"After an emotionally and physically painful recovery from an emergency c-section with my first labor and delivery, I knew I wanted to attempt a VBAC with any subsequent pregnancies. I did my research about VBACs and equipped myself with information to discuss with my OB. However, my OB was not on board; she presented a repeat/elective c-section as my only option. I was determined to not only attempt a VBAC, but also find providers who were willing to support me in my vision. So, I switched doctors at 30 weeks pregnant and found an OB that was willing to allow me to have a trial of labor. I explained my goal to Djifa and she encouraged me every step of the way. She never made me feel as if I was crazy to want a VBAC or convince me to have an elective c-section like my first OB did. Djifa was there at the hospital within 2 hours of going into active labor. She was AMAZING! She had me walk the halls of the hospital and try different positions in the delivery room in order to allow my labor to progress naturally. After a couple hours of extremely painful contractions, I remember telling her I was overcome by pain and couldn’t do it any longer. Djifa encouraged me to focus on each contraction as if I was climbing a mountain. Before I knew it, I was ready to push. I successfully gave vaginal birth to a healthy baby boy. And I did it all without pain medications. A non-medicated birth was never my intention; I honestly thought the pain would be too unbearable to manage. But I did it. I could not have done this without Djifa as my Doula. I have an amazing birth story and sense of accomplishment as a result."