Welcome Baby Garrett!

I always say that every pregnancy is different, every birth is different, and every child is different. This little boy seemed to be determined to prove this! This Mom's first baby was born at 38 weeks, so when she was going on 42 weeks...let's just say that is probably one of the most challenging places for a pregnant Mommy to be. It's amazing how the body works, sometimes you have to get to the place where you absolutely just give up. Give up control, and give up worry, and then bam, things happen. This Mom literally had gone in for induction only to find that her own body had decided it was time, convenient. This part of pregnancy is surreal is so many ways, it can happen when you are least expecting it, early or in the 11th hour. One of the miracles is that we don't know why or how exactly, but your body and baby know exactly what is right for this pregnancy, this birth, this baby. This big boy went from waiting to get here to being in a hurry to be born, the doctor was still on her way from her office to the birth room (just 5 minutes away) when he was born, perfect and healthy in his own special way.

Welcome Baby Broderick!

Beauty, power, miracle. I could put just these words to describe this birth. Can you imagine watching a Mom lean against her husband in the dim lighting of their living room, watching them in the incomparable dance of birth, a moment so intimate it steals your breath? Can you imagine the sense of power building through the hours of the day, evening, night and knowing something amazing is just around the corner waiting for her to get there? Can you imagine all of this energy building and then breaking like waves, getting so big she begins to question how much bigger they can get? Can you imagine going from despair to the brink of a miracle in the span of a few footsteps? Can you imagine the tears of relief, joy, and awe that come with the sunrise and a warm healthy baby boy? If you can begin to imagine these things, you can begin to understand the beautiful, powerful miracle that birth truly is.

Welcome Baby Hudson!

I love it when births remind me of what is really happening, not only a baby but a family is being born. When love surrounds a Mom there is no stopping her abilities. I was truly inspired by this family, Dad was such a pillar of support for his laboring wife, exactly the role she needed in him. Her mom was present, not just watching but loving on her in a way only a mother could. Her dad was also there, something I rarely see in births, but he added another layer of love, safety, and security. If family wants to be present at a birth, let it be these layers of love and support. With all of this, Mom can achieve something beyond what even she thinks she can achieve. Long labors need lots of love, I was truly honored to be a part of this and watch what great things can happen when you are surrounded by people who believe you can achieve great things.

Welcome Baby Anna!

This week was Veterans day, and I truly can not express how thankful I am to those who have and are serving our country. I am able to have the family and life I have because of the work and sacrifice of others, and I will not forget that. When this Mom contacted me looking for a doula, she told me that her husband was currently deployed in Afghanistan and may not be back for the birth. As the weeks went by, it became clear that he would not be able to be home, and I felt the pull on my heartstrings. What an amazing honor to serve this family! This Mom chose to birth at the freestanding birth center in Denver, Mountain Midwifery Center. I saw the completely unexpected which included a trip to Denver last week for labor after her water broke...or so we thought. I appreciated so much the midwives attitude and patience for this Mom to wait until it was truly time for a Birth Day, and that day came just 5 days later. Baby Anna was born in the birth tub just an hour after we arrived at the Birth Center in a very peaceful and beautiful birth. I also had the pleasure of working with another doula and mentor of mine, Candace McCollett, who was hired as the sibling doula for this birth. This was a birth full of loving support and teamwork from everyone involved, and it was a true pleasure to get to be a small part in the life of this amazing family.