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"I became a doula because
of my love and facination with the miracle of life, but also to
help other women who need support during their delivery, as I did
during mine. If there is one topic in life I am the most knowledgeable
about, it is pregnancy, delivery and caring for infants." |
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Suzanne's
Childbirth story |
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Dear parents-to-be:
 As
a mother myself of a beautiful six year old son, I know what
a mixture of emotions you must be feeling (especially if this
is your first child).
For as long back as I can recall, pregnancy, delivery and caring
for infants has been a passion for me. I couldn't wait to become
a mom myself oneday, even in my early teens.
Then in July 1999 we learned that my son was on his way! Elated
can hardly begin to describe how excited my husband and I felt.
I began to eat very carefully and take vitamins. I also received
plenty of rest and fluids to help my miracle flurish inside
me. I spent hours pouring over baby name books, wallpaper samples,
bedding for the nursery and lived from one doctor's visit to
the next in eager anticipation of what they would tell me that
appointment.
Then one day, nearly 8 weeks ahead of schedule, the unthinkable
happened and I was diagnosed with a severe case of preclamypsia
(aka: HELLP Syndrome). My son had to be delivered or I could
slip into a coma and even could suffer a stroke. With my blood
pressure very high at 200/119 and my liver and other organs
failing, I was in labor throughout the night severly ill and
unable to get a nurses do more than check my vitals and leave
quickly as I laid very ill and afraid in a dark room. I was
made to stay on my left side through the contractions and was
not allowed to change positions in order to take some of the
stress off my heart. I was also unable to receive pain medication
as a needle prick could could cause a loss of blood as my white
blood cells were extremely low. They would allow me one dose
of Nubane (a narcotic) but only once- including the delivery!
I didn't know how I would find the stregth to endure the rest
of my labor and delivery. I labored through the night and did
opt for the Nubane dose early into the next morning feeling
desperate. At 7:00am, to my relief, the doctor arrived to perform
an emergency c-section putting me completely under for the proceedure
as a spinal block, again, would involve a needle. My husband
was not allowed in due to the criticial situation. I remember
saying, "please wait until I am asleep" as they waited
with the scalpal to my abdomen to save both my son's life and
mine. When I awoke, I was back in my hospital room with my family
all around me.
I'm happy to report my son was born a healthy 5lbs 5oz, spending
the first few weeks in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children's
Hospital, and although it was a very difficult first year indeed
with medical problems for both him and I, today he has no lasting
effects whatsoever of his early arrival into the world and is
in the 90% for height and weight. I have also recovered fully.
Needless to say, I became a doula because of my love and facination
with the miracle of life, but also to help other women who need
support during their delivery, as I did during mine. If there
is one topic in life I am the most knowledgeable about, it is
pregnancy, delivery and caring for infants.
I truly feel I'm doing what I love to do as a doula. It is such
an awesome priveledge to be invited into the delivery room with
a client to experience new life! I look forward to the possibility
of participating in your upcoming birth. I promise you lifelong
memories you will always cherish!
In the doula spirit,
Suzanne White |
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