As a first time mom I knew I wanted to hire a doula, to have extra support and encouragement hoping for a natural unmedicated childbirth in a hospital setting (with midwives). Finding a Christian doula who could provide spiritual support was also important to me. It felt like a daunting task at first but I google searched “Christian doula” and I’ll forever be glad I did! I found Emily’s website and reached out, and Emily was very prompt in responding.

The day before I was 41 weeks due, my husband and I went to the doctor for an ultrasound to check on our baby to make sure everything was well and he was healthy. I planned to let labor start naturally if possible, and was thinking I would give birth close to 42 weeks since I hadn’t felt any Braxton Hicks. This did not end up being the case because during the ultrasound, they could not find any measurable amniotic fluid. Because of this, the doctor said an induction was necessary for the safety of our baby.

The day of my birth was exciting and unexpected. My son came a week and a half early but like most pregnant women once you are 37 weeks you don’t care when they come out. 11AM Thursday- That morning I felt pretty normal. I had a few Braxton Hicks moments in the morning but nothing major. My mom came to town a few weeks early and was planning on staying a few weeks after to help with our son. So the day of my birth me and my mom were facetiming my grandparents. We were about 5 minutes into the conversation and all of a sudden I had a sharp pain in my bladder area, heard a pop and then a small gush of water came out of my vagina. I hung up with my grandparents and ran to the bathroom while yelling to my mom “ I think my water just broke!”

The day Malloryn was born, I woke up to do some prenatal yoga and was feeling tired because I didn’t sleep well the night before. I was upset that I hadn’t gone into labor yet. I made an appointment to see a chiropractor that day and right before I left the house, I had a very big contraction!