This year was a year of firsts for me. The most challenging though, was when I ended up catching a baby for the first time.
I was working with a client for the second time. Her first birth was a very long induction after an SROM with no labor. This time she was really committed to staying at home as long as possible in the hopes of having an intervention-free labor. This was further complicated by the fact that at the time, doulas were not allowed in the hospital. She wanted my physical support until the last possible second, outside of having her baby at home.
When her labour started on it’s own one morning, she called me and we talked through early labor. She was doing well, managing her contractions, staying distracted and keeping me informed of how things were going.
As lunchtime approached, I had a sense that I should head over. I called her and asked how she felt about me I stopping by for a bit to see how things were.
After 30 minutes of being there, I knew she was moving into a strong active labor pattern. I suggested the partner pack the car and prepare to head to the hospital. As he was gathering towels in case her water broke in the car, she sat on the toilet to pee before heading in. At that moment, her water broke. In the next instant, she had eyes as big as saucers and said, “I think the baby is coming!”
The next thing I knew, the baby’s head was crowning. I called for the husband to call 911 while she got down on the floor to prepare to deliver her baby. I told her to get ready to catch her baby, but she was in complete shock. SHe shook her head and told me to do it. With 911 on the line, her baby emerged with one more push into my hands. Her husband stood statue still by the door, face as white as a ghost as I described the condition of the baby to the 911 operator.
Within minutes, two police arrived, followed by the ambulance. In that moment, I stepped back, grabbed a robe for my client and let the paramedics take over, much like I would in a hospital setting. As my clients prepared to leave via ambulance, I helped to settle their energy and prepare them for the next steps as best I could.
When emergencies arise, it is important that we continue to be the doula. We know how to support families through hard things. We know how to observe and make suggestions. In tense situations, stay calm, breath deep and remember, you can do this doula!
