Massage Doula - My experiences as a Doula - Birth stories

Updated: 8th March 2007

2nd Sept 2004 - Birth Doula
I attended my first birth as a birth doula. Mum-to-be used a TENS machine, leg massage, reflexology and breathing techniques throughout her labour. She had a completely natural childbirth and delivered a healthy 7lbs 6.5 oz baby girl at High Wycombe.

1st Oct 2004 - Birth Doula
Mum-to-be used breathing techniques, the birth ball, bath and massage throughuot her natural labour. She delivered a healthy 9lbs 7oz baby girl at High Wycombe.

2004 - Reflexology in Early Labour
After a night of fierce contractions they became a dull ache every 15 minutes. After an hour of reflexology contractions were strong, effective and every 10 minutes. She went on to deliver a baby boy.

22nd June 2005 - Birth Doula
First time mum had a completely natural 9hr hospital birth. We used Jasmine massage to stimulate contractions when things seemed to slow down at home and she stayed active throughout. Delivered a gorgeous baby boy at Wexham Park.

26th December 2005 - Birth Doula
First time mum expecting a baby girl. Laboured throughout the night and transferred to hospital in the morning at 3cm. Mum coped extrordinarily well ina calm atmosphere. Baby was posterior (back-to-back) and although mum was very active and natural throughout the labour after a long 3 days labour mum and dad decided a c-section would be best to delivery their duaghter. A baby girl arrived at 7.22am and had skin-to-skin with dad and then skin-to-skin with mum. This was the first birth I'bve actually sobbed at the end, it was so beautiful to see dad cradling his newborn daughter we'd all waiting for 3 days to arrive!

I got Married on September 9th 2006 which is why I took a break from being on-call!

1st April 2007 - Birth Doula
First time mum. Had gel induction in hospital which helped begin dilation slowly. Her waters broke naturally while doing the 'lunge' but the hospital staff still used Syntocinol drip which started on 31st March and contractions came strong shortly afterwards. A baby boy arrived on 1st April at 12.22am after just 22 minutes of pushing hard!
I met a fantastic midwife who showed me a breathing techniques she devised herself with a mixture of yoga and taught easily during labour to aid dilation. My client dilated from 5 to 8cm in 20 minutes!

Good Friday 6th April 2007 - Birth Doula
1st time mum booked in for a csection on 11th April (due to breech position) rang me at 7.40am on 6th april to say her waters had broken. I met them at the hospital and she was 5cm dilated and contracting hard at 8.30am!
She was taken into theatre. A baby girl was born at 9.44am and was passed straight onto her mums chest after the section which was great. I didn't see the section and awaited their return to the delivery room at 10.20am. She breastfed straight away and is perfect!

Good Friday 6th April 2007 - Birth Doula
Yes - two in one day! I got a text when leaving the first birth to say she was 5cm and at the hospital so I went straight there. Wonderful natural childbirth with gas and air and changing position. Baby girl was born and mum had no tears and no stitches - perfect example of a hypnobirth.

22nd June 2007 - Birth Doula
The second time I attended this couples birth experience :0)
third baby took much longer than the first two - 27 hours - she ran a marathon with no pain relief, amazing woman. This couple had a baby girl - just as gorgeous as the first and I felt so proud to be there again! Midwives were great and gave me lots of jobs to do!!

September 2007 - Birth Doula
Home birth. Mum had a 6 hour labour and laughed most of the way through! She had a magical birth and although baby has cord wrapped round her shoulder effectively holding baby in, mum pushed for all she was worth and had a great birth in a kneeling position. Beautiful baby girl.

Contact Louise@mindbodyandsole.com