Last time she was disappointed. Last time she was under pressure by her doctor. Last time her nurse was impatient. Last time did not go as planned.

Today she was amazing. Today she let her body direct the production. Today her nurse was encouraging and comassionate. Today she was proud of herself.

I'm so proud of moms who don't automatically go with the flow when it comes to their births. This mom was scheduled for an induction 5 days ago. She cancelled. This morning her water broke on its own. She spent early labor in the comfort of her own home. She walked the halls even when she would have rather been in bed. She had a wonderful attitude through the entire labor. I was a proud doula! After walking and sitting on the ball, the next option was the tub. After less than 15 minutes in the comfort of warm water, it was time. 20 minutes from 7 cm to birth. My favorite quote: "I did it just how I wanted to do it. I wanted to feel it the way we were meant to have babies."

This afternoon I left with a quiet, content nursing little girl, a proud father, and a beautifully happy mama. What a blessing to be a part of this day.