The Impact of Birth Doula Support: Real Stories from Orange County

Continuing with our birth doula support in Orange County, we wanted to share another incredible journey with you! Thank you Catherine for sharing your amazing story and trusting Labor of Love.

--------------

From before I got pregnant, I knew that I wanted to have a doula by my side. I had already been researching this option and felt very strongly about hiring an expert to be with me. I wanted someone by my side who would empower me and help me navigate birth. I know myself pretty well, I am a type A person, so hiring a doula was one of the first things I wanted to check off my list. I had been following Labor of Love on IG for sometime and felt very confident in reaching out to them for support when I was ready and it was one of the best decisions I made.

Labor of Love not only offered us a well experienced doula but my husband and I were also able to take their childbirth class, breastfeeding class and baby care class too. I received so much support, education and resources from them. We were even prepared for my postpartum journey which I hadn't given much thought to before birth. I was very impressed with the level of support. Everything I wanted to research or learn more about was part of the services we received. Since I tend to over prepare, it really took a lot off my plate to have all the resources through Labor of Love.

My doula was also a huge help during my pregnancy. I really wanted someone that I could connect with and rely on if I had questions. She made me feel like a priority and always answered my texts and calls. I felt like she was my own personal Google. Being able to have her as a resource lessened my anxiety.

I had to be induced because I started having high blood pressure and I was so grateful for my doula's help. We talked extensively about what induction meant, my options, and what I should expect. It really put my mind at ease as my OB really didn't explain things fully. My doula walked me through the entire process so that I felt ready, as when it comes down to the day, it can really be scary. She felt like a lifeline to me as I walked into one of the most important days of my life.

With all the stories I had read online and different experiences from my friends. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt very calm and relaxed during my birth. My doula helped me know ahead of time what my options were so I already knew my choices and when to make them. I was able to receive my epidural before I got too uncomfortable and was able to sleep for most of the night. I rested in bed during most of the day as I knew pushing would require a lot of my energy. My doula helped my husband take breaks and get food so I was never left alone. We felt so well taken care of. She also was able to get photos of when our little one arrived with all three of us. It was really so special.

My doula was integral to my entire experience. With her guidance, I felt informed, empowered, and confident in my choices. She was so amazing and I know that I couldn't have done it without her!