Owen’s Birth

Before our initial consultation, Mandy and I had a great phone visit about her past birth and what she was hoping for with the birth of her next child. Our conversation flowed easily, and I couldn’t wait to meet her! She and her husband, Ryan, along with their young daughter, Charlotte, moved from Arizona to raise their family…What were they thinking! Their first winter here was one of the coldest Grand Forks had seen in a very long time!

I met with them at their charming apartment and felt an instant connection to this sweet, little family. It wasn’t long after our time together that they decided they would like for me to work with them as their doula.  They were desiring a home birth this time around, and I couldn’t wait to work with them!

After meeting with Ryan and Mandy a few times, the day finally came when they were to meet their little one! She texted me the evening of August 8th to say she had been having random contractions throughout the day. My husband and I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful evening we were having so headed out for a horse ride as she felt things were still pretty early. We kept in touch throughout the evening. Her contractions didn’t seem to be regular but were requiring her attention. She tried to get some rest around 10:30 when her contractions suddenly picked up to about 7 minutes apart. Within 30 minutes, she asked me to come. Beth Bergeron, (Mandy’s midwife), who had to travel from Fargo, and I arrived to their place at the same time, shortly before midnight.

It was so nice walking into their apartment that was all set up for the birth of their baby. She and Ryan worked beautifully together while Charlotte slept quietly in their family bed. Charlotte’s room was set up as the perfect birth haven with dim lights,  doTerra essential oils being diffused and birth supplies all in their place.

I was so enamored by the role Ryan took on as he loved on and supported his wife and cared for their daughter when she awoke. Everything he did was with a loving purpose. If I had to describe Mandy’s labor and birth in one word, it would be peaceful. She did such a beautiful job laboring!  She is a strong, lovely woman who was completely in tune with her body. She drew strength from those around her and from those who were praying for her and those who were supporting her. It was a lovely birth indeed!

Mr. Owen was born safely into the water into his mother’s awaiting arms in the early morning hours of August 9th, 2014, at 3:00 a.m. Welcome to the world, little one! You are one loved little man!