Orange County Doula: Client's Experience That Transformed My Birth Journey

We are thrilled to share another incredible birth journey from one of Labor of Love's clients.

My journey with my doula began long before I went into labor. After reading about doulas and hearing recommendations from friends, I felt intrigued but unsure. What exactly does a doula do? Would they really make a difference in the delivery room? To find out, I scheduled a consultation with Sarah, a local doula who had a reputation for offering compassionate, non-judgmental support.

From the moment we met, I felt an immediate sense of comfort from my doula. She was warm, empathetic, and, most importantly, a great listener. She took the time to understand my birth preferences, fears, and expectations. We discussed everything from my hopes for a natural birth to the types of pain management options I was considering. She assured me that her role wasn’t to push any specific approach but to support me in whatever decision I made, providing information, encouragement, and comfort along the way.

What stood out to me the most about my doula, was her ability to make me feel empowered. She didn’t just answer my questions about the birth process; she taught me how to advocate for myself and communicate with my medical team. That sense of confidence was exactly what I needed as I prepared for the big day.

Labor Begins:

When labor started, I was both excited and nervous. I had prepared for months, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the intensity of contractions. Fortunately, my doula had prepared me for this moment. As soon as I went into labor, she was there, either by phone or in person, offering her calm presence and expert guidance.

During the early stages of labor, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the pain and uncertainty. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it, but my doula was there to gently guide me through each contraction. She helped me focus on my breathing, offering soothing words and reminders that each contraction was bringing me closer to meeting my baby.

My doula also helped me stay mobile, encouraging me to change positions to ease the pain. She suggested slow, steady movements, which helped me manage the discomfort much better than I expected. While my medical team was attentive, it was my doula who helped me stay centered and calm. She even worked alongside my husband, Jason, showing him how to provide physical support by massaging my back and offering words of reassurance. This teamwork made a huge difference, as it allowed me to focus entirely on the process of labor.

Looking back at my experience, I can’t imagine going through labor and delivery without my doula’s support. A doula is more than just a birth assistant; they are a partner in your birth experience, providing education, comfort, emotional support, and advocacy. No matter how you plan to give birth - I knew I wanted an epidural - a doula’s role is to empower you and ensure you feel heard and supported.

For me, my doula's presence during labor was transformative. She helped me navigate the pain and uncertainty, advocated for my preferences, and offered comfort when I needed it most. The emotional support and guidance she provided during the postpartum period were just as valuable.

If you’re expecting a baby and wondering whether to hire a doula, my advice is simple: Do it. The support, comfort, and confidence a doula provides can make your birth experience more positive, empowering, and memorable. It’s an investment in both your birth experience and your well-being—and I promise, you’ll be glad you did.