Today my first "unofficial" baby is 2 years old. What better way to begin a career as a birth doula than to assist a friend with her first delivery. There were many hours of labor and there were many hours of driving, but they were all worth it to see sweet baby Madelynn and her wonderful parents. We were all inexperienced but God led the way. Thank you, dear friends, for allowing me that invaluable experience. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share in the moments your family grew from 2 to 3. May God bless you as you raise Madelynn in the ways that will please Him.

Have you ever prayed? Seriously prayed because there is no other option out? That's how I felt as I got ready to get in the car and attend my first birth. I had an extreme case of "flight or fight" - Cannon could have used me as experimental data. My training was complete, my bag was packed, my family was out of town, all I need to do was get in the car and drive to the hospital. I, however, was just about frozen with fear. Fear that I didn't know enough. Fear the nurses would hate me. Fear that I'd forget some important item. Fear I didn't know what to say to be comforting. Fear that I'd pass out. Fear of everything, pretty much. Shaking, I prayed out loud to God that I had no idea what I was doing. That I really needed Him to tell me what to do and to take care of me and this birth. It was all I could do to get in the car instead of calling my in-labor-client and tell her I had choosen the wrong path in life as a doula and, sorry, but she was on her own today.

Two years ago, my first client couple was a beautiful team. As I observed them work wonderfully together I really felt they must be a great team not only through birth, but life. Recently I've observed from afar that this is indeed the case. That day, and night, they were the perfect first clients for me. They were patient with my inexperience and a great example of a laboring couple. When the dr. asked to break her water they asked for my opinion. I encouraged her to go with her own desires. As a result, her labor was probably a lot longer, but I was proud of her for sticking to her plan. She labored through the night. Walking. In the tub. On the monitor. Walking. Resting. Monitor. Tub. On and on... The nurses were kind, a big relief. Early in the morning, with little to no progress most of the night, I took a short break to check in with my kids and take a mental break. On the phone I broke down with my husband. I was exhausted. It seemed the labor had stalled. I wanted to be at the special family event that I was missing. More prayer. More submission to God's plan and timing. I went back to the L&D room with a renewed peace and patience.

A short time later my client agreed to have her water broken. With just a short time relaxing in the tub, contractions increased. She felt the need to push and with only three pushes a beautfiul baby girl was born. It was a miracle. It was a blessed first doula experience. I learned to be patient. I learned God's timing is perfect and He will sustain me. Since then I have over and over felt the confidence of His timing - when new clients call, when births actually occur - He's there watching over all involved.

Thank you dear first clients for putting up with this inexperienced doula. I wish we could do it all over again, so you could have a more whole experience. You will always be a blessed memory to me.