Surreal

I never knew what a doula was until I became pregnant. It was just another word that I had heard that had no meaning to me. I’ve known Bailey for years and to have her explain what she does to a newly pregnant and nervous mother-to-be was very reassuring. Every meeting we had, she had my husband and I do exercises which was helpful.

But the biggest blessing was delivery day at the hospital. Bailey made sure that what we wanted for our daughter’s birth and my comfort was front and center. She was so comforting and helpful and mind you, I’m a very modest person so I had my own limitations for what I was comfortable with, but of course all that went out the window when I needed to push. It was even the small things that brought joy like her bringing me chapstick and making sure I was drinking. She was even so supportive of my husband and made sure he was staying hydrated as well. We were cracking jokes and laughing in between pushing. Sometimes it’s the small things that can bring sanity in an environment like that, all the newness and unfamiliarity of it all.

There are not enough words to begin to say thank you to Bailey for her calming presence and being there as my daughter came into this world and took her first breath. It all feels so surreal. Having Bailey as my doula was one of the best decisions I have ever made and if the good Lord allows me to have more children, I definitely want her to be my doula again. I love you Bailey so much!

• Veronica