bellies birth and beyond

"My daughter was born a month early. She was born healthy after a long labor. Thankfully, I had already met with my doula and discussed my birth plan. After 36 hours of labor everything did not go according to plan, but now I realize that my birth experience was just as it needed to be. I am very thankful to my doula for her untiring support through the entire experience. Lisa helped me to experience birth the way that I wanted to. I would not have had the same experience without her. I don't know what I would have done without her help and encouragement"
~ Anne and Patrick, their daughter June was born Dec. 20th 2010.

"Lisa was so amazing! Prior to meeting her I never desired a natural labor. I was only assisting a friend in interviewing her. By the time I left the meeting, I had completely committed myself to a natural labor and wanted Lisa there to support and assist me! My birth experience was everything I had hoped for, and then more. I couldn't have pictured a more perfect birth. Thank you so much Lisa for helping Juan and I attain our perfect birth experience! Without you and your knowledge and encouragement I know I wouldn't have had the confidence to do it. If I have another baby over in England, I hope you have a passport!"
~ Ashley and Juan, their son Rhys was born on Sept. 20th 2012

"My husband and I are so glad we had Lisa! She was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful preparing us for the birth of our second child. Having her as our doula definitely enhanced our experience. With her knowing what out initial birth plan was helped communicate with staff at the hospital while my husband and I were in labor. Her support throughout the delivery was above our expectations and was much appreciated. We would definitely recommend her to others and also would hire her again if we decided to have baby #3.

~Kim and Ryan, their daughter Jada was born on Oct. 7th 2012

Lisa definitely taught me a lot during my pregnancy about natural birth and things I can do to cope with the pain during labor. She helped ease my nervousness about having a natural birth and answered all my questions. I would definitely recommend her to others. Compared to my first birth, she enhanced this birth experience 100%! Lisa got me through the painful contractions and guided me through the labor. I probably would have ended up having the baby at home if she hadn't told me it was time to get to the hospital. She got me through the hard contractions in the car. Her words of encouragement ensured me that the pain would all be over soon and I would soon be holding my son. Thank you so much Lisa!! I couldn't have done it without you!!
~ Alyssa and Matt, their son was born Oct. 23, 2012

Several people have asked me how instrumental Lisa was in my natural birth, and the answer is simple: without her there never would have been one. Prior to meeting Lisa, a natural birth was never something I strived for…or so I thought. To understand how I changed my mind, you must first understand where I’ve been.

My first birth was full of interventions. I was induced on my due date because my baby was “big”. My body wasn’t ready to go into labor, so my obstetrician tried to force it to. Cytotec first, then artificial rupture of my membranes and Pitocin started simultaneously resulted in my Uterus being hyperstimulated and my son’s heart rate going into decelerations. Before I knew it I was whisked away for a cesarean section. After that experience, my only concern was having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). And I did with my second son. That birth helped heal unseen wounds I had carried with me for two years, but it still wasn’t what I would consider an ideal birth. My son was a transverse arrest and as I started pushing, his heart rate dropped. I was given a second-degree bilateral episiotomy and they had to use the vacuum to get him out. He was delivered transverse with the cord around his neck twice and arm once. Again, medical interventions were used to bring my child into the world. Necessary ones perhaps, but when you’re hooked up to an epidural, unable to move from your back, you’re left in the hands of the doctors.

Fast forward to June of 2012. I agreed to attend a couple of meetings with doulas in the Boise area with my friend, to help her pick one for her first VBAC that fall. Lisa was the second doula we met with. Her knowledge was immense and she was passionate. We sat and talked with her for over two hours. Her passion must have been infectious because as our meeting went on I felt my heart being guided towards a natural birth. She had a potential client for my due date, and I jokingly said I hope it falls through so I could hire her. Much to my surprise a few days later I received a text message from my friend telling me Lisa was now available for my delivery if I wanted to hire her. It must have been meant to be. I said yes immediately and that started my journey. With the advice of the same friend, I started studying Hypnobabies, and Lisa went out of her way to familiarize herself with the program. She read the literature and adopted some of the lingo. Her willingness to help me in every aspect of my labor was so endearing to me.

My labor was not one like you see on television. No gush of fluid followed by instant painful contractions, and within 20 minutes I have a baby….although I would so love that. My body is a slow laborer. I arrived at the hospital at 6 ½ centimeters and it still took me 8 hours to progress to 10 and deliver. With Lisa and my husband by my side I walked the halls, did side lunges, bounced on the birthing ball. When I casually mentioned to my husband I was feeling a little nauseous, Lisa appeared like a fairy Godmother with Nux Vomica and a wet washcloth with drops of Peppermint Oil to combat my nausea. Every contraction I would become flushed, and she was there fanning me. Lisa kept me calm and confident and because of that, I was able to stay the course. I never once veered from the plan. I wanted a natural birth. Not just unmedicated, but I wanted no interventions. I wanted my body to do it all on it’s own. I knew it was capable, and I wanted to prove it.

She knew when I nearing transition. She coaxed me into the bathtub, knowing I would want the relief. When I lost focus during a few of those last contractions she was talking me through them, reminding me to hum deeply and to relax my face. When it was time to get out of the tub and push, she was reminding me that I was almost done and soon I’d be holding my baby boy, even when I was proclaiming that I wanted to go home; I may or may not have used a few expletives to drive the point home. And at the end, she stepped back and grabbed her camera and snapped some amazing pictures while my husband delivered our son and placed him on my chest. I had done it: a natural labor and delivery with no interventions.

Summing up Lisa can be done in three words- she is amazing. She was so sure that I could do it, that it made me confident in my abilities. Without her I never would have made it through those two days of back labor. Without her, I never would have even discovered this hidden desire to birth naturally, let alone attempt it. Lisa has a passion for birth, and championing mothers to do what their bodies were made to do. I truly believe this is her calling, and I’m so glad I was able to have her by my side during the hardest and best thing I have ever done.