As first-time parents my husband and I knew that we had a lot to learn, and we tried to do as much research as we could. All of the research I did on my own paled in comparison to the value of having Patricia by my side when I was actually in labor. I benefited so much from her knowledge, experience, and all of her previous births. I planned on a non-medicated, vaginal delivery. At 41 weeks I had an AFI of 3, which meant I was no longer eligible to deliver at the birth center. The plan changed quickly and I knew my first child would arrive in a hospital. The apprehensive part of me saw this as the first step of me losing control of the birth I wanted. I had read so many similar situations where this would lead to pain medication and ultimately a C-section. The moment Patricia stepped in the room I regained confidence that my ideal birth was still possible.
Patricia dropped in when I was admitted to the hospital to check in with me. She arrived knowledgeable of my birth plan, and she took the time to talk with me and my husband to clarify what we were told by hospital staff. She was the first person who we met that day who really listened to us. Patricia was professional, she understood and translated the hospital jargon, and she advocated on my behalf without me even needing to say a word. More than all of that Patricia was kind, she was compassionate, and she transformed a tense hospital room with her bright and calming energy.
Throughout the labor Patricia was supportive and inspiring in ways I didn't know I needed. She was able to answer my husband's questions, she held my hand, and she was the calm voice in my ear reminding me how close I was to meeting my daughter. When all I could think about was approaching contractions, Patricia was the one encouraging me to try different positions. I laid, I stood, I rocked, I bounced, I was in the shower, and I was laying on a birth ball. When I was in pain, and my husband was in the moment with me, Patricia was able to be objective and remind us of our options every step of the way.
I still don't know how or when Patricia photographed and videoed my daughters arrival. I remember her standing over my shoulder repeating works of affirmation in my ear, but somehow she also captured once in a lifetime photos of my husband catching our daughter. I didn't know how special those images would be to me - and I can't wait to show them to Emilia one day. Patricia guided us through my daughter's first latch and she stayed with me until I was settled, until she answered every possible question we had and we were ready. When Patricia left the hospital room I knew I was so grateful for the role she played in my daughters arrival, and I had no idea how much I would rely on her support for the entire first year.
There is something to be said for the quick relationship that develops with a person who was with me at my most vulnerable. After returning home people would ask me how I was, and they often received canned responses, but the phone would ring and Patricia would be calling to check in and I felt like I could actually open up to her, because she got it. The first few hours, days, and months Patricia checked in on us, she celebrated with us when Emilia turned two weeks, and she encouraged me to join invaluable mommy groups.
I know that my non-medicated, vaginal delivery, and my daughter's safe arrival was in large part due to Patricia being by my side, helping me and encouraging me exactly the way I needed to hear it.
I wish every woman could feel Patricia's support and love as they welcome their child into the world. read more