Thank You for Giving Them a Baby to Hold

I can't believe I haven't written anything on here in over a month!

Where has the time gone?

I have tons to write about, but will start with sharing about the most amazing birth experience of my life - besides the birth of my own children, of course!

Several months ago, I completed my doula training and signed a contract with my first client.

I had my first client as a DOULA!   Woohoo!!

(Don't have a clue what a "doula" is?  You're not alone!  Check out this site for more info.)

My "client" was actually a very good friend of mine, and is special to me in so many ways.  She and her husband allowed me the privilege of serving them during the labor and delivery of their "rainbow baby" - a term given to a baby born after the loss of a child.  It's a term of endearment that signifies that God's promises ring true always.

My friend gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL little girl on January 30th - and I got to be a part of it!  WOW!  After hours of intense and focused labor, my dear friend was able to give birth without interventions - just the way she wanted. 

I was amazed at her grace and beauty and strength!  It was the first time I had been a part of a birth where I wasn't the one actually giving birth.

I could sense God's presence in that room unlike anything I had ever experienced before.  What joy, what love in the faces of the mommy and daddy!  I tried my very best to soak it all in. The father's anxiety, the tears of joy, the way they couldn't take their eyes off their daughter from the moment she was born - the intense love they felt for each other and for their God was tangible.

I didn't sleep at all that night (of course - Baby was born just before 4 am!), and I got home just before 7 am - just in time for Gregg to leave for work.  It couldn't have been more perfect timing!
 
I had scheduled an eye appointment the same day at 10, so there was no need to sleep until that afternoon.  The crazy thing was, the adrenaline and joy I felt for this family made me unable to sleep anyway.  It's an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.

I'm hoping someone else in my "little world" will have the desire for a doula soon and consider my serving them.  Because I sooo want to do that again!

Here's one of my favorite pics I managed to grab that precious morning:

 

 

I'm sure this mommy will be sharing more photos and details of labor and delivery once things settle down a little at their house, so I won't attempt to steal any of her joy in sharing. 

 

Until then, you must check out my friend's blog here.  Be sure to start at the beginning.  You will be inspired and awed by her story! 

 

Oh, and did I mention that this little beauty was publicly dedicated to God in a beautiful service this past Sunday, and they asked Gregg and me to be her sponsors?!?!  This means we get the responsibility of committing to pray for and encourage this family as they parent.  I can't think of a sweeter gift that they could've given us.  (Of course, we'd have been praying for them all along anyway, but it sure feels pretty special to be a noted part of this little girl's life!)

 

Thank you, Lord, for using me in a small way to make a difference. 

 

And, thank you for giving them a baby to hold and call their own.  You are so good!