Hudson's birth announcement was written by our birth doula, Tara. Tara is our Naples area doula and is a quite a natural at this doula thing! Tara is a mom of two boys and one pup, with her background in social work.
Hudson Mach was born on February 6, 2019 at 5:26am. He was 8lbs 7oz and 19 inches long.
THOUGHTFUL PREPARATION DURING PREGNANCY
I met Katya and Matt in the later stage of her pregnancy. Katya explained she had procrastinated but knew she wanted a doula to support her through a natural birth. After our meeting, Katya got serious about her plan. She completed the Spinning Babies exercises I recommended, and she and Matt started listening to a lot of birth podcasts. She also started practicing various pain coping skills through “ice contractions”.
At one of her appointments, while discussing her birth preferences, she asked if we could use a code word in case the pain became too much during labor. I thought that was a great idea. She decided that if she wanted an epidural, she would say Coca Cola 😊
THOUGHTS ON ESTIMATED DUE DATES
Katya was determined to go into labor on her own, so when her due date came and went, she became a fierce advocate for herself. She convinced her doctor two separate times to let her extend their proposed induction date. At 41 weeks and three days, she and her doctor agreed to wait two more days.
It can be so hard to not get caught up in a due date. As pregnant parents,we eagerly await that day. When it arrives and there is no sign of labor, we might become frustrated and discouraged. Who wouldn’t? You’re usually feeling huge and miserable by then! Katya impressed me with her positive attitude, before and after her due date, day after day.
SPEEDY DADDY, SPEEDY BIRTH?
Late that evening, Katya contacted me saying she was having some mild cramping off and on. I suggested she go to bed so she was would have some rest if labor started. I was surprised when Matt contacted me just a few hours later, stating they were ready to go to the hospital. Matt was definitely in a hurry and got pulled over on the way! Luckily, the officer was understanding and let them go as soon as he heard Katya was in labor. Katya’s labor progressed well through the night without even a mention of her code word.
WELCOME, BABY!
Early that morning Hudson arrived! Matt was so incredibly proud of Katya’s hard work. He told her over and over how amazed he was by her strength and determination. It was quite beautiful to witness. Katya's labor may have been uncomplicated but that doesn't make it easy. Birth has a way of pushing us to our limits and beyond. Katya prepared well for this rite of passage by choosing her birth team including doula care, connecting with her partner before and during the birth, and having the confidence and ability to partner WITH her doctor when it came to decision making rather than blindly accepting a routine induction. Way to go, wise mama!
Please join me in welcoming Hudson Mach!
In doula love,
P.S. Lots of birthy info can be found in our birthing classes to help you through your birth! Check em out and register.