Brooklyn-based mom of two, Zoe, shares how Janel helped her overcome her fears of birthing in a hospital for the second time
As a mom of two, I cannot believe that I gave birth without a doula my first time, and I am so deeply grateful and satisfied that I had Janel at my side for the second time! While I had lived experience and some idea of what to expect, there was much that I didn’t remember or want to repeat from my first birth. Every birth is different, and I was also worried since I was told the second birth would be faster while also involving childcare logistics. When I found out I had a complication that could have been an issue for pregnancy and delivery, that was the kicker that prompted me to hire Janel, and everything became smoother from there!
I was immediately comforted by Janel’s calm yet highly knowledgeable and organized style and her curiosity to know me and help me. As a type A person, I can only relax and trust someone to help me when I know they’re fully on the ball - and that was Janel, but with an incredibly easy and warm vibe. Every contact with her revealed layers of knowledge, wisdom, and care, and I always felt lighter after, which is a huge feat in such a vulnerable period.
Janel got to know me and my history, helped me identify and let go of aspects of my last birth experience and plan for a more peaceful and present new experience (where I was more grounded in myself and my support system including Janel and my partner, more able to make choices, and more confident in the pain management plan specifically), and she helped me interpret my doctor visits experiences and result and how my symptoms were progressing.
Toward the end of my pregnancy, I had a lot of pelvic pain and discomfort and some very difficult days, feeling low and also unable to help with my toddler. Janel checked on me and offered support, validation, grace, and ideas for self-care when other people assumed that I was fine since it was my second go at this.
Janel accompanied us to the birth and helped me and my partner breathe through physical and emotional discomfort and take in more wonder and excitement (not just surviving, but really appreciating the positive aspects). She was able to call on all of our conversations and preparations when I felt completely scared and overwhelmed. When my partner declined cutting the umbilical cord, it was only natural for Janel to step in, and I’ll never forget that moment since Janel felt integral to my baby’s entry into the world. When it was time for us to head to the recovery room and for Janel to go home, I remember feeling so relieved yet sad to say goodbye, which is also revealing since there’s such a desire to fully be with one’s baby and to have some downtime and privacy.
After the birth, Janel kept my postpartum doula informed so that I didn’t have to. She followed up to check on me in the early days. It felt so fun and triumphant when she visited a few weeks later and we could reflect and integrate the whole experience and delight in my grown baby and family.
Janel helped me know myself better as a birthing mom and medical patient and modeled for our family what attentive care and support looks like, elevating my communication and relationship with my partner and family. Words can’t express how valuable her service and presence to launching my life as a mom of two in a positive and embodied way, and I recommend her wholeheartedly!