Born at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, in Minneapolis, Minnesota | A NICU Birth Story of Gratitude in Photographs
“Is it possible to feel joy in a birth like mine?”
Caroline asked me this question in our prenatal visit, just a couple days before it was time to meet their baby at 28 weeks, 6 days gestation.
I told her yes, it is and I’ve witnessed joy under premature or other high risk circumstances. But it’s also likely to feel a swirl of coexisting emotions. Grief, anxiety, fear, alongside joy. And it’s okay to feel whatever comes up- her husband and I (as her doula) would be there to help her feel grounded and safe. Taking it moment by moment.
Want to know the word she chose to describe how her birth felt? Gratitude.
From my perspective as her doula, I could feel that through the entire process. The medical staff monitored baby and Caroline closely, to be able to say “it’s time” without it feeling like an emergency. One of the doctors they had created a strong bond with during their antepartum stay, came in on her day off to be an additional source of support and comfort for Nora’s birth. Nurses who had also bonded with them earlier came to check-in while in recovery and postpartum. All of these little acts of kindness and care made a profound impact on this family’s birth experience.
Welcome to the world, keep fighting and growing, sweet Nora!
xo, Britt + the rest of the Gather Birth team
Doula support and Birth photography: Britt, Gather Birth
