When I was pregnant with my first son, a co-worker highly recommended getting a doula. She was able to deliver 2 very large babies naturally, and said that the doula was one of the keys to her success. After hearing about her experiences I was convinced that I could really use a doula. My husband and I interviewed a number of doulas in the area, and found one that was perfect and eventually became a great family friend. When I was about 6-7 months pregnant with our second son we found out her husband got a promotion and was relocating, she was moving, before I was due. I had a full panic attack at work. I had no idea how I could possibly have this baby without her. No other doula could be anywhere near as amazing as her... and then I met Gloria.
Gloria listened to my desires and concerns in the meetings, texts and phone calls we had before I went into labor. In our first face to face meeting we reviewed how my first birth went, what I liked, what I didn't like, what I would want to happen again, and what is not acceptable to me. She was very organized and had her check list of topics to review like medications, if we wanted to delay cord clamping, who did we want to cut the cord, if we were going to have the placenta encapsulated, etc. During the last meeting before I went into labor we reviewed positions and things that gave me relief during my first birth. She did not just talk through it, but had us practice to make sure we had our positioning right, that my husband and I were in sync, but also for her to get a better idea of how we are together. She is really observant, and was able to see things in our body language towards each other that I did not even notice. It helped spark more conversation between my husband and I before labor, that helped us get closer.
Everyone anticipated that my second son would enter the world quickly, since my mother had 2 fast births, and my first went relatively fast (first contraction to birth in 11 hours). She was ready to jump if I needed her as soon as my water broke, but had a calm presence and helped me relax and take everything into stride. Once my contractions were coming regularly she came. She stated some of the relaxation techniques we had discussed that I would like, including essential oils in a diffuser and a massage. She felt like my long lost sister, and best friend in one. Able to help me stay positive, focused, and not stressed. It was a very long night. It seemed like every time I sat for a while my contractions stalled. Gloria and I walked and walked and walked all night. My husband napped, and we walked more. She made sure I was eating, drinking plenty, that I was doing everything to manage the pain the best way possible. Recommended lunges during contractions, rolling my pelvis on the yoga ball, she used the sifting technique with Rebozo, massage, essential oils, and many other tools and techniques. She was constantly positive and full of life and energy. She documented many great details I forgot about after the heat of the moment. When my little man finally decided it was time to make his grand appearance, Gloria took great pictures that I will cherish all of my life.
My son was born 22 hours after my water broke. I truly do not know how Gloria was able to keep me calm, happy, focused, and energized through one of the toughest days of my life. She really is an amazing doula. I remember being scared with how long it was taking to get to the finish line. I remember briefly thinking about what would happen if I couldn't continue with our plan for a natural birth. When I got the least bit negative Gloria turned me right around, very naturally, where I did not even notice when it was going on. I do not want to even think about how that day would have gone without her. My son was born with the cord wrapped around his neck twice, which is why it took so long. With Gloria by my side I was able to endure a much harder labor and delivery than my first. When I think back on my birth experience my mental picture always includes her smiling face. Thank you so much!
Everyone has a calling, something that they were destined to do, Gloria is meant to help bring life into the world. read more