Laura Pumphery

4/13/2024

I woke up to an unfortunate text the morning of my planned induction. My doula said she was with another momma in labor and would be sending Laurelea as her back up. I was crushed, then pleasantly surprised. Laurelea entered my homebirth space with a level of calmness, wisdom, and patience. I was in happy labor, if there is such a thing, and she chatted with me, kept me gently moving, and most importantly held space for my emotions. I had been dealing with contractions on and off for nearly 5 weeks, things would start, I'd get excited, then they would fizzle out, so here I was 41 weeks and every time I'd get a long break in between contractions, I'd panic that labor was ending. She became my safe space. She helped me count through the pain and reassured me things wouldn't fizzle out for the 100th time. As I entered harder labor and subsequently transitioned into
pushing, she held my hand and softly encouraged me, keeping space for my very big emotions. As I pushed, she was quiet, remembering exactly what my original doula had told her I wanted. As I shouted out the ring of fire was starting, she got my MWs then resumed her position. Baby crowned, she let go of my hand and helped me catch my newest baby. It was perfect. As I sat there, she gently traded places with hubby, quietly disappearing into the background so my hubby could have the special moments. As I moved from the pool, to the floor, she helped my girls gather round to meet their sister, then sent them back to the neighbors. She quietly made my bed, helped me change, got me a snack, set out my postpartum gear, and told me how amazing I was. The next several days, she responded to every single text and question. She came for a visit, and just let me cry and work through
all the hormones. She created a perfect space for me and my emotions. She was incredibly intuitive with my body, the birth, and I don't think I could have asked for a better doula. I will be calling her for my next birth.