My mommy has always wanted what was best for me. The whole time I was inside I was well watered, well fed and well loved. Then about two months before I was born she started to panic. One of her very good friends had her second home birth and mommy had the privilege of going over to her friend’s house just a few hours after the baby was born to help out with the 19 month old. She admired the serenity of the whole scene, and decided that she wanted as much of my birth story to take place at home, even though the actual birth was planned to happen at the hospital. So the question came up: Were daddy and mommy well enough prepared to face the challenges of labour on their own at home, at least 30 minutes away from the hospital? Mommy decided, NO WAY.
Mommy had taken the doula course back in nursing school, and thought that the right doula would be able to provide the support that she and daddy might need to stay home as long as possible on my birthday. The 1st doula that got back to us was Ginger, we met her, felt good vibes, and it was all set. We got to know her through 2 informative prenatal meetings, which were especially helpful for daddy. Then Ginger had to wake up in the middle of the night once when mommy thought she might be in labour! Thankfully Ginger told her to go to bed since she was in pre-labour for over a week.
When the day actually came mommy knew that I was coming out soon, but didn’t want to tell anybody, not even daddy, just in case that would jinx it. So she went about her normal day until just after lunch when she thought that the membranes were leaking. She went in to see the doctor, then over to the hospital to get registered etc, and then started on her way home. Thankfully daddy was driving. Mommy phoned Ginger on the way to tell her what was happening. By the time they got home, mommy’s contractions were close together and lasting a pretty long time, and so she was getting anxious and thought she should go back to the hospital. But dad phoned Ginger, who came over very quickly, and she sprang into action providing reassurance, guidance, and comfort measures, which was exactly what mommy and daddy needed. Her passion and dedication to her work as a doula were clear. With her help mommy was able to stay home for another few hours, so that by the time they got to the hospital and got checked by the nurse, mommy was at 9cm!
The pushing stage was long for mommy and for me. Ginger helped at this time by being a constant reassuring presence, making mommy’s wishes known to the staff, and most of all mommy remembers her reminders to relax all unnecessary muscles in order to better be able to focus on the ones involved in birthing me. Mommy needed a lot of reminding. Best of all daddy was able to focus purely on being the designated hand squeezer, and on watching my progress throughout the birth canal. This was very special to him as he didn’t have to worry about what he was supposed to be doing or saying! I’m sure a lot more was going on at this time, but its all a big blur for all of us. Ginger is also the one who took the photos during this special time, so daddy didn’t have to leave mommy’s side. We got to go home later that day, fulfilling our wish to adjust to being a little family at home.
Since my birth Ginger has been a thoughtful and caring resource-person and friend. I am so happy that mommy and daddy had the sense to include her in my birth, and would recommend her to any parents-to-be.
Baby Maija
I always wanted to have a doula present at my labour. Through recommendations I found one who lived in my area. As my pregnancy continued and was nearing the last few weeks, it became apparent that we were no longer meshing and I had some doubts. In a panic, I emailed several other doulas. Ginger was first to respond and through her reply I immediately felt a “connection”. It was if I felt her kindness through her email. Upon speaking to her, and then meeting in person, I was impressed with her warmth & professionalism and knew she’d be the “perfect match”.
Days before my due date, my husband & I were faced with a difficult situation. The doctors felt our baby was too “BIG” and thought it be best he be delivered by c-section. Ginger was by my side as I dealt with this overwhelming and emotionally difficult news. I had hoped & dreamt of a natural birth with little or no medical interventions. I was now facing the possibility of many interventions! Ginger gave us information and options to help us navigate the choices we now faced.
I felt empowered and in control, and decided to “try”. I was induced and Ginger was such an asset. Her constant encouragement and help enabled me to labour to 9cm with next to no pain medication. In the end, my labour failed to progress and I went through with the C-section after all. Because of Ginger’s help, I can look back with confidence and peace knowing that this was the best decision under the circumstances. I felt cared for, my needs were met and my wants were listened to. Had she not be there, I don’t think my birth would of been a positive experience, and I’m sure I would of suffered from depression or negative memories afterwards. She made herself completely available, was so generous with her time and went way beyond what I expected of her. Its obvious being a doula is her passion. I felt honoured to have had her at our son’s birth.
Labour may only be one day of your life, but it is a day you will always remember for the rest of your life. Ginger has given me the gift to look back on my first labour with fondness and made such a miraculous experience even more beautiful.
Thank You
Jennifer, Gary & Corbin
When we found out we were expecting our third child, my husband and I knew we wanted to hire a Doula. We had used a Doula for the birth of our two sons, but she was unavailable. A friend recommended Ginger and I knew as soon as I spoke to her on the phone that she would be excellent. We met Ginger at our house and after hiring her she came by twice before my labour to discuss all our labour and delivery options. Ginger is extremely knowledgeable, she has lots of experience and obviously loves childbirth!
As my labour was unexpectedly short, Ginger met us at the hospital and managed to help me have a completely natural childbirth. With her encouragement (certain phrases she said were instrumental in keeping me strong and focused) and fantastic feet massages etc., Ginger was a very welcome addition to my labour and delivery.
Hiring a Doula is one of the best things an expectant couple can do. The addition of their experience and expertise allows the husband to focus exactly where the wife needs him. No intimacy is lost and after delivery there is an expert to help get your baby properly latched for breastfeeding.
We strongly recommend hiring Ginger as your Doula to help make your childbirth the memorable experience it should be.
Alison and Brian