I was a doula, kinda

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1. A doula is a nonmedical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her spouse and/or family, by providing physical assistance, and emotional support.

I didn't know anything about birth before baby boy and really still don't that is why I am going to get reading so I can be a better doula for my cousin. I don't know if I ever picked a name for her. We will pick the letter J. So, J was there for the birth of baby boy. SO many memories of that. Getting to the hospital and laying on the ground in the parking lot to endure a contraction and then getting to the floor for having babies and then kneeling on a chair for a contraction. Then in the room... in the tub then pushing on my back (amazing), then the birth with watching this sweet boy coming out arms and legs open, here I am! That is what I remember.

I am really excited for J and her birth. Her husband will be there and we are going to help her have her birth experience.

This is a great website that I found
http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=6497

SO I really loved having J involved with my birth because
1. I was more calm, she is a VERY calm and collective woman and she helped me be calm and collective.
2. Although I was nervous having her have to see my NAKED body it wasn't to much of a big deal. I mean really, birth is beautiful.
3. Having someone care about me to go to ALL the appointments with me, so I never felt alone. I didn't have a husband to come so I had my She daddy.
4. She went to all my Lamaze classes- SHE IS AMAZING!
5. Pushing on my back for 5 hours with all her strength then me saying push harder. I read that the uterus is putting 387 pounds of pressure on the body to get the baby out. AMAZING.

Honestly ever since she helped me have baby boy I have wanted to be there for her if she wanted me.

She had her class on Saturday and I was out of state and I feel bad that I couldn't go so we could practice the breathing. I hope her and her husband are practicing. I guess I should go up and practice that with her... it is an important thing to do.

I feel like the best way to be a support is to know the birth plan. She sent that to me today.




This is what I'm imagining/hoping for.

I get to the hospital and we walk around as long as possible. Maybe hang out with the ball for a while until I want to sit down. Then I'd like to go in the tub for a while. I hope to stay in the water until I'm getting ready to push. Today I spoke with the doctor and he said one way to help prevent tears is to breathe a lot during the pushing rather than pushing too hard/quickly. I hope to be able to do that. I also want to push in an upright position to try to avoid tearing. Maybe leaning over the squatting bar on the end of the bed.

I have a picture I'm bringing for a focal point. It's a picture of an ocean wave. I read something about finding music that helps you "ride the waves of contractions." I think this imagery will help me to deal with the pain, knowing that the contractions will come and go and will not last forever. I have some meditative music I plan to play. I hope that when I'm going through tough contractions that you and (husband) will help me by pushing on my back and talking me through them, taking a big cleansing breath at the beginning and saying things like (very, very softly), "It's building. You can do this... Okay you're about halfway through/over the peak... Almost done. You're doing great... Okay, breathe..." and finishing with a cleansing breath. I think having that coaching, soft voice guiding me along will help me feel supported and strong.


I need to type up what happened..... it was magical! I will soon. ;)

 

 It is February and I HAVE NOT WRITEN THIS DOWN. I am bummed with myself.
What is interesting is how I could imagine what was coming.

My cousin did amazing.

I saw her birth a baby.

I was almost perfect with the timing.

I am not good at watching people in pain but I LOVED being apart of her night. I knew she could have a baby without pain meds and she did amazing. I watched the baby come out and it was seriously something I don't think is describeable but it was the most spiritual, beautiful, touching, and amazing thing. She is my hero. She went from a 6 to a 10 in 30 minutes.

I got to hold him before her husband. She held him first then the nurses then me. I got to hold him. It was incredible!

Thank you for letting me wittiness such a miracle. Made my life that much better. I love you