While visiting all the LDS sites in Utah, we went to the Humanitarian Center. Basically the headquarters for all the church's humanitarian efforts.

I love being a doula. I love helping woman birth their babies the way they want.

I also really do want to become a midwife. I want to deliver those babies in areas that so desperately need adequate care and aren't getting it.

My husband loves teaching english to speakers of other languages and I know he would be in his prime.

I want to be home while my kids are young. I want to raise them in the gospel teaching them how to function and live in the real world.

My perfect plan:
have my babies, when they go to school- study to be a midwife, go around the world helping woman to have babies -- homeschool kids? wait til they are grown? ... but I want to be kind of around my grandbabies.... only time will tell what will happen. Being here I really feel called to do humanitarian work. In the meantime- my tithing will have to do.

And just so you know -- I want to always keep my DONA certification and my nys dental hygiene license active.

[almost] certified

I mailed in my certification packet and now I'm sitting on pins and needles-- waiting to hear.

Proudly presenting my doula family:

Tonight was Meet the Doulas of CNY at the library. I am TRULY BLESSED to be a part of this agency. Our work is hard, our cause is mighty, and WE are strong. They are like family to me.

((back L-R:
Erin, Debra, Malinda, Cristina, Bobbi, Chris, Sarah M
front L-R:
Emilie, Sarah C, ME!, Michele, Heather, Julie))

logo

My good friend from college- Elise- made me a logo!

I drew it and she vectorized it!

It looks awesome.

Once it's printed and official, I will post it! :)

my fourth birth.

Welcomed doula baby boy Liam -9lb 4oz on 5/28/10!

This mom was a warrior for sure.

After becoming exhausted with contractions that weren't letting her progress-- she opted to get an epidural to rest for a bit. Within the half hour waiting for the anesthetist- she progressed from a 7-9.5cm. She still got the epidural and was able to rest for over an hr. She pushed for about 3hrs. Good thing she rested. She- and her husband- were awesome to work with. I'm so lucky.

Mom wrote this to me:
"Hiring a doula (especially you guys- Doulas of CNY) was the best idea for our birth. You gave us so much support and made such a great atmosphere for my husband and I. You made me feel unashamed of the things that seem like they could be embarrassing and comforted me through this most difficult but wonderful experience. You personally Holly were so prepared, had things we didn't even think of, were so comforting and understanding, had such a pleasant and positive presence. You were great, and I so appreciate your help. You also helped me to feel proud of my birth and birth choices even though it didn't go how we were originally hoping. I'm really glad we got to meet you and have you there for our birth!!"

I love my job.

my third birth

Welcomed doula baby girl Sophia on 5.26.10

Mom was a trooper for sure. Day 4 of induction and no baby. This was after being in the hospital 8weeks since her membranes ruptured.

This was my first c-section experience since my own.
This was a true emergency.

Baby's heart rate plummeted to 60bpm and was not coming up. Mom was freeking out while Drs were trying to get heartrate monitors on the baby's head and getting her prepped to go. I leaned in close- stroked her head and said it was going to be ok, hang in there, you're doing great, take deep breaths, they are taking good care of you, and you'll see your baby soon.

There must have been 10 Drs/ Nurses in there. Mom was rushed out on hands and knees to the OR.

I was mom's only support. Once she was wheeled off- I was standing in the room.
Alone.
It felt like a movie.

Baby stayed in NICU a couple days and was released only a couple days after mom. She's doing great!

my second birth

Welcomed DOULA baby girl- Felicity- weighing 8lbs 3oz on 5/10/10 at 4:43pm.

Wow! This birth was way different from the first I attended. It was much slower. Babies truly do some when they are ready, and not a moment before.

I was able to apply counter pressure and be there emotionally for mom. I held her foot/leg. She held my hand. She is a STRONG women. My arm was shaking after.

I didn't realize how physically demanding births could really be. I was fine until I had to get out of my car to pump gas. It felt like I was hit by a car. I've gotta get in better shape for sure!

Overall, this birth was wonderful. There's nothing like watching a life come into the world. It's a miracle- everytime.