanding, sensitive to our needs, wasn't pushy, she was available to do whatever."

Nadine in advanced labor.

"I DID IT!"

Ginny is comforted and adored after her birth at home.

Robert helps with the birth of his daughter.

Beverly looks on as Hank is feeling the baby kick.

Four year old Hank rubs his mother's (Beverly)
back while the doula takes a photo.

The wonderous anticipated waterbirth of Mason.

Mason's sweet little foot being touched
by his mother and brother.

Rick holding Mason while Beverly
moves from tub to bed.
Hank holding his brother Mason
within an hour of birth.

Mason's midwife and proud daddy Rick

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