I got a call around 12:30 am Saturday morning from a client who was only 36 weeks, telling me she thought her water had broken.
I think we were all a little in shock but babies come when they come! Although my contract says that I am on call for you from 38 weeks until delivery this just goes to show that when hiring a Doula or Birth Photographer make sure they are able to be available to you 24/7!
I remained virtual support for them until they were ready for me to physically be there. What does that look like? Well this is me offering suggestions as you move forward in your labor process, reminding you of your birthing options and rights, making suggestions in positions, helping your partner advocate for you.
Around 3 pm Saturday Mom was requesting me to be there in person so I loaded up and headed to the hospital. Mom had already been laboring for over 12 hours and was KILLING it! She moved, swayed, rocked her hips, rested when she could. Watching her and her Husband work together as team was such an inspiration. He followed her lead, he supported her wishes, he asked the questions and was so involved.
Hours ticked on by and little Z was showing us that she not only was going to pick her birthday but the way she wanted to be born. After 27 hours of ruptured membrane (water broken) NO Epidural, heart decelerations and no change to her cervix, her Mom made the choice to go back to the OR. There was no panic, no tears, just peace because she knew she had tried EVERYTHING and more that she could do. Her voice was heard, her rights protected and birth empowered.
Having a C-Section CAN be empowering too!
They rolled back and I waited for this sweet family to come back to recovery, I made sure Mom, Baby and Dad were all safe and reunited and I quietly walked out, leaving them as a new family of 3!
