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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

       I had read all along in different books about women, midwifes, and experts
who talked about birth being a natural experience, something that when done
trusting nature could be an intimate experience for the mother, father, and baby. I
agreed with the thought that the pain felt at labor was of a different nature than the
pain when we are sick. Pain at labor has a purpose; it helps your body and baby
get ready for the miracle of birth.

       The thought that floated in my mind was that God has made our bodies to go
through childbirth naturally, so maybe I did not have to just go to a hospital and
face an unknown situation with unknown people. However, we needed help,
someone to guide us through the rest of the pregnancy and labor, someone to be
there with us for the whole labor; and that’s exactly what doulas like Connie do. I
knew from the first conversation with her that she was the one who would make our
choice a reality. She was with my family and me for the rest of the pregnancy, and
for the day I gave birth to Victoria Elena unconditionally.

       That Wednesday before Thanksgiving my labor started and Connie came
home shortly after we called her. The weather was beautiful so we went for a walk
during early labor I will never forget. We were home for most of the birth, Connie
helped me with each contraction, she could read my body and how well I dealt with
that contraction, she would also explain what was happening inside my body and
how the baby was, listening to her heartbeat periodically. She treated me with love
and so did my husband, both of them encouraging me, praying and offering me
different ideas for relief. At times it was really challenging, and it looked like it was
taking forever, but the next day it all looked like a distant dream!

       We arrived at the hospital when I was already feeling the urge to push. I had
to go to an operating room in a wheelchair since there were out of delivery rooms.
Everything seemed to be fast forwarded, but Connie was with me, my husband too,
and I knew that God was taking care of all of us. Victoria was born in less than
twenty minutes, I couldn’t believe I was holding her in my arms, I still cannot believe
she is already here. I don’t know if it has to do a little with the way she was born,
but she is very alert, and the calmest baby I’ve ever seen.

       I wouldn’t change anything from the birth of my second daughter; I loved
every minute of it. We did the right thing when we went to see Connie, and I
encourage every woman to find someone like her, with the knowledge, kindness,
and dedication to help you at childbirth. Above all, have faith in God that giving
birth is nothing to fear but a very sweet and beautiful experience that you and your
family will always cherish.