I've been on call for the last few weeks for two doula clients, one due the middle of February and one due the end of January. So I wasn't too surprised when the phone rang at 3:30 am on Friday, January 25th. It was my client (due in Feb.) and her water had broken. Contractions hadn't started yet, so she decided to try and get some more rest. I always get a little adrenaline rush when I know someone's in labor, so I finished gathering my things until I could fall back asleep. Luckily, Andrew had already planned to work from home that day, so my biggest worry when I go to a birth (the kids!) was taken care of. (I know, Andrew, your big worry was just beginning...)
I actually didn't end up needing to join my client until 3:30 pm Friday afternoon, but I didn't return home until 9:30 pm Saturday night. Now when I am asked "What is the longest amount of time you've been at a birth?", my answer will be 30 hours (instead of 24). This one was a tough one, and my heart goes out to this amazing couple for how well they handled some difficult circumstances. They now have a beautiful, healthy baby girl.
It took me a few days to get on top of things again, but I was ready to go when exactly one week later, on Friday afternoon, my other client called to tell me she was in labor. This time I left the house at 8:30 pm on Friday night, and returned home at 3:30 am on Saturday (another healthy baby girl!), which was very fortunate because, after a nap from 4-8 am, I got ready to teach my childbirth class which was beginning Saturday morning. I'm afraid I was a little slow with some of the answers I gave in class, but other than that, things went well.
A big, huge thank you to my amazing husband who puts up with this kind of craziness, and to my patient kids for the disapearing acts I sometimes pull. Now, whenever I come back in the house from doing anything, Annie asks, "Mama help baby?"
7 comments:
Wow sounds super busy and exciting Becca! Great job with the births! i'd love to hear all about them!!!
And that's sooo cute what Annie says!! :)
Becca, you are AMAZING! Wish I lived closer to you when birthing my (not-so-)little bundle of joys! You would've made a world of difference with Elizabeth's birth. wow. I wouldn't hold you 30 hours, either. 6 1/2, 1 1/2 and 4 1/4 is all it's taken these kiddos to come on out. You've got very lucky clients!
You are amazing!
SUPER WOMAN! Wow Becca, what a bunch of busy days! I just think this is so wonderful what you do, you are inspiring! So rewarding to be able to see these little guys come into the world too. They are so fortunate to have you to be there! :)
Seriously Becca, I think you are incredible. I remember babysitting Robby in the lobby while you helped a client at the American Fork hospital and thinking how good at your job you were. If I have a baby near you, I'm definitely hiring you next time!
"Super Crazy Woman" is more like it, but I'm really grateful that my family & friends are so supportive.
Oh! The life of a doula! I have been amazed though at how everything always seems to fall into place so you can meet the needs of the couple and your family. The longest birth I have ever attended was also 30 hours. Whew!
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