03/05/2017
As I browse through my pictures, and see my notifications for all of the likes for Rock Your Birth, I realized, I should have shared my experience with Jen here months ago.
So here it is.....
My baby girl Charlotte "Charli" Yvonne Aladzhadzhyan was born October 14th, 2016 at 1:55pm. I was Jen's very first client, and her being one of my best friends made having her have such a significant role in my little girls birth so very special. In the weeks leading up, we created my birth plan, discussed various options and things to try and even went through pictures ideas for birth photos. I was open to a lot (except the epidural was non negotiable lol). I had very bad anxiety leading up to the birth and Jen helped me find ways to keep it together, ease my worries and distract my mind. She was available at every moment.
When it was time for us to head in, Jen met us at the hospital. My hubby had to get to a client for a while and Jen stayed to keep me company during check in and prep. Once they broke my water it was like all hell broke loose. My contractions were 15 to 20 seconds apart and lasted up to a whole minute. I will admit...I was not fun to deal with. I didn't want to be touched, I didn't want to try any comfort measures. I wanted my epidural and that was it. Since I was made to wait until the anesthesiologist was done with another mommy, I was forced to suffer for 45 minutes of hard contractions 15 to 20 seconds apart. Even with me being very hard to deal with, Jen remained calm and comforting. I told her the only thing I need from her is to remind me to breath and that is what she did (she was warned by my sister who is a doula in d.c. that I would be "that" client). Her being there was all of the comfort I needed.
Once I got my epidural, things started moving pretty quick. Jen knew how much birth pictures meant to me and was 110% on it. Once I got to 10, my amazing midwife Amanda Simon explained everything I should expect, made me feel comfortable and rolled in the gear. In the meantime Jen made sure all of my birth plan requests would be covered.
Charlotte's birth was AMAZING! I can honestly say, with Jens support and love, I rocked this birth. I felt in control (unlike the birth of my first child- my son). I got to pull Charli out onto my chest and Jen captured every single special and priceless moment. Even in the commotion of clean up, she managed to get incredible shots, including some of my placenta....Charlis 40 week life support system. Jen was one of the first few people to hold Miss Charli and spent time with the two of us while waiting for my move to the third floor. My hubby was busy with our oldest and she offered to keep me company (honestly, I think she wanted that snuggle time lol).
This birth was so beautiful....it almost (ALMOST) makes me want a third.
Jen was not only my good friend through this process, she was my advocate and gave me the tools to get the most from the experience. I would have never considered a doula in the past. Even though she did not get to try out all of her techniques for comfort on me, her presence really made the birth so much better.
So, though this is four months late....I wanted to take this opportunity to give her the biggest thank you and share with those of you following how incredibly kind, warm and supportive she was for me and my family. What she did for us was priceless amd I am so very grateful she came into my life and opened my mind to the doula experience. I hope she was able to take knowledge from my birth and use it to give those of you blessed enough to work with her the very best she can. I have no doubt, she has found her calling.
I love you friend! Your niece is growing like a w**d!
