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This first-time mama’s journey into motherhood was marked by resilience, intuition, and unwavering strength. Early in her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with parvovirus—a condition that can present serious risks during pregnancy. As her pregnancy progressed, her care team discovered her baby was showing signs of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which meant more frequent monitoring and an early induction plan.
Despite the challenges, she approached birth with an open heart and a strong spirit. When the day of her induction arrived, she was calm, focused, and grounded in her intention to labor naturally. From the very first contraction, she leaned into her body’s wisdom, breathing through each wave, moving with purpose, and allowing the process to unfold. She labored for 14 hours with contractions coming just 1–2 minutes apart—intense, unrelenting, and yet she stayed fully in tune with her body.
After 14 hours of this powerful work, she made the deeply intuitive choice to receive a very low-dose epidural. It was exactly what she needed to reset, breathe, and recharge for the final stretch. Just minutes after it was placed, her body was ready—and she began to push.
In less than 45 minutes, she brought her baby girl into the world—a perfectly healthy little one weighing exactly 5 pounds. No NICU, no interventions—just pure, beautiful connection between a mother and her newborn.
It was an honor to support her through this incredible experience. Her birth story is a beautiful reminder that even in medically complex pregnancies, empowered and intuitive birth is possible. Listening to your body and choosing what feels right in the moment is true strength.
Supporting Nicole through her second birth was a profound honor, especially knowing the shadows her first birth had cast. Her first experience was a grueling, multi-day ordeal marked by trauma, exhaustion, and a shoulder dystocia that had left her with lingering fears. This time, Nicole was determined to reclaim her birthing story.
We arrived at the hospital in the evening. Nicole’s husband, their young daughter, and her mother were present, creating a circle of love and support around her. From the start, Nicole exuded a quiet confidence, a marked difference from the apprehension she’d carried during her first birth. Her strength was palpable, radiating through every contraction.
As labor progressed, we worked together tirelessly, staying awake for 24 hours. I guided her through each surge, encouraging her to lean into her body’s wisdom. She breathed deeply, vocalized with purpose, and moved instinctively, choosing positions that felt right to her. Her husband was by her side, whispering words of encouragement, while her mother provided a steady, grounding presence. Their daughter, though young, was a tender reminder of the journey Nicole had already walked.
When the moment of delivery arrived, Nicole faced another shoulder dystocia—a situation that could have triggered old fears. But this time, she met it with calm determination. The medical team acted swiftly and skillfully, and I supported Nicole in maintaining her focus and breathing through the moment. She was incredible—her strength and resilience shone as she worked with her body to bring her baby into the world.
Finally, her baby emerged—a beautiful, healthy addition to their family. The room was filled with tears of joy and relief. Nicole’s trauma-free experience this time was a testament to her courage and preparation. She had faced her fears, reclaimed her narrative, and proved to herself just how strong she truly was.
As I watched Nicole cradle her newborn, surrounded by her family, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in her journey.
Birth is unpredictable and intense, but Nicole showed that it can also be empowering and healing. This birth wasn’t just the beginning of a new life; it was also a new chapter for Nicole, one defined by triumph and strength.
Thank you so much Nicole and family for allowing me to support you. Witnessing you singing to both of your beautiful children moments after birth is something that I will never forget.
Maddie's birth journey was a remarkable testament to her strength and determination. Just weeks before her due date, she faced the challenge of moving hours away, which altered her support network to mostly phone conversations.
Despite this hurdle, Maddie dove into preparation with incredible dedication. She asked me detailed questions, absorbed reading materials, and truly sought to empower herself for the experience ahead.
With her husband's unwavering support, Maddie made the brave choice to go completely natural. She embraced each wave of contractions with courage, fully committed to her birth plan.
Though I couldn’t be there in person due to the distance, I felt honored to guide and support her from afar. This experience reinforced the idea that doula support can take many forms, and I am deeply grateful to have played a role in helping Maddie achieve her ideal birth. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of preparation, support, and the strength within every mother.
Alissa’s second birth was a beautiful blend of strength, preparation, and faith—a journey I feel so honored to have witnessed.Although she found me later in pregnancy, from the beginning of her pregnancy, Alissa was deeply committed to having an unmedicated birth. She prepared thoroughly, physically and spiritually, but she carried one lingering fear: the possibility of tearing again, as she had with her first baby. It was a concern we spoke about often, and I prayed for her regularly, asking for peace, healing, and confidence to replace her fear.
When the call came at 2 a.m., Alissa’s voice was steady but I could tell things were moving quickly. We decided to meet directly at the hospital. When we arrived, she was already in active labor, breathing deeply and staying focused. Her husband was by her side, calm and supportive, as we worked together to create a peaceful environment.
Once we were settled in the hospital room, Alissa immediately asked to get into the tub. The warm water seemed to envelop her, easing the intensity of her contractions and allowing her to stay grounded. Worship music played softly in the background, and the atmosphere felt sacred—full of peace and quiet strength. Alissa moved instinctively, as she swayed and breathed through each wave.
Between contractions, I reminded her of all the preparation she had done and how strong she was. She nodded, gripping the comb in her hand, using it as an anchor to focus her energy. She was in control, and I could feel her faith carrying her through every moment.
Labor progressed quickly. Alissa remained in the tub until the pressure began to build, signaling it was time to push. She moved to the bed with determination, her focus unwavering. With slow, intentional pushes, her baby was born—a healthy, vibrant little guy who cried immediately as he was placed on Alissa’s chest.
The joy in the room was palpable, and then came the news Alissa had been praying for: “No stitches”. Her relief and gratitude were overwhelming, and it was a moment I will never forget.
From start to finish, Alissa’s labor was fast and unmedicated, lasting only a few hours. Her preparation and deep faith were evident in every part of her journey. She moved through her fear, trusted her body, and brought her baby into the world with grace and courage.
Supporting Alissa was an honor, and her story will always be a reminder to me of the strength that comes from preparation, prayer, and belief in oneself. Witnessing her faith in action was profoundly inspiring, and her birth is one I will hold in my heart forever.
Thank you again Alissa & Brendan, and congratulations to your beautiful family.
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