Having Meredith be a part of our birth story has been the most comforting and positive experience I could ask for. I was immediately taken by her warmth, calmness, confidence, and genuine love of the birth experience. This was my second pregnancy and I was intent on having an unmedicated vbac. I was a good candidate for this, so everyone was on board. I knew Meredith's demeanor of peace and strength would help me through labor, as well as provide some support for my husband. Meredith was available throughout my pregnancy via phone or text, although I was feeling awesome for the first and second trimester, so I didn't need her too much at first. Once I got into my third trimester I started feeling more intense pregnancy symptoms. I always called her before trying to get through the phone system at my midwife and obgyn office. She was very professional and knowledgeable about what I was feeling and put any anxieties at ease. I also felt she had a healthy awareness for any red flags, and carefully listened to all of my concerns. The last time we met before the delivery, she spent an ample amount of time chatting with me about my birth plan. At that point I felt like together with my husband, we were all a team. I felt prepared and relaxed about the birth.
At 34 weeks, I started feeling some contractions. They were mild and did not follow a pattern. Meredith always texted me back extremely quick with some clarifying questions and words of support. She encouraged me to keep her posted if anything changed. On the morning of being exactly 35 weeks, I started feeling intense contractions. I knew this wasn't normal. I felt most comfortable texting Meredith first. I trusted her guidance. I informed her that I began to bleed and she called me immediately. She was certain I needed to call my midwife asap and that we would most likely meet very soon at the hospital where I was registered. I currently live in the mountains, which is an hour away from the nearest hospital. So, a quick concise decision about what steps to take was necessary, and Meredith did not hesitate in voicing what she thought needed to be done. I was very upset that this was happening at such an early stage. She very sincerely told me to trust my body that I was going into labor at the right time for my body and for this baby. I leaned into that trust. I was transported by ambulance to the hospital, which was an excruciating hour long ride without my husband. As they opened the ambulance doors I could see Meredith standing on the other side of the ER doors. She was waving with a big smile and a hello!! Hers was the familiar face and voice I needed to get me through the next stage of this birth. I cannot tell you what a relief the sight of her smiling face was!! From that moment on, Meredith did not leave my side. She held my hand and was my advocate to make sure that the decisions being made were of my consent, and to the agreement with my midwife. She had a firm and caring presence in a very stressful emergency setting. I was 8 cm dilated when I reached the ER, but the uterine rupture I was experiencing made it necessary to get an emergency c-section. I was put completely under anesthesia, so it took awhile for me to come to.
After our healthy baby girl was born, I was still unconscious, and my husband had not yet arrived at the hospital. I am so grateful that Meredith was there to hold our baby for us. She was truly an extension of our family. I know our baby was cradled in the loving arms of someone we deeply trusted. You never know in what capacity you will need a doula, but for this birth, her presence to hold our child until we were able to, was invaluable to us, and something we could have never predicted. Meredith was also able to communicate my specific requests concerning routine hospital care for newborns. She confirmed my okay to give donor milk instead of formula, which was very important to me. All in all, our wishes as parents were completely respected and embraced. Once I came to, Meredith stayed with us until the baby was latched on and nursing well. She followed up with me in person, as well as over text messaging over the following weeks to make sure baby and I were doing well in all aspects following the birth. I cannot recommend Meredith enough!!! She has a special gift for supporting mothers, families, birth, and new babies. Having a doula is such an important part of your birth support system...and Meredith is one of the best. I feel lucky to have had her assistance. Every birth is different, and Meredith can help your birth vision come to fruition, as well as walk with you if and when your birth experience evolves into something unplanned. I would highly recommend her to anyone in search of an amazing, skilled, and whole-hearted doula. read more