I gave birth to my first son at age 34. I was nervous about the birthing process so I didn’t spend much time doing research or educating myself, except for the basic knowledge gained in the hospital courses. I assumed that it would work out the way it should.
I wasn’t prepared for the decisions I had to make and out of convenience for my doctor’s schedule; I decided that I would be induced at 40 weeks. I know in hindsight that my body was absolutely not ready to give birth. It took 3 days of every possible intervention for me to finally deliver him. It was traumatic for both of us. It took me 5 years to muster up the courage to become pregnant again.
I tend to be anxious about most everything (when it comes to anything medical) so I knew that I would need the support of a doula. We were referred to Tami by our internist. I felt an immediate connection to her after our initial meeting. She has such a caring and warm presence and is so patient and calm. I had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes very early in my pregnancy and required numerous insulin shots per day.
My husband works long hours and we have no family within driving distance so Tami was my primary support throughout the pregnancy. I had doctor’s appointments twice per week with ultrasounds and non-stress tests which fueled my anxiety. Tami dedicated herself to me and attended my appointments when needed. She educated me on all aspects of labor which helped to build my confidence. We worked on techniques such as visualization and positive thinking in order to prepare me mentally and emotionally for the birth… What allowed me to finally let go of my fears and free my mind of all my worries was visualizing meeting my healthy baby boy.
We often practiced this visualization during massages. The massage and coaching helped me to feel an amazing closeness with my son and also with Tami. I went into labor knowing that we were going to be okay and I felt ready and capable to handle it. I knew that I wanted my birth experience to be different and with Tami by my side I felt that it was possible.
Tami is an amazing woman and I can’t say enough about her dedication to her clients and to her profession. She takes her time and explains information in detail. She never is in a hurry or rushed and spends as much time with you as needed. She utilizes her resources and finds answers to questions if she does not readily know the answer. She encourages you to be prepared according to your needs and personality and have a plan.
She is the reason that the birth of my second child was exactly the experience that I desired.
Things could have gone completely differently but because I was prepared, I was able to confidently make decisions and guide the course of my pregnancy. I was overdue and was scheduled for an induction which I was dreading but was necessary given my diabetes. I was to be induced on a Sunday but wound up going into labor very early that morning. It came on so quickly that before I knew what was happening; my contractions were 2 minutes apart.
I entered the hospital at 1:40 am and delivered my son at 3:20. Tami was with me every step of the way. She had prepared me so well and I truly believe that everything came together exactly at the right moment and allowed me to have a safe and very quick birth. It was amazing and everything that I wanted.
I am so very proud of myself for being able to have a natural birth. I know absolutely that I would not have been able to do it without the support of Tami.
I know this is my last baby and it is with such warmth that I will remember his entrance into the world. I cannot recommend Tami enough. She is a gift and any woman should be so lucky to work with her.
She gives off such positive energy and light!
Melony
