Unexpected- Part Two
A Doula’s Perspective
by Jacki Johnston
Indiana Birth & Parenting childbirth educator, birth & postpartum doula
On November 22, 2022 around 7:00pm, Brianna’s name popped up on my phone. I answered to hear an excited and shocked sweet voice telling me, “My water just broke at Whole Foods!” After gathering more details and laughing together that she had a Hollywood moment, I encouraged her to call her midwife and then call me back. A few minutes later, Brianna called again to say her midwife said to go home and rest, eat, shower… laboring at home for as long as possible was a part of her birth plan so this seemed like the right call.
I was excited for her because I knew we would meet her daughter soon… but I had NO IDEA how soon it would actually be!
I was with my family at a craft fair my daughters were participating in on the west side of Indy. Since Brianna was going home to rest and did not need my support yet, I decided to stay where I was and check in with Brianna often. This was her first pregnancy, and although she was filled with shock and laughter, I figured in several hours things would pick up so I had time to finish out the evening where I was. Her husband Josh and I talked a handful of times over the next hour, and on one of those calls I could hear Brianna in the background coping with the intense contractions. A little more intensely than anticipated so early on which put me on high alert. I knew Brianna very well at this point, and it was clear she had quickly surged ahead into late active labor- and did so in a very short amount of time. As doulas, we always tell our clients to call us if they think they’re in early labor so we can hear them. It helps us to know if it’s the “real deal” while also letting us know when they’ve gone from that excited early labor sound to a more serious, monotone, hard at work tone. It’s like a switch that’s instantly flipped, and this switch is audibly confirmed every single time.
When I heard her on that call- I knew it was time to go to the birth center.
She was crushing it and accepting every wave within her beautifully! But she was clearly progressing rapidly, and she sounded completely different from her call in the Whole Foods parking lot…and not much time had passed between the two phone calls. Her midwife continued to tell her to stay home. Of course with most first time mothers, early labor can last for hours, even days- so it wasn’t unusual to hear her provider encouraging her to stay home until things picked up. But Brianna’s labor was ramping up quickly after a week of prodromal labor. With a 40-minute drive to the birth center, I encouraged Josh to pack things up and get on the road.
By this time, I was headed home but I was closer to the birth center than I was my own house which would normally never happen! I had my husband exit the interstate to drop me off at the birth center so I could be there when Brianna and Josh arrived. I had brought along my “doula bag” and had everything I needed because I just had a feeling something might happen– Brianna had some prodromal labor the week before AND her mother had just arrived from out of town. I’ve learned that once all the people are in place, clients relax and labor kicks in.
As my husband turned onto the street, something in my gut told me not to wait at the birth center. I felt pulled in Brianna’s direction– so back on the interstate we went! I called Amy & Jordan to process everything and talk things out because I knew a sweet baby girl was quickly on her way. I couldn’t do this work without other trusted doulas in my inner circle, and these two are always available to bounce things off of anytime. Josh called again not even 5 minutes later, and I could hear her in the background surrendering like she had practiced for months.
She was clearly in transition. And Josh said Brianna didn’t think she would make it to the birth center in time.
And she was right! If they got in the car at that moment, they certainly would have to pull off on 465 for a roadside birth. I told Brianna’s mom to get blankets and towels ready, and told Josh to call 911. My husband– or doula chauffer– was now RACING towards Brianna’s home so I could get there to support her. Josh put me on speaker and called 911 from another phone. I stayed quiet so not to disturb her labor by chatting. But I was on the edge of my seat wondering who would show up to Brianna’s home first– me or the baby?!
I arrived (before the baby and first responders!) and rushed inside to find Brianna on the bed laboring like an absolute champ. I was so proud of her! The speed of her labor would put most women in a spiral of stress and anxiety, but she was so calm and in control. I looked over and saw her beautiful birth affirmations and goals on the wall, where they had been for months since I first met her. Brianna had done so much preparation and I knew that was one of the keys to the peace felt in her house. She fully understood the labor process. She trusted her body. She had practiced ways of coping with contractions. And although this was not going as “planned” she felt enough control of her body and she surrendered to the process. And her husband Josh was just as calm! I know that meant so much to Brianna. She felt safe with his unwavering support.
