I did not start thinking about hiring a doula until quite late in my pregnancy. I was 37 weeks, and had just taken a weekend birthing class with my husband. I realized in this class that while I was confident in my ability to get through the birth, I was worried about my ability to manage the pain. I was also concerned about my husband’s ability to be my sole support person. I knew that to achieve my dream birth, we would both need support.

I was very lucky to find Journey on such late notice. When she first walked up to our house, I immediately loved her. She has a very comfortable and warm presence. I was nervous to be meeting her so close to the labor, and that not knowing her very well would make it awkward to have her with me during labor. But if anything, I felt as though I had known her for a long time within the first few minutes.

She encouraged me to interview other doulas as well. But I did not want to. I don’t often take to people quickly, but I did with Journey- to me this was a sign that she was the doula for me.

Just a couple weeks later, I learned that I needed to be induced (the amniotic fluid level was dropping). Knowing my baby was coming soon, I had a flood of emotions. Journey was supportive and said everything that I needed to hear. She told me that it was important to express those feelings. I spent the night before being induced letting out the fear and getting excited to have my baby in my arms! I woke the next day excited and prepared.

The next morning they started the IV of Pitocen. As soon as the contractions began, I became afraid again. My mother and my husband were with me, but they were just as nervous as I. When Journey arrived, everything changed. I felt better the moment she walked in. All three of us felt better. Journey was just as supportive to my husband and my mother as she was to me.

Labor was the most amazing and intense experience of my life. There were several times where I thought I could not go on- but then Journey’s words, presence, and touch kept me in a positive frame of mind. She was there for me for every contraction- helping me breath, helping me visualize myself getting through it, and preparing me for the next one. She kept me changing positions, which really helped the pain. Journey was able to keep my mom and husband calm and instructed them in how they could help me. Because of Journey’s guidance, they were able to have an immeasurable impact in the success of the labor. My labor lasted just over six hours.

I have no doubt that Journey played a huge role in the success of my birth. In all my dreams I could never have imagined the birth to be more perfect. It was exactly what I had hoped for. With Journey’s help, I was able to manage the pain and did not receive an epidural, which had been my hope. I am so thankful that Journey was there with me- she was a big part of the most important moment of my life. She is an amazing woman and doula. I cannot praise her enough. Thank you, Journey!

Katie Cristallo