Orange County Doula: Client Experience of Support, Comfort, and Empowerment

We are thrilled to be able to share with Orange County expecting families, another one of our brave client story!

In Beth's Own Words:

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about doulas, I didn’t know much about them. I had my birth plan in mind, but the idea of a stranger being present in such an intimate moment felt strange. I was also skeptical about how much a doula could actually help when I had a perfectly capable medical team. But after chatting with a few friends and reading about the benefits, I decided to give it a try.

I met with my doula, Karen from Labor of Love, for the first time in my second trimester. From the moment we sat down, I could feel her calm and reassuring energy. She listened attentively as I shared my hopes and concerns about the upcoming birth. She didn’t push any specific agenda on me but instead made me feel heard and supported, regardless of my choices. What stood out to me most was how well she took the time to educate me on everything—from labor positions to different pain management options and even postpartum care.

Karen didn’t just tell me what to expect, she encouraged me to ask questions, voice my fears, and articulate my vision for the birth. That feeling of being listened to, respected, and cared for was exactly what I needed to feel more confident in the upcoming months. It was the beginning of a partnership that I would come to deeply appreciate.

Fast forward to my labor, and there I was, in the middle of a whirlwind of emotions and sensations. It was a long and intense process, but what really stood out to me was how Karen helped me through it all.

I had been planning for a natural birth, but as the contractions grew stronger, I began to question whether I could do it without pain medication. That’s when Karen stepped in with her reassuring presence. She helped me stay focused and calm with breathing exercises and gentle encouragement. She reminded me that I was strong, and that my body knew exactly what to do. Every time I felt overwhelmed, Karen would offer a touch of support, whether it was holding my hand, giving me a back rub, or guiding me through a new labor position that brought me more comfort.

But her support didn’t stop there. As the labor progressed and things became more intense, Karen stayed by my side, acting as an advocate for my wishes. She helped me and my partner communicate with the medical team, ensuring my birth plan was respected as much as possible. This was incredibly valuable to me because, in the chaos of labor, I could focus on the process itself, knowing Karen was there to support me.

She also helped my partner, Jake, feel more involved. At one point, when I was struggling to cope with the pain, Karen took the time to explain a technique that Jake could use to massage my lower back to help relieve tension. This simple gesture brought us closer, and Jake felt much more equipped to support me, which made him feel more confident in the process as well.

Although the medical team was wonderful, the presence of my doula brought a different layer of care that I didn’t even realize I was missing. Karen helped me navigate the different medical procedures and interventions when they were suggested, ensuring I understood my options before making any decisions. It wasn’t that my doctor or nurse wasn’t doing their job—they were—but the emotional support that Karen provided allowed me to feel more in control and empowered during a time when things could have felt very chaotic.

When I was nearing the final stage of labor and beginning to feel the urge to push, Karen reminded me to listen to my body and take things one contraction at a time. She also offered comforting words when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. I could feel the trust we had built over the months leading up to the birth in those moments, and it gave me the strength to keep going.

After the birth, Karen didn’t just disappear. She checked in on me regularly, both emotionally and physically. I remember her visiting us a few days postpartum, bringing helpful resources on breastfeeding, and answering all the questions I had as a new mom. Her support during those early days of parenthood was just as invaluable as it had been during labor.

She also took the time to help me process the birth experience. She asked me about the highs and lows, helping me to reflect on what went well and what I could have done differently. This helped me process the experience and come to terms with my birth, which was important for my emotional well-being.

I am so very grateful for Karen and Labor of Love!