On a Saturday mid-October, I spoke on the phone with Emily & Scott.  That Monday, they hired me as their doula. We planned their first prenatal visit for the next day.  However, that Tuesday morning I received a call from Scott telling me that we should push up the meeting because Emily was in labor!

The following hours were a bit of a whirlwind.  I arrived at Emily and Scott's house and officially met them for the first time in person!  It was evident that labor had indeed begun so we had our "get to know you" session and prenatal counseling between contractions until it became clear that active labor was setting in.  

Eventually I followed the couple to the hospital and waited as they were admitted.  After settling into the new environment, labor started to progress more steadily.  Throughout the process, Scott was such an amazing and engaged partner.  He had told me that he preferred to be the primary support person and he was!  He was attentive, in tune, and he knew that his wife was fully capable of birthing their child.

Just before midnight, in one incredible moment of triumphant strength, Emily birthed beautiful Baby E. Her reaction is one I will never forget of pure excitement, disbelief, and joy!  When I met Scott earlier in the day he was smiling and that smile NEVER left his face.  After Baby E. was born, I commented on his expression.  "Of course I was smiling. I knew what was coming."