Our Doula.

I believe in the importance and power of having a doula present during labor and birth.  So much of the experience of birth, especially home birth, is shaped by the personalities of those present.  The midwife was a given for us because we knew we would again be in the hands of the incredible Simone, who so expertly brought Amichai into this world.  She brought us all of the things we wanted in a home birth midwife-- knowledge, philosophy, skill  and faith. The doula's role, however, is to create an atmosphere of ease and calm, giving the birthing woman the experience she wants.

There were many qualities we were looking for when deciding who to have as our doula.  We wanted someone who would bring the right kind of calm energy. A person who would know instinctually what I would need, as well as what Melissa would need, often without a spoken word.  We wanted someone who would think on their feet and intuit what needed to be done in the moment, a person who could change and flow with the energy in the room.  We wanted someone with an eye for photography and the skill to catch moments even while doing other things.  We wanted someone strong and gentle, someone smart and spiritual.  A tall order, yes we know!

But this was an easy decision for us because it just so happened that we already knew this person, the one who could be all of these things.

We were so blessed to have our dearest friend, Ben, as our doula.  He was everything we imagined and more during my labor and birth, just as he is in the rest of our lives.  It was just perfect to have him there as baby girl came into the world, especially since Ben and his family will be such important parts of her life.  There are not words to adequately explain our gratitude.

Early labor Yahtzee is a must!

Doula hands