Cazjmere’s Review:
Like most expectant mothers, at the time, I had specific plans of how I wanted my birthing experience to unravel. No complications, stay at home to labor as long as possible, shave every hair on my body, get a pedicure, etc. Long story short, that vision did not include a pandemic.
Once the news broke that our country was going on lockdown, all expectant mothers, including myself, exploded! Depending on the state, most hospitals were limiting birthing partners to one or none in the delivery room, which means, doulas were not permitted to be in company of expectant mother.
After having a Zoom call with my doula, Jill, I was able to weigh my options. Jill was still of support at 100% for myself and my partner. Despite COVID-19, Jill had made it known that if I wanted to labor at home for as long as possible she was willing to come to my home using safety precautions. Jill offered her virtual support as well for my labor at the hospital. Jill also had made herself available to my partner in case he had any questions. To say the least, Jill made herself available 24/7 at any measure.
I still remember my easy- going birth experience like it was yesterday. With resources and tools from Jill, I was able to create my birth plan online. Jill wanted to be sure, that even though she couldn’t be at the hospital physically, my needs were still met. Jill had brought over a care package to my house that included a birthing ball, chapstick, cooling/ heated pads, and other goodies. She also reminded me of things I needed to pack for myself and for baby. I went into labor around midnight on a Monday. Jill was there from the time of my first contraction until baby came. I chose to stay in contact via text. She was able to send me links and pictures on different positions to try to make sure baby was in correct position to help ease my birthing experience. Judging by the “gross” pictures I sent Jill haha, she was able to tell me about my mucous plug, my water breaking, and whether or not it was time for me to go to the hospital. Once I got to the hospital and was explaining how pushy the nurses may have been with trying to convince me to take Pitocin and then an epidural Jill was able to remind me it was my right to voice my decision on not wanting those meds. I ran into a small bump in the road during my laboring process, baby wasn’t in ready position for me to push. Jill immediately sent me pictures and links and detailed instructions on things to do to get ready for the major part, pushing! sure enough, within the next few hours, I was ready and out came my healthy little girl!
Jill was very encoring by reminding me of how proud she was and how great of a job I was doing. Jill was extremely encouraging throughout my entire process! I couldn’t have done it without her!