Email, September 2010
“As
our due date drew near, we felt like we were cramming for an exam that
we had no way of preparing for because in the end we did not know what
would be on this" test". Every birth is so unique and there was no way
of knowing what hers would be like. We felt unprepared and therefore
nervous. We did not want our family's birth experience to be clouded
with feelings of nervousness or fear. We met with Michelle and thought
we would be meeting with many doulas before hiring. This was not
necessary. We knew right away. She was the missing" link" that would
bring a sense of calmness and wisdom from experience that empowered us
to usher our child into the world in the way that we wanted. We never
felt like we had to check our queerness at the door. It cleared up some
of our mental space to be able to be open for being totally present with
this miracle instead of distracted. We got to really BE THERE with it.
We
never were made to feel like we were merely queer tourists visiting the
land of heteronormativity simply because we were embarking on birth
(taking part in birth) which has been traditionally reserved for
heterosexuals. Our child's birth story, just like her conception, and
just like her parents is as radical, unique and queer as they come.
There
was pain, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, confusion, fear, love, fight,
incredible endurance, imagination, creativity, and endless moments of
anticipation of the unknown. Michelle was able to dig into those moments
and mine out their beauty. Even months later, there are moments that
are very solid in my memory that I can still viscerally feel the beauty
that she brought to light. I am certain that I would have missed it
otherwise.
Every
part of our souls and our child's soul was a part of this birth. All
our parts, including our diversity, were present. Honestly, we would not
plan for another birth UNLESS we knew Michelle could be there. That is
how strongly we feel.”
