Shannon, Peter & Emmie - July 2011

I truly, truly cannot thank you all enough for everything. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I could have done it without Maria and Ally's help, something that has been a common refrain as my family and I have talked over this incredible birth. My mom even said that she wasn't quite sure what a doula would do before the birth, but now she couldn't imagine what it would be like without one. Peter and I also agree 1000% that without Maria, there is no question I would have gotten an epidural (which of course would have been fine), but to have been able to have had the birth I wanted from the beginning, in spite of the biggest challenges our new little family has ever faced, was incredible. For me, it has given me a sense of accomplishment and a knowledge of my own strength that had originally been one of the reasons I wanted a natural birth, but now is infinitely more important and valuable as I come up to one of the greatest battles of my life. I truly feel like if I can do what I just did (and honestly, feel as good as I did), then there is no question but that I can take on cancer with no hesitation. I know what I am capable of, and it's a LOT. But I never, never would have gotten there on my own. Maria's imagery, touch, positioning, encouragement, voice, homeopathics, suggestions, EVERYTHING were utterly invaluable. I've also had a few other friends recently give birth with doula assistance, and after hearing their less-than-ideal stories, I realize what an amazing choice we made in choosing the Doula Circle. One of them got a back-up doula who had only attended 2 prior births (and so was essentially very little help); now having been through the experience with Maria's incredibly expert guidance, I can't even imagine that.

And now we have this incredible perfect, amazing little person in our lives who joined us in such an incredible way. We are loving every second of it (even the cluster feeding last night that went on for HOURS). Emmie is phenomenal and we just adore her.

Thank you again for *everything*

Shannon, Peter & Emmie