Thanks to Maureen, our doula, we were fully prepared with prenatal knowledge for our due date. Liam was due September 5, 2010. We waited until September 14th, but due to extreme discomfort, we had to insist on getting induced. We were induced at 1 p.m. Contractions began to come on and off around 4 pm, but because of the irregularity, we were sent home by 7. Mama and baby crawled into a bath so they could relax, but by 9 contractions started coming on very strong, and too quickly. We got in the car and went to the hospital, only to find out I was only 2 cm dilated. Liam’s heart rate had reached 195 bpm due to stress from the induction. I begged the doctors to have it taken out so we could attempt the birth more naturally. By 10:30 pm we were 8.5 cm and rushing to the birthing room.

Maureen was in touch with us throughout this day and ready to arrive whenever we needed her. At this point, she was on her way. She arrived shortly after my waters were broken. She reminded me of my birth plan throughout, but, unfortunately my stubborn streak got in the way and I chose to have an epidural. The epidural stopped labor. The contractions continued, but it took the remainder of the night to actually dilate the final centimetre. Liam was not in the proper position yet, and we needed to wait for him to move before we started to push. Maureen was very helpful in reminding us of different relief techniques. (Apparently, even when you think you are prepared, usually you aren’t) She helped with massages and made sure Jordan, my husband, could get rest. When it came time to push, she made sure the doctor had compresses to
help soothe. All in all, she was there to make everything more comfortable. At 10:32 a.m. Liam was born. He weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz. and is the greatest gift we could ever ask
for. Maureen made sure we were all feeling okay and recommended some good foods to eat to get my strength back. She checked in with us after and we were welcome to call with questions.

Doulas are amazing! They have skills and services that are so helpful to expecting parents and new parents, no matter what your birth plan and birth story entail. They offer so much advice to those who have no clue! I’m so happy that we could share Liam’s birth with Maureen, and look forward to sharing baby #2!

- Shelby, Jordan and Liam