Kimberly's Story

My entire birth experience was quite literally the opposite of what my INTENTIONS were.  I emphasize "birth intentions" over "birth plan" because, as Cheryl taught me, birth is not something you can plan.  I want into it with the intentions to have a natural hospital water birth, but was thrown into a lot of circumstances I never anticipated.  I was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 38 weeks and 5 days, and we had to go right into induction that day.  My blood pressure was staying in the 160's, which is considered possible seizing levels.  Needless to say, a water birth was out of the question.  Without the groundwork I laid with Cheryl and her class, I really think I would have had an emergency cesarean.  I had to accept having a lot less control than I planned for, and completely rely on my ability to sit in the discomfort because I was extremely limited in my movement options.  I am proud to say I didn't end up getting an epidural, and I'm also proud to say I was open to it!  

I'm extremely proud of my birth experience, and I don't believe it would have been possible without the help of Cheryl's  class.  I would be remiss if I didn't also credit my husband (who also attended the classes), and Doula Diana as she was an incredible support for not only me but my husband through it all, who I think was more scared than I was by all the unexpected hurdles.  Because of her, he was able to stay in the moment with me when I needed him the most.  

**Let Love LOVES partnering with Diana from Matrescence Doula Services