Proud of my doula client

Switching care providers twice to find someone who would support a trial of labor for VBAC.

12 hours of labor at home.

24 hours of labor at the hospital.

Slowly, slowly progressing - beating nearly every deadline set, just in the nick of time.

Unbelievable strength, patience, and dedication.

Trying every position, waiting as long as possible for any pain medication, even with transition contractions and no progress.

Putting up with some not-so-nice, not-so-encouraging care providers.

Getting so, so, so close - and then looking at the situation and agreeing that a repeat cesarean section was the best choice at the time.

In the midst of exhaustion and discouragement, still negotiating what was most important to happen at the surgery - like getting to touch and stay with baby, and breastfeed as soon as possible.

As a wise midwife once said and a doula friend reminded me, labor is about the journey, not just the destination.

And I know who I'm passing my medal along to.