I gently started a very important conversation in between waves about the immediate decisions she needed to make. We went over her choices. The first responders had arrived and were ready to transport Brianna and Josh to a nearby hospital. While the two of them were prepared for a low intervention hands-off labor & delivery at the birth center, they were not prepared for an unassisted home birth. Those two are two very different deliveries. Brianna felt like she needed to go to the hospital, and everyone in the room agreed with her and fully supported her decision. With only the strength that a mother has, she sat in an uncomfortable metal wheelchair and bumped down flights of stairs on a cold November night into the ambulance as the surges of contractions continued to wash over her.
I grabbed Josh’s keys since I didn’t have my car there and Brianna’s mom and I followed them to the hospital.
When we got to the hospital, her mother and I entered through the emergency room doors moments after Brianna & Josh since visiting hours were over and the other entrances were locked. Amidst the confusion and race to get there, no details had been passed on that her mom and her doula were right behind them. The hospital staff WOULD NOT let us move from where we were, and said we couldn’t go up to labor & delivery unit. My own Mama Bear instincts kicked in and I continued to press (rather hard I might add) and advocate for Brianna while maintaining professionalism- because I knew Brianna wanted our support…and fast! Even though I knew I was right in questioning what was happening, I quickly called Amy because I needed someone to advocate for me in that moment. She pretty much said “do whatever you need to do to get to Brianna’s side and we’ll deal with everything else later.” Finally, they had a police officer (yes- a police officer!) come talk to us and thankfully they agreed to escort me to the labor & delivery unit. Unfortunately her mom was told to stay in the ER waiting room. I told everyone I saw with a hospital ID between the ER and L&D that her mom needed to get to her daughter’s side and to please let her upstairs. When I finally got to the floor, I still didn’t know what room she was in. I had to listen in the quiet halls for a laboring mama. Aha! I found her!
She had an incredible care team- and yes I told everyone in there that her mom was being held in the ER and they need to let her up ASAP!
The nurses and OB knew a hospital birth was not her first choice. They were gentle and fully supported her wishes while simultaneously trying to get everything ready quickly for a little girl who was ready to meet the world. It seems as if this is a long story that took place over several hours– but this all happened within minutes. An absolute whirlwind! Brianna continued to labor with such a strength and peace. I couldn’t believe all that she had gone through in such a short time. Many of the goals that she had planned and the dreams she had for this birth were not an option now– but she didn’t let any negative energy affect her.
She remained positive and focused on meeting her beautiful daughter.
Her mom entered the room shortly before Ella was born. And just in time! Brianna’s mom encouraged her daughter during those final pushes…right before Brianna met her own daughter. The generational presence in the birth space will always tug at my heartstrings. Up until that point, my mind had been divided visualizing Brianna’s mom downstairs in the ER (which absolutely broke my heart) while also trying to be fully present for Brianna & Josh.
All the doulas out there know how mentally sharp we need to be, especially towards the end. The moment Brianna knew her mom was there, the energy in the room shifted and we all settled into our roles as Brianna worked harder than ever. With the support and guidance of her husband, mom, OB, nurses, and me, Brianna and her baby girl worked together so they could finally meet and lock eyes. The rest of us were a big cheerleading squad, and seconds later, and her little bundle of joy was born. Oh what a sweet, sweet time of celebration! I tear up at every birth, but this one hit different. Everyone was healthy and in blissful heaven! It wasn’t what Brianna envisioned- but it was one of the most empowering experiences I’ve witnessed as a doula. There was calm amongst the chaos.
And the brand new parents welcomed their little girl surrounded by so much love….and relief!
After the golden hour, the first feeding, some pictures, hugs, and of course some dark chocolate treats, I said my quiet “see you soon” and caught an Uber home so this brand new family of three could have some much-needed alone time to bond. What a night it was- a birth I will never forget! I am so honored to be able to witness the miracle of life- and also to watch women become mothers through some of the most trying circumstances. Being a doula is one of my life’s greatest joys.
It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.
And Brianna & Josh, thank you for inviting me into your lives and for trusting me. Confrontation has never been my “special sauce” but it was worth it the moment your mom made it to your side just in time. I’m so proud of all of you! And Ella Rose…you’re simply amazing. Welcome, baby girl.
