Announcing the winners of The Win a Doula GIVEAWAY!!! Woohoo!

First off... I cannot BEGIN to express how hard it was for me to choose the winners of the doula giveaway. Every single woman deserves a supported birth and those of you who did not win, I still encourage you to seek the support!

And the WINNERS are....
*drum roll*

Rebecca Lane & Jenelle Walter

Rebecca Lane- I would love a doula for the birth of my baby due Feb 27th. We are working hard to find a way to afford one. My pregnancy has been a mix of fear and blessings. I have a wonderful 7 year old daughter and I lost a son (born too early due to a placenta abruption) in 2008. I am very excited to be pregnant this time and it was a huge step for me to try again. I was given the green light by specialist to "try again" and was able to conceive. I found a midwife and was so excited to have my first home birth and I loved my midwife. I was considered low risk despite my loss and a mild bleeding disorder. Everything was going great until 20 weeks we were diagnosed with Oligiohydraminos and began the spiral of medical expenses and doctors. I had to stop the plan of a midwife and begin appts with an OB and a Fetal Maternal Specialist. ALL of my free money (plus money I don't have) goes to co-pays, doctors visits, specialist visits and now since January is coming my $600 deductible is due. Just last month we had to pay an extra $1,000 to my doctor's visits and copays (in addition to our normal living expenses). My husband and I both work full time and he is doing everything in his power to make more money and he is doing great, but every dime goes to the doctors and specialist. At this point, I fear I can't even buy Christmas. I want so bad to have as close to a home birth as possible in the hospital and I know the only way I can is with a doula. I have been praying for a way to not only afford all my medical, a doula, but to even be able to buy the things I need for our baby due soon. So far, we have nothing. We could be giving birth in as early as 6 weeks from now. The Specialist is talking about needing to induce me so he can do an amnio-infusion to cushion the cord to help prevent a still birth and that me going into natural labor is dangerous. I have met with a doula and want one so bad and know how beneficial they are. I know that being induced is much more painful than naturally going into labor and I am scared of managing the pain myself. I am a huge advocate for natural childbirth and breastfeeding. It would be a dream come true to find an answer to afford one. I am keeping faith that no matter what, her needs will be met and we will be fine.  I may not be the best choice for this gift and I pray it goes to whoever really needs it the most. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this amazing gift!!

Jenelle Walter-   My first son was born 4 years ago via C-section. 2 years later, we became pregnant and knew we wanted a hands off VBAC. We ended up losing our second son at 20 weeks gestation due to issues with the placenta. We were devastated and had decided that we didn't want more children. Then to our surprise, I became pregnant with this child. I hired a midwife and planned on giving birth to him in a freestanding birth center with a doula and my immediate family present. We have recently learned that our third son will be born with a congenital heart defect known as tetralogy of fallot, meaning not only will I have to deliver in the hospital but also a state away closer to the nearest children's hospital. (Seattle Childrens.) If that wasn't enough, soon after the diagnosis, my husband left us. I am still wanting to push as hard as I can for a natural labor for among other reasons, the reality that our son may likely be whisked away to the NICU and even a different hospital. I would really love the option to follow close behind. I have the support of family, but would prefer to use those resources to help with my 4 year old. I can no longer afford a doula due to the divorce and my inability to find work at 28 wks pregnant after being a SAHM, but feel that I would benefit greatly from some support now and during labor. I hope that after my son's surgeries, I will be able to study to become a doula myself.

Both of these women have suffered loss in their previous pregnancies and both of these women have a hard delivery on their hands. Let's give these women, all the good birth vibes, support and love we can send!!
Congratulations ladies! I can't wait to watch your stories progress and help you get your doula!

<3 Cassandra