Ronke's Birth Story

I called Marcia at about 12.45pm. I could feel the contractions getting stronger and so I got into the bath. Marcia arrived within 30 minutes and was soon reading her book beside the bath. It was good to know that she was there. Different people kept calling the house to see how I was doing but she fielded the calls and I was allowed to labour away in peace.

I felt a sudden urge to get out of the bath. Marcia was there helping me instantly. She helped me to get dressed whereupon my waters broke all over my "hospital" clothes. Marcia quickly gathered clothes for me and re-dressed me. By now the contractions were getting stronger and lasting longer. My husband could hardly contain his excitement. He moved the car to the front of the house because I knew it was time to go.

Marcia remained calmed and sat in the back of the car talking calmly to me. We arrived at the hospital only for 2 midwives who were on their way to a party to stop dead in their tracks, grab a wheelchair and practically hurl me through the door. I demanded an epidural, but Marcia spoke gently to me and told me that it was too late. My baby was ready to be born. The midwives and Marcia made a fantastic team. Less than 40 minutes later my son came into the world. It was incredible. I laboured with no pain relief, but I knew that I could trust Marcia and I knew that it was because of her that I got through it. Amazing! So very different from my first birth.

Would I use a doula again? Without a doubt! Best thing I could have done, just ask my husband!