I first met Joyce at a waterbirth information session, less than three weeks before I had my baby. I was on a Bradley Method of Childbirth course and our instructor recommended we attend her information session, so I did. This was my first pregnancy, so I was excited, nervous, and eager to have the best birth experience possible.
I come from Mexico, where the idea of having a doula is unheard of. However, after hearing Joyce speak about waterbirth and about her experiences as doula, I immediately became interested in having Joyce be my doula. When I was ready to leave, Joyce asked me how far along I was and if I had a doula. I told her I didn't have one and she said: "Well, you are going to need one." She told me to call her or email her if I wanted her as my doula.
I remember going home that day feeling very excited that I met her. This woman was so knowledgeable about childbirth and she had such a strong personality -I knew she would be the best person to have with me during labor.
I emailed her and asked her if she could be my doula and next thing you know, she was at our home, talking to me, my boyfriend, and my mom about our birth plan. The night after she came to our home, I went into labor.
I had a very long and complicated labor. I was in labor for about 36 hours. I went to the hospital two different times and Joyce came with me both times. The first time I was checked in, taken to triage, taken to the birthing suite, and after a few hours my contractions started to slow down and was sent back home. A few hours later labor kicked in again, this time contractions were long and strong, and Joyce was by my side ALL THE TIME.
Once contractions got to the point were I felt like I couldn't take them anymore, she was still next to me, reminding me I could do it, massaging my back, and keeping me focused.
I am convinced that if Joyce hadn't been with me, I would have ended up having a c-section. I never realized how much Joyce did to make sure my birth plan was respected and to keep the doctor who was there from doing a c-section.
Joyce was with me over 24 hours. My beautiful baby boy, Camilo, was born Saturday November 6, 2010 at 9.41am. He was 8 pounds 2 oz and measured 21.5 inches. Joyce had a wedding in Chicago that same day -a commitment she had before she even decided to be my doula. Still, she stayed with me the whole time. She even made sure I was eating breakfast before she left.
Joyce was my doula, but she is now my friend -a very special friend. She is an incredibly loving person, a very strong personality which is just what you need when you are in labor, and she genuinely cares about you -even if she barely knows you. The cool thing about Joyce is that once you meet her, you become amazed about how much she cares about you and your baby, how seriously she takes her job as a doula, and how much love she puts into it.
Having Joyce as our doula made our birth experience the best it could be. Joyce- Thank you so much!
Belen Molina Prieto
Frito-Lay, Inc. / Fort Wayne Zone
Sales Associate
3806 Home Street
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Bus: 574-555-4013, Cell: 786-338-1237
belen.prieto@pepsico.com