Great Beginnings: My Doula Story

In three days Marcus will be one year old... I can hardly believe that a whole year has passed. Last night I was reflecting on where I was a year ago... the night before my contractions started, gearing up for a birth experience I was first told I could not have. I had spent six months watching God making my dream a reality.. throwing open doors that were seemingly jammed shut. Six months of my faith being stretched. An experience that definitely changed me. After three c-sections I was going to have a natural birth... (you can read about the birth of Marcus here. )

God placed some amazing people in my life along that journey. People who prayed for me, encouraged me and helped me to believe when I began to get discouraged.

One of those people was my Doula, Fiona.  She was in my corner from the moment I approached her asking for advice on trying a VBA3C (vaginal birth after 3 c-sections).  I had never considered having a Doula with any of my previous pregnancies... I didn't even know what a Doula was until a couple of years ago! But she was an answer to prayer.   She stood my my side, gave me advice and reassurance along the way, gave me a realistic picture of what I was up against and heped make the whole birth experience what I had prayed for.  I don't think I could have had an unmedicated, natural birth without her help. 

Would I recommend having a Doula?  Absolutely!  I try not to play the what if game, but I truly believe that if I had had Fiona the first time, I would not have had the first c-section which in turn lead to the next two. 

Fiona Dill, a registered nurse by profession and trained as a Doula (Childbirth International) has been a great support to many families.  Her company, Great Beginnings, offers Doula services, Parenting classes, Child Birth Education Workshop (Birth Matters), and Breastfeeding support.  Check out her website and facebook page!  If you are pregnant and in Bermuda I would strongly encourage you to consider her services (childbirth classes and/or Doula services.)

If you are not in Bermuda and want to consider a Doula,  here are a couple of links to get you started  Dona International, Doula UK.