Thank you... Thank you to all the mothers and fathers who have allowed me the opportunity to witness there babes being born. I am grateful to learn so much from you all... ....From start to finish, you demonstrated a genuine interest in helping us and gave us the sense that being a doula is much more than a job to you. This was evident in the time you took with us as we never felt rushed in any of our communications with you. ....you did not make this feel like it was simply “business”. It is evident you have put a lot of time and effort into Little Origin and that this is a true passion for you ! ...You were all that we had hoped for in a birth doula, Evamarie. After our initial meetings, you gave both of us faith and confidence that all would go well having you along on our birth journey. You listened to our specific requests and maintained our wishes through what turned out to be another ‘fast and furious’ labour. My contractions intensified quickly, however you remained calm and steady, providing me with strong physical and emotional support. My faith in you was unwavering and you kept me balanced and focused with your continual reassurance and reminders to “breathe for both myself and the baby.” We had plenty of drama getting to the hospital, however, you insured we made it there and remained the calm in the storm by providing continual compassion and support to both of us. ...Our hope was for a natural, drug-free birth and a healthy baby. You helped us attain both. We are grateful. Thank you! Fondly, Lisa & Jim ...Thank you so much for your support throughout pregnancy, labour and delivery. We know that we couldn’t have had the experience we did without you. Even though things didn’t turn out exactly as hoped, we are still very satisfied with our birth experience and felt we did everything we could to bring Nolan into the world safely....Thanks again Sincerely, Teresa & Murray ...We were very happy with the information, knowledge and energy that you brought to our birth experience. Amelia was lucky to have you there helping her parents through the excitement of her birthday ! Megan & Sean Birth Journeys... Little Ethan Jamil April 18, 2009 Your birth journey is one you share with your mother. Her pains, her hopes, her excitement and joy. Her anticipation for your arrival is felt by all in her presence. The night your journey began your mother was startled by a deer as she walked into the early morning air. “The Deer is gentleness through word, thought and touch. The ability to listen gracefully and appreciate the beauty of balance. To understand what is necessary for survival, the power of gratitude and giving, the ability to sacrifice for the higher good and connect with an alternate path to a goal....When a deer totem enters your world it is said there is an innocence and freshness about to be awakened. New adventures are about to unfold and there will be an opportunity to express the gentle love that will open and enlighten you.” The journey you shared with your mother was not a journey that she had seen. She had wanted to share a peace with you, and in the end she has done just that. The healing from her wound is ten fold as is the love she has for you. Your birth journey is one with your mother and at times through that journey there were many paths that needed to be taken. Your moms strength throughout was one I had never witnessed in my life. She showed such grace and such kindness for all that were attending to her. She did not speak harshly, even though I am sure she had wanted to on several occasions. Your mom moved with grace and breathed gently with you. Your dad was great guidance for your mom, to remind her of you when her pains were taking her over. She showed greatest of courage and kept trying to bring you to her, even in her exhaustion. The sun rose twice on your journey onto this earth. And your mothers love will never set. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Welcome home little deer. Evamarie Padmanabhan Little Origin doula services (quote by Ina Woolcott) Little Amelia August 13, 2009 Quiet.... Calm.... Strength. Your mothers spirit, powerfully determined. She possesses a strength that many women hide from, and her love for you and your father are apparent in the way she moves, the way they connect with each other. Your fathers quiet calm nourishes her in such a way, she can carry through your birth. Her breath is constant. Her movements are focused. From the time I arrived I felt your mom was connected and holding strong for you. She intuitively knew what she needed to do and when. Awaiting for the moments, like a breath of air to pass and be renewed, one breath leading to the next, one contraction leading to the next. Your parents always seemed to have a calmness surrounding them. I can hear the silence in the room, the quiet waiting and the solace they find in each others touch, each others words and breath. They lead each other like a dance, one step at a time, in rhythm and rarely apart. You are quiet, waiting in earnest to be born. Your protector, your father and your strength of heart, your mother. Thank you for allowing me to witness the beauty of love and the wisdom of life. Welcome home little one. Evamarie Padmanabhan Little Origin doula services Little Nolan October 30, 2009. You are your parents Little Hummingbird.... I don’t know when the thought occurred to me or if I heard it when you were born, but I thought it was appropriate for your birth and the joy you have brought to your beautiful parents. A hummingbirds wings move in a figure eight pattern which is a symbol of infinity and the joy you have brought to your mom and dad is infinite. Hummingbirds show us to appreciate the past, as it is what molds us for the future but to live lightly in the present, hovering in the moment. As your mom and dad moved through your birth journey they seemed to always be in the moment. Taking one breath at a time, one contraction at a time, one glance and one touch. I recognize and admire your parents friendship. Throughout your journey your dad seemed to always acknowledge the hard work your mom was doing and what great strength she possessed. Although it was like nothing they had experienced before, they did it together. Your mom grasping at his head, his arms and your dad always giving her what she needed with a smile. Your parents are consistently there for each other, as they will be for you. You are their healer, their joy, their lightness. Thank you for allowing me to witness the joy of life and importance of friendship. Welcome home little one. Evamarie Padmanabhan Little Origin doula services Little Reid November 14, 2009 With swiftness and courage you greeted your parents....... I admire your mom, she had such an elegant and composed presence about her. When I arrived at your home your parents were supporting each other through contractions and by my observation your mom was quite comfortable. I asked her if she would like to go to the hospital or if she would still be more comfortable to stay home and labour as she was. The comfort of home was best and she lay down in bed breathing through contractions. At this point we agreed that when something seemed to change we would make our way to the hospital. That something changed quite quickly and we made our way to the front door. There is something called gravity that you will learn about in school and this was a force that greatly encouraged you to descend and hasten your arrival. Your mom had one contraction as she got to the front door and had to move to her hands and knees. At this point I could tell you had moved down and we would probably not make the drive if gravity was helping. I tried to calmly say “I think you should call the ambulance” but I’m not sure how calming those words can be to a father to be. Your mom still wanted to try to go to the car but you were coming so quickly. The ambulance arrived in a very short time and the decision was made to try to make it to the hospital. With your mom laying down again your urgency was slightly stalled. I arrived at the hospital shortly after your parents, and your arrival was imminent. Your mom had courage, strength and was still so composed, so elegant. When you were born you were calm and ready to be with your parents. Your mom and dad held you warmly as you greeted your new world. Thank you for allowing me to witness the beauty of birth and the tranquility of a strong family. Welcome home little one. Evamarie Padmanabhan Little Origin doula services Calgary birth doula supporting women and families through labour and childbirth 403-852-3345 Little Origin doula services info@littleorigin.ca mailto:info@littleorigin.cashapeimage_2_link_0

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