For the first time ever as a doula, I missed a birth! To make a long story short, both the mother and I were lulled into believing she was not a far along as she was, and 20 minutes after I received a call to come because her water broke, their new baby girl was unexpectedly born at home into her father's hands.
While not technically my fault, as I had conferred with the mother frequently only to jointly decide that it would likely still be awhile, I feel terrible that I was not there for them when the baby arrived. I think all doulas look back on the births they attend and wonder what they may have done better or differently, and this is no exception. "I should have known she was getting close. If only I had left earlier. I should have... If only..."
My own frustration aside, I am just thrilled about their birth. I believe this was a wonderful healing experience for the mother after her difficult first birth, and the dad is rightfully proud of himself and has a great story to tell the guys at work. And of course their baby girl is their greatest reward.
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