I had a very bizarre early labor, every time they would hook me up to the monitor my contractions would disappear. We went to the mall together and walked. Come morning my labor had progressed rapidly which was a big surprise for me. Margaret was a supportive team player with my care provider. Not only was she there for me during pre-labor and then the active stage but she was the only person who I wanted to see following the birth. Just knowing that she solely there for me was a big comfort. I am a single mother was fearful of being left to labor alone. Margaret even brought me a camera after Hailey was born so I could document those first few hours of her little life.
Angel B
Margaret was a wonderful help as a doula when my daughter was born. She held my hand when I got my ITM, walked the halls with me, rubbed my back, legs & feet! She held my head & counted when I was pushing which made it easier for me. She was truly happy & excited when Kylie finally made her appearance! Margaret is a wonderful doula as well as a great person & I would happily have her at the birth of my next baby! She comes highly recommended!!
Jennifer L.
I don’t know where to begin. Having Margaret by my side during labor made more of a difference than I ever expected. It was amazing how she knew just what to say and do at the right time. She followed all my wishes we had previously discussed to a tee. She reminded me of things we had been taught with calmness and care. She gave me the confidence I needed in myself to accomplish the goal I wanted to obtain. She also helped my husband by reassuring his actions and support. She gave him the guidance he needed which made him a wonderful coach. We were a team that connected on such a level that made each stage of my labor flow. We owe that to Margaret. I will never be able to repay Margaret for what she did for us and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
Jody P.
My wife and I recently had the honor of having Margaret McKinley Owens as a Doula at the birth of our son, Benjamin.
Margaret did a wonderful job of supporting both my wife and I in our time of need. Things did not go as planned, but Margaret was there to provide whatever support she could. Benjamin was born at 8:54 PM. Afterwards in the recovery room, we learned that our son was deprived of oxygen and blood for too long and probably would not do well on his own. He was in the NICU.
Two days later, Benjamin went off life support. Margaret came back to the hospital to help us capture our last moments with Ben. She helped us create hand and foot prints of him and took beautiful photographs of our last moments with Ben. We cherish the photos she took of us as they are the only physical reminders we have of our beautiful two days with Benjamin.
Our birth experience was definitely not as we had planned, but Margaret’s support was invaluable. We look forward to being pregnant again and utilizing Margaret’s services.
Dan and Jessica
Other roles I play as your birth doula include:*
- Assisting you (and your partner) to prepare and carry out your plans for the birth.
- Understanding the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor – and accommodating your unique concerns as outlined in your birth plan.
- Staying by your side throughout your entire labor.
- Facilitating communication between you, your partner, and clinical care providers.
- Nurturing your memory of your birth experience.
* From Doulas of North America (DONA)