Courtney & Dave’s Birth Story

“As a third time mom with two c-sections under my belt, I wanted to try for a VBA2C. With previous birth trauma, I knew a doula would be a helpful asset in the birthing process (and now, after birth, would argue is a “must”!) As I reached out to local doulas, the Christian support that Good News Doulas would provide was an immediate fit and the support that I knew I would need to give VBA2C a try. From day one, Jess was so receptive to hear my story, to offer helpful resources, and to be a spiritual support within the birthing process. The calm and confidence she provided me was so impactful! Jess heard my desires of an unmediated birth and was a helpful educator along the way. I even switched providers after hearing her perspectives on the different available providers and how a different provider might better support a natural birth. I am so glad we had that conversation because the birth support I had in my nurses and midwives was a night and day difference! During early labor, Jess was an incredible resource. I was having consistent contractions at home throughout week 40 of my pregnancy. But labor was not progressing. I remember having an hour long conversation about outcomes of induction, and it was so helpful. When I thought my waters broke on 40w+6d, I called Jess to understand what that might mean for labor and she helped prepare me with helpful questions as I called my midwife and went into triage. Sure enough, after an amniotic fluid test, my waters did break, and I was admitted. I went into the birthing process wanting an unmedicated birth. However, my contractions were not getting stronger or closer together, and because I was GBS positive, there was risk of infection if labor did not continue to progress. Jess, my husband, and the nurses and midwife did an incredible job supporting the decision to move to Pitocin and an epidural. The value of having a third party’s support in the midst of a timely decision, one that would change the story of my birth process, changed the outcome of how I have viewed my birth. Jess offered so much support, grounded us throughout the changes, and made me feel safe in the midst of a medical decision that could have brought more trauma and regret. Because I was able to think through the choice and not feel pressured by medical providers, it helped me feel confident in what I needed to do to keep my baby safe with waters having been broken for close to the 24 hour mark. Labor progressed, and through a long pushing period, Ellie Joy was born. The pushing process was fatiguing, but I remember multiple moments of encouragement from Jess that kept me going and persevering. She was an incredible asset to help with positions in the bed and a helpful reminder to breathe. With every push (a long 5 hour process!) she and the team encouraged me every push. What amazing endurance on their part to be so present! A gift I will remember for the rest of my life! When Ellie was born, she had inhaled a fair amount of meconium. She was whisked away by the NICU team in the room. Jess was able to be by Ellie’s side as the team got her breathing and alert. Jess prayed over her and sang songs over her as I was unable to be with my baby during that time. I am so thankful for the birth of my baby and for all of the support that Jess was able to provide us in the near 24 hours she was with us. I wholeheartedly recommend having a doula, and the spiritual support and education that Jess provided has helped me achieve a VBA2C that I desired with peace, no trauma, and just pure thankfulness for a healthy baby … even though it didn’t go according to plan! There were a few unexpected pieces to my recovery, and Jess really helped provide additional resources and support to help me get me back on my feet. This postpartum period has been a joyful and healing process from a previous traumatic birth.”

- Courtney F.