My husband and I did not originally intend to hire a doula when we began our first journey as expecting parents. Yet looking back on our labor and delivery experience, it is hard to imagine our story without Nicole by our side! My hope throughout our pregnancy was to bring our child into the world as naturally as possible, and the benefits of a doula's care for our mental and emotional well-being were deemed even more useful after my husband and I took a birthing class. We met with Nicole to go over our birthing "wish list"-what our desires and needs were for labor and delivery if we could choose-and she was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable in conveying her plan for supporting us.
As the due date drew closer and then passed, Nicole continually checked in with me to see how I was feeling. Her care was especially encouraging at this point because my son decided to stay comfortable 10 extra days past his due date! When labor finally began, Nicole texted with me during contractions until my husband and I felt ready to head to the hospital in the middle of the night. Nicole exhibited amazing flexibility in her willingness to arrive at 3 am to support us! She even brought essential oils to make the room smell amazing and twinkle lights to make the room calm and serene-an ambience which I definitely needed!
Labor and delivery is a journey with lots of twists and turns, with potential for unexpected detours, as my husband and I were to find out. Since my labor had become a lengthy and tiring process, Nicole was present and supportive as my husband and I had to make important decisions along the way, in particular regarding the use of pitocin and an epidural to aid the labor. Her words were empowering and her presence was steadfast all the way up to the joyous arrival of our son hours later. In addition to her support, she also captured beautiful photos of our moments together throughout the labor as well as our first moments together as a family of three. Within a couple weeks following the birth of our son, Nicole met with us in our home to follow up and encourage us in our postpartum stage and go over the timeline of the labor and delivery experience she had journaled for us-which was so helpful for us as we were not in our right minds during the actual event to capture every moment as thoroughly!
Nicole's support was beneficial not only for me, but for my husband as well. We look back on this significant day and are beyond thankful for her enthusiasm for life and her knowledge regarding the sweet mysterious process of childbirth. We cannot recommend her enough! read more