Here’s part two. If you didn’t check out part 1 - the unplanned virtual support of Jessica’s twins, you can check that out here!

This is the reflections of the mama who I wrote about a few days ago. She was the 200th birth I supported, and the first planned virtual support due to the Covid-19 restrictions at her chosen place of birth (note - not all facilities are restricted).

Get a tissue… I know I needed one!

OUR VIRTUAL DOULA

I won’t forget the disappointment in both our voices when I told Tamrha the hospital would only allow one person with me at the birth of our first child. My husband shared that disappointment as we both felt a doula brought incredible value to our birth team and was essential for support and success during my first birth. We’d talked with a few different doula’s, and we just “clicked” with CCD. Now, because of these protocols with the virus, it felt like we had to figure this out on our own

About a week later, Tamrha emailed me about her vision of what it could be like to have a virtual doula if that’s what we wanted. I was so excited as I read through her offer! It was clear to me that she truly cared and was thoughtful and working hard to find a way to be there for us. The fact that she was willing to make those adjustments meant so much. We had a video consultation to talk through the details, but we didn’t need much more convincing — we knew this was exactly what we wanted and needed.

During labor, Tamrha was available via text and video chat at any moment, just like she would have been in person. She answered our questions, suggested things to do during active labor to make sure our baby would be in a good position, encouraged my husband on how to physically help during labor and what questions to ask the hospital staff. Every time I talked with her and saw her reassuring face on my phone screen, I was so thankful we chose to do this. In the thick of it, when I was exhausted and discouraged, Tamrha knew exactly what to say to validate whatever I was feeling or thinking and help me keep moving forward.

After 31 long hours, and labor taking some unexpected turns, we were finally ready to push! Tamrha gave me a quick pep talk about pushing before my husband set my phone up in the corner so she could see the room which was the perfect spot. I could see her kind smile, wiping her tears, and hear her cheering me on in those final exhilarating moments before meeting our baby! Thirty minutes later, and our baby GIRL was here!! I have no idea how long Tamrha patiently watched our first blissful moments as parents unfold before my husband bought the phone over so we could proudly show off our baby with the biggest smiles and tears of joy.

Afterward, Tamrha texted to check-in on how we were adjusting into parenthood, how breastfeeding was going, and how we were both doing emotionally. Our virtual postpartum visit was so sweet being able to share with her how her presence and expertise meant to us. I’m tearful remembering this experience and couldn’t be more thankful for how Tamrha gave so much of herself to care for us. Many times, we’ve told people that having a doula was absolutely invaluable!! We can’t wait to finally meet in person — I feel like I’ve already hugged her a hundred times!

We can’t recommend Tamrha and CCD enough and we already know we want them to be a part of our birth team for our future kids as well — but in person. :) “Thank you” isn’t enough to communicate our gratefulness. We love you, Tamrha!

And I love you too Bree! Thank you for letting me be a part of your birth story! Get ready for a huge hug!