I’m so excited to introduce this handsome little man! His momma was such a trooper during her labor and birth, and even before. Cooper’s birth wasn’t your typical birth by any means. Jess was really sick toward the end of her pregnancy with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She was hoping for a home birth but when her health was at risk she knew that she needed to switch gears in order to have a safe birth. She went in for an induction 3-1/2 weeks before her due date. She was so amazing! Even though it wasn’t the birth she was hoping for, she still sifted through all of her desires and had a natural, beautiful birth under the circumstances. While pushing, it was found that little man was breech but this didn’t stop her from remaining calm and serene. In fact, there was a peacefulness that simply radiated from her causing people to stop and pay attention. She knew everything was okay and through her everyone was able to stop, breathe and listen to her. I was so proud to be on this journey with her. She took the news in the calmest, most peaceful way, and changed gears once again as she was wheeled off to the OR in case an emergency arose during the delivery. She pushed like a champ and her handsome baby boy was born after just a couple pushes!
Jess was terribly sick after the birth of her baby and was sent off to the OR several times after Cooper was born. While most mothers and fathers are able to spend their first precious hours and days bonding as a family, she was only able to get in a couple snuggles before heading into her first surgery. Her first night as a brand new mother was spent in the ICU, away from her newborn baby and her husband. I cannot express to you how heavy my heart was for this family. What is typically a happy, joyous occasion turned into lots of worry as she was recovering. During this time, Kyle was left to nurture and care for their newborn son. It was such a bittersweet moment to see him interact with his son. He was amazingly strong and did the best he could making decisions for his baby while Jess was in ICU. It was planned that Jess would nurse their baby so when it came time for the baby to eat, Kyle located some donated breast milk and began to feed their baby. He looked at me with a sense of pride as he fed his son and an uncertainty that one could not deny. I assured him he that was doing great and encouraged him to enjoy his first night as a daddy, bonding with his new son. The strength Jess had during her birth, came out during her recovery as she pushed through with her fighting spirit and, later the next day was able to be reunited with her husband and their baby.
I know this is a very modest account of her birth, but I had to share a few words for her as she worked so hard to birth her baby in the most gentle and loving manner possible. Doing birth pictures wasn’t something we planned but in the end I am so glad I had my camera along as I was able to capture some images of moments Jess missed out on. It’s not been an easy road for this family, but one can sense how truly grateful she is for each day she is given towards health and another day with her husband and their precious baby. You are a rock star momma! You have come so far and have always maintained a positive attitude. I am so proud to have been your doula and even more proud to know you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your birth journey, Kyle and Jess.
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