Testimonial - 26 hour labor

With permission, I have the honor of sharing mom's story....

I knew from the beginning that this couple was special. They hesitated at first to bring me on board as their doula because the husband wanted to be involved as much as possible. I assured them I never replaced the partner, but am there to support them any way they need. Truly the love between the two of them was remarkable, beautiful...pure. Quite honestly, this is the first time I have seen a husband so knitted into his wife that he was able to respond to her every need...really without a word. If there was ever a man-doula, he would be it....so alert, so aware of his wife's needs, both physical and emotional. I was more than amazed. It was absolutely lovely, from the moment labor started to the time of birth. 

Mom was powerful! All day, through the night, intense pressure, intense labor. She breathed through each contraction, focused on the joy set before her. Mom was beautifully breath-taking as she pressed through each contraction without fear. Mom was open, willing to try almost anything to continue to work through the intensity. Determined to go without interventions, Mom persevered 26 hours through the night and early morning. Born at 11 AM that next morning we welcomed a beautiful baby boy, full of life, full of curiosity. 

Here's Mom's Testimony:

After years and years of dreaming that we would one day become parents, the day was only months away. While our hearts were full of joy and anticipation, inside there were also those questions and fears that many new parents face. But then there was Crystal. Crystal came along and brought into our birth story a level of expertise and sensitivity that not only helped to prepare us for our son’s birth but also helped to sustain us throughout the entire labor and delivery process.

Having Crystal as our doula was one of the best decisions we made. She is approachable and comfortable to talk to. Her presence throughout the process helped me feel safe. During our conversations in the months leading up to the “big day”, Crystal put time and energy into helping us form our birth plan. She walked us through an activity that helped us realize what was most important to us as well as what we could let go of. Having studied the “ins and outs” of the role of a doula and as a mom to three beautiful girls (with one more on the way), Crystal spoke with passion and confidence. However, never once did we feel as though she was imposing her personal opinion or beliefs on us. We felt cared for, heard, and empowered to make our own decisions. Also, Crystal ultimately demonstrated her own dependence on God by praying for us after each meeting.

Two weeks after our son’s due date, things were not going as planned but Crystal had helped to prepare us for that. She arrived at the hospital right when we needed her to and then stayed with us during the 26 long hours of labor. She became well respected by the entire medical staff, including my doctor who spoke very highly of her. Crystal offered me suggestions for how to relax and be as comfortable as possible (including the timely placement of her own warm lavender neck pillow), space when my husband and I needed it, and words of encouragement all throughout the long and intense experience. Her support also helped my husband know how he could best serve me during the labor process. Labor was more physically painful and mentally challenging than I ever could have imagined but because of Crystal’s support, I was able to stay calm and persevere with courage and strength. In the end, it was the steady support of my husband, Crystal, and the medical staff that made it possible for me endure to the end and give birth naturally to a beautiful, healthy baby boy. For that, I am thankful beyond words.

Baby boy born 3/1

9 lbs. 1 oz.

22 inches