My husband and I were surprised to find out that we were expecting our first child. Timing was less than ideal because we were both working full-time and in graduate school. As soon as reality set in I began doing all that I could to prepare for pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It had been a long-time dream of mine to have a natural childbirth, and after a friend recommended Gentle Childbirth Services to me I knew I wanted to learn more. My husband was skeptical at first. “I was worried about the money and I thought they [doulas] were crazy” were his words. As a medical professional, research and evidence-based practice is important to me, so I spent hours researching the evidence behind doulas and natural childbirth. Surprised by my findings that supported these topics, my husband agreed to at least meet with a doula.

We read the online bios and were drawn to Heather. We were drawn to Heather because of her emphasis on education and knowledge and the fact that she had birthed six children. After meeting with Heather, it was clear that we wanted her to be with us throughout our first pregnancy and delivery. She made me feel calm and empowered. I knew I could trust her, and I knew she cared deeply about our family. My husband was comfortable around her and was surprised at how “normal” she was.

After each prenatal appointment I always looked forward to getting Heather’s encouragement and advice. My pregnancy was fairly easy with no major issues. Before we knew it we were 37 weeks pregnant with our first son, Harrison. I was already dilated and Harrison was already engaged, so I was convinced he was going to arrive before his due date. I was antsy and nervous. Heather was able to provide such a peaceful and calm milieu during this time.

I was 39 weeks and 6 days. I had tried everything to get Harrison to make his arrival—long walks, spicy food, etc. I was so discouraged and frustrated, often wondering what I was doing wrong. Heather reminded me that the Lord’s timing is perfect, that Harrison was safe, and to trust in my body and its ability. She was available 24/7 for my questions and concerns. This was priceless.

I was 40 weeks pregnant. It was 2:00am on July 28, 2017- Harrison’s due date. My husband had to convince me that I was in labor. “You can control your bladder, Anna. That was your water breaking- not urine,” he said. I was in denial until the contractions started. We timed each contraction on a contraction/labor app. I sent Heather screen shots of each of them. It was 4:30 and I found myself nervous. I wanted to know how Harrison was doing and if I was making progress. Heather, my husband, and I decided it was time to head to the hospital.

We arrived to Brookwood at 5:00am. Heather arrived at 5:30am. Dr. Kennedy was there by 6:30. I was 6cm dilated.

The labor was rough. I spent most of my time in the shower with Heather and Evan adjusting the shower head depending on where my contractions were the worst. I spent 40 minutes of each hour laboring in the shower. The other 20 minutes I spent on the monitor so we could keep track of Harrison. Heather was so kind and gracious to my nurses. I had 2 nurses- one was training. When the contractions were bad, Heather would gently remind me to lower my voice and to breathe. I would have held my breath the whole time if it wasn’t for her.

It was around noon. I was exhausted. I had spent the morning going back and forth from the shower to the bed. I tried snacking on Popsicles and Gatorade. I required oxygen for a time period because Harrison’s heart rate was low. Heather and my nurses were an advocate for me and for Harrison. We made position changes which allows Harrison’s heart rate to normalize, which allowed me to continue with my desired natural childbirth.

Dr. Kennedy arrived around 12:30. I was 8cm dilated. I wanted medicine to help me rest, but Dr. Kennedy and Heather both encouraged me. They reminded me of how close I was to delivering Harrison and how strong I had been all morning.

I labored in various position for the next 4 hours—yoga ball, standing, swaying, sitting up in bed. The contractions had eased up. I felt in control. The lights were dim. Heather was at the foot of the bed. My husband was to my right, holding my hand. When a contraction would come Heather would breathe with me. I followed her pace and rhythm. My focus point was either on Heather’s eyes or on the blowing leaves outside. I tried as best as I could to relax my whole body. I allowed my right hand to be my “outlet.” All my pain and frustration and strength went into squeezing Evan’s hand, the rest of my body was relaxed. I had IV fluids for a time period because my muscles were cramping.

It was 4:00pm. I was 8.5cm dilated and feeling the urge to push. I was frustrated. It felt like my labor had stopped. The nurse felt like Harrison was turned funny, which was why I wasn’t progressing. She called Dr. Kennedy to come down and attempt to manually turn Harrison. Heather suggested that I lay on my left side and push. I pushed like this from 4:00-4:30. This turned Harrison! When Dr. Kennedy arrived there was no need for her to turn him. At that moment I couldn’t have been more thankful for Heather.

It was 4:30. All of the assistants and nurses and NICU nurses arrived in my room. Heather kindly reminded me that this was it. I was about to meet Harrison.

Harrison was born at 5:05pm. 9 pounds 12 ounces. 21 and ¾ inches long. 14.5 hours of natural labor. APGAR score of 9. The experience was surreal. What a precious and valuable gift Heather and Dr. Kennedy were—to me, Evan, and Harrison. I look forward to many more pregnancies, deliveries, and birth stories with Heather. All glory be to Christ!