Andrea: VBAC Doula Client + Yoga
I wish that you truly knew how the day that you were there for the VBAC of Esme changed my life and healed me in so many ways from the trauma of my first birth.
From the first time we met to discuss our partnership to the moment I caught her and looked at you and you said, "You did it," seemed like a dream. There has never been another situation where I felt so deeply supported, understood, loved and cared for like the way you did for me.
That pregnancy had it's own complications with wanting a VBAC, being diagnosed with placenta previa, having a partner who wasn't completely involved, having a young child at home and working full-time as a preschool Special Education Teacher.
I was looking for a level of support that had been missed and led to my first birth being extremely different than I had anticipated or wanted and, in the end, an emergency situation.
You, however, were there from the beginning with resources, thoughts to queries, emotional support, physical support (thank you, prenatal yoga), and just all around true care and devotion to me and my soon-to-be-in-my-arms love.
Your knowledge of maternal rights when it came to a VBAC allowed me to know that it was possible to ask for what I wanted when it came to our prenatal and birthing care which lead me to finding a new, mother-centered, provider as well (I have remained with that practice ever since).
I continue watching you on social media on your journey and still revel in the memories of the moments we spent with you and your family in your new home as well. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you do for all birthing families.
Your presence, tools (battery operated candles, scents/oils, and sneaky snacks), and all around loving energy gave me the opportunity to experience the birth of a child like I had wanted with my first birth experience. You helped me heal trauma I didn't know existed until after my second birth.
You made me truly see what I was capable of as a woman and birthing mother and then you were still present postpartum to ensure that my needs were met as I cared for my new squish and her older sibling.
You taught me to know that it was okay to ask for what I needed and what I wanted as well.
Thank you, always.
