Doula Stories by Crystal Ogle

As part of my birth doula services, I provided birth stories to clients, recording and writing about their births. These are stories I had written for doula clients who used Cynthia Jaffe as their care provider and have been used with their permission. Now, as I continue down the path leading to midwifery as a student midwife, I find the treasured memories and experiences as a doula add dimension to the births I attend these days. I am very grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me and for all of those women and their families who have helped me along the way.

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Rob and Krista's Story
"April 8th, 2004 5:48 pm: I had just gotten off the boat and was in Mukilteo when I got your page. When I called, Krista answered. Cynthia had stripped the membranes, and not too long after leaving the office, contractions started. They were hard and close together, offering very little, sometimes no, relief in between. I could tell by the sound of your voice they were strong active labor contractions, so I headed right back on the boat."
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Elly’s Labor Story
"Monday June 5th, 2005 12:58 pm: After a few wet, restless days full of contractions, I finally receive a page from you. I think the Castor oil began it’s work. As we were speaking on the phone, you drop it, and begin breathing through the intensity of the contraction. This was all I had to hear, and headed your way!"
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Val’s Labor Story
"July 16th, 2005 5:35 am: Jason calls to let me know you have been having contractions for a few hours now. They are 10 minutes apart and are starting to get intense. Unfortunately, you have been feeling nauseous through them. We talk about when you may need me, and some helpful tips, including using your bathtub. Then we hang up. As I tried to go back to sleep, I laid there worrying about the situation. Feeling uneasy, I call back. After discussing it, and realizing that the contractions are tough to get through, we decide it’s best for me to head over."
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The Birth of Sterling Conrad
"September 30th, 2005, 9:59 pm: Your dad called to say I should head over. The contractions began grabbing their attention around 9:30, and they are quickly getting more intense. I gather my things and start their way. 10:20 pm: As I pull up to the house, I can hardly see in because the windows are fogged. It must be the tub, I think to myself. Sure enough, mom is already in the soothing water. “Oh David, ouch, these hurt! Help me breathe.” Your mom says. Dad begins to help her focus. As usual, Cynthia beat me here. We can both see that this labor is progressing rather quickly. The signs look good. We begin to ready the tub for birth. “I love you” your mom replies to your dad, after a few hard contractions."
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David and Melinda’s Story
"July 14th, 2003 11:45pm: David called and thought you could use some help. I headed right over. Cynthia had left about an hour ago. She had checked you and you were 2 cm along. The birthing ball seemed to have been helpful so far. After talking a bit we decided it would be best to try and let your body rest. You hadn’t been able to get much sleep the last few nights, and you’d be needing a lot of strength and energy later. We got you in a comfortable, side lying position with lots of pillows and a warm water bottle. Once you were tucked away, I headed for a nap on the couch."
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