I aim to keep it professional (as well as short and sweet) here, but I feel it appropriate to introduce you to one of my dearest friends for whom I had the pleasure of shooting a family session recently. Bear with me, its a lengthy post. Shes such a wonderful person and our story is one that will always hold a special heart. Doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning a woman who serves and is now used to refer to a trained experienced professional who provides support to the mother [and others] before, during and just after birth. Meet Marlita, the incredible Doula whose title could not be more fitting. She has attended 173 births (and counting) offering her support to mamas, families and loved ones. Marlita also serves on staff for Crisis Pregnancy Outreach (a volunteer, unpaid position), offers free monthly classes, participates in rallies for improved birth and thats not half of it. Shes also a wonderful mother to Evi, Sebastian and little miss Carlie, whom she and husband, Juan, adopted. She is a glass half full kind of person, one who is happy about a call in the middle of the night asking her to aide in labor. Shes the kind of person who overhears someone in need of something and offers her own. At todays rate, her heart would fetch a pretty penny, as its surely made of pure gold. Our family has been one of those who has had the blessing of Marlita serving as our Doula. She supported my husband and I through two pregnancies and both completely natural childbirths. In-person with baby #1 and in-spirit with baby #2. (Our second came into the world a few weeks early, while Marlita was out of the country for holiday, otherwise she wouldve physically been right by our side.) She not only prepared us for what to expect during labor and delivery, but she provided reassurance to my concerned husband who researched and watched every birth related documentary in existence. (Research from which we determined we needed to hire a knowledgeable Doula in the first place.) From the very moment the beginning stages of our first labor began, she remained in constant contact. After spending countless (okay, we counted, it was almost six) hours with us in labor at our home, she led the way to the hospital and was literally the shoulder I leaned on as I made way to the delivery room. During the active stages, she was an immeasurable support. She didnt leave my side, kept the nurses informed and made suggestions that ultimately (in our opinion) prevented c-section and complications. Not until after we were settled in with our new baby (another ten hours later) did she finally go home to her family. She visited within days of us returning home, bearing gifts and a beautifully written (by hand, might I add) birth story for our babys memory book. She even helped us celebrate the anniversary of such a big event by attending our sons first birthday. Fast-forward to our second pregnancy. Marlita was among the very first to learn we were expecting again. We then enlisted a new doctor who was more in-line with our opinions and one whom Marlita highly recommended. We couldnt have been happier with our experience. As the due date approached we knew there was a possibility that Marlita could miss the delivery due to traveling for the Christmas holiday. Sure enough, baby decided to make an early appearance. Labor progressed so quickly that we didnt even have time to contact the back-up Doula Marlita referred. We had a few short hours of intense labor at home, only tolerable thanks to everything she taught us the first go-around. Then, we drove the two miles to the hospital (an exciting journey on icy roads grid-locked with holiday traffic). By the time we rushed into the delivery room I was begging for an epidural. The only moment I clearly remember from then until it was over was my husband taking me by the shoulders and calmly asserting, What would Marlita say? Youre so close. You can do this. That totally snapped me out of it and 45 minutes later our second bundle of joy entered the world. Hiring her was, without question, the best investment weve ever made and I have strong doubts anything will ever top it. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for Marlita. Neither of my childrens birthdays will ever come and go without her crossing my mind. She is a woman of great character; strong, encouraging and compassionate. Shes the kind of person you want in your corner. She is a woman who serves.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 01:14:19 +0000
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