I remember like yesterday the first time I met with Laurie Flowers, who would soon become our doula.  Laurie was kind enough to come over to our house and meet with us to explain the advantages to having a doula.  For a first time dad, you can only imagine my hesitation.  Honestly, I was wrestling with feelings of serious reservations, which actually started the moment my wife ever mentioned the idea to me.  Initially, I felt very threatened by Laurie.  I felt as though she was trying to move in and take my place, be the source of stability and encouragement, which I was dreaming of in the delivery room.  For my wife and I, we had undergone various avenues of education.  From childbirth classes all the way to breast-feeding classes, we had covered it all and felt prepared for what was to come.  As a husband, it was very important to me that I support my wife through this process.  So, a great deal of planning, preparation, discussions, had gone into this.  

Now, getting back to our initial meeting.  After Laurie had explained her services and what her role would be I still had questions.  I just came out with it and said, “I see you as a threat, like you are trying to take my place.”  Her response could not have been more comforting.  She told me that she was there to offer emotional support for both of us.  For a man, the word “emotional support” is not at the forefront of our vocabulary.  All jokes aside, Laurie and I talked about what my goals would be, offering encouragement and stability for my wife.  She expressed to me how important it was for her to make sure I accomplished those goals.  Helping me be supportive for my wife was just as important to her as it was to me.  Through that conversation and the meetings leading up to the delivery, our bond only grew from there.  Very quickly, I moved to the place where I could not imagine our delivery without Laurie.  We were so excited!

On the delivery day, Laurie was fantastic!  She fulfilled everything that she had promised us.  Our delivery experience was such a challenge, especially during the final stage.  We would not have been able to accomplish our goal of natural childbirth, and no drugs, without the assistance of Laurie.  She was so knowledgeable on what to do for each situation.  Really, I was truly amazed.  Not only that, it really made me see how unprepared I was due to all the unexpected hurtles we had to jump through.  I was so relieved to have Laurie by our side.  Even as I am writing this now, it just makes me take a sigh of relief because of how instrumental she was during the delivery.

So, what do you get when you decide to go with Laurie, you get everything!  Of course, her services are not free but her price is very reasonable and could not be more worth it!  She has a wonderful gentle spirit about her but she is also able to be firm when needed.  Trust me, take it from the guy who was proved wrong, you will not regret having Laurie Flowers as your doula!

Eric Koontz