My story isn't unlike most other new mothers. I had difficulty trying to nurse my son, and during a very vulnerable time, I felt as if I had no support. My son was very congested after birth and so he had a hard time latching on. The nurses in the hospital I delivered at tried making me feel like I had to give him formula or else he'd starve. I kept trying though because I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. The day after I delivered I was already sent home, which was more comfortable for me. However, I still felt hopeless with nursing because I didn't really have the knowledge I wanted, and felt should have been given to me at the hospital by the staff. Of course Charlie and Megan came to see how my son and I were doing. That's when I talked to them both about how I felt with breastfeeding. It's a terrible place to be...a new mother that is beyond tired, worried, ready to give up, upset. I spent so many nights crying with my newborn wishing that I could just get sleep and seriously thinking about formula but I knew I wanted what was best for my son. I was so grateful for Charlie and Megan. They both just helped me to calm down. They provided me with their experiences, as well as information about nursing positions, LLL meetings, and plenty of other reading material. It was just such a relief to not only have all that to reassure me but also their support and understanding. My son is now a very healthy 18 pound, 4 month old. I am still nursing and plan on doing so for as long as we can. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I am providing so much more for my son than just nutrition, and these wonderful ladies had a big influence on that. So I just wanted to thank them and let any other new mothers know that it's okay to ask for help. The sooner the better.

 

Jennifer Romero
Brandon, FL

I wanted to thank you for taking on the role that you have in being a support system for women and coaches during such a precious time. My entire birth story and delivery was amazing and I am so excited that you were able to experience it with me. Since the birth of Sarah, there have been a few over-whelming moments , but everything has been fine. I never knew that there was so much love in the world! No one ever paid so much attention to me before. I want to thank you ladies for sharing this experience with me; you will forever be a part of my birth story and I that's a bond that will last forever. I mean you saw my va-jay-jay! I normally make it past the 3rd date before that happens! All jokes aside, I am very appreciative and would recommend Barefoot Birth to anyone I know. You were very professional, but freindly and warm at the same time. The only thing that I would change if I could do it all over again, is meeting you two sooner in my pregnancy! (And having my phone fully charged while walking in the park at 8:30PM while 5 centimeters dialated!) Also, thanks so much for the beautiful photos! They were amazing.

My story is quite different from most women’s in that I was not really scared of giving birth. My partner and I knew I would give birth naturally and that my body was made to do this. During the last few weeks of my pregnancy, and after Bradley Method classes, I started toying with the idea of switching from a planned hospital birth to one at a birthing center. I was, unfortunately, risked out of that being a possibility. I knew I would need help asserting my desires to a hospital staff. Enter Barefoot Birth.

 

They came to our house and met with us for the first time to explain everything we needed to know. When my day finally came and I made the call, they were at my house within the hour. I labored at home from 7PM to 9 AM, calling them at an un-Godly hour somewhere in between. Megan was with me from 4:00 am until we left for the hospital, where Charlie met up with us. She followed Anthony and I around the house with my laptop all morning on Contraction Master and kept my times recorded so we knew how I was progressing. When we finally agreed it was time to leave she took care of everything so Anthony could focus on coaching me and I could focus on the long awaited arrival of our little surprise (we waited to find out the sex).

 

Upon arrival, I knew my odds of “getting along” with the nursing staff were slim. Many hospitals these days seem to scoff at a woman’s ‘attempt’ to have a natural birth. And from the reaction I got from the nurses that day, I knew it was going to be a problem. After too many hours at the hospital, and much to the dismay of the hospital’s staff who were trying to convince me I was “putting my baby in danger”, I left. Charlie and Megan stayed by my side and supported me in my choice to leave an establishment that was trying to scare me into agreeing to things I was against, and a possible C-Section. They guided me, and reminded me of my wishes for a natural birth. After hearing the things the doctors and nurses were saying amongst themselves they prepared me for the possibility of needing to AMA myself in order to succeed in getting the birth that I so longed for.

 

When we arrived back home they prepared a wonderful, relaxing environment for me to labor in (including an essential oil filled bath…highly recommended). We decided our backup plan would be to return to an alternative hospital when I knew I was ready to push. They continued to support me, keep the environment nurturing and comfortable for me, and explain all questions to my family. The latter of which was not an easy task due to my family being so concerned by the false information they had been fed by the hospital staff. An hour and a half later, my daughter was ready to meet the world. We left for the hospital. Charlie and Megan were right by my side. They followed us there and called ahead to alert the staff. As we arrived, so did Mirielle. And we were overjoyed to meet her.

 

Having Charlie and Megan as my doulas was an amazing experience. They are so welcoming and knowledgeable. I could never imagine my birth without them. Thank you both so much for all you did. You put up with my family, supported my wishes and were my voice at the hospital when my doctors were not listening to me. I truly value everything you did for me.

 

Diana Upp
Tampa, FL