1. What was your situation with Every Child back in 2006?

I learned of Every Child while searching for a doula for my first childbirth experience. I was in desperate need of emotional, physical and spiritual support. I was a single mother to be, with a child diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which is a genetic disorder. I also was being treated for anxiety and depression. I was also 7 months into recovery from addiction.

2. Why did you let Every Child into your life? What where you looking for?

I let Every Child into my life, because I was searching for help near the end of my first pregnancy. Because my son was sick and I was alone, I was very scared. I was looking for guidance through my childbirth and in need of a labor partner. I was also looking for educational resources.

3. What happened at my first birth?

I was given a doula immediately for my first son. Her name was René. After the delivery of my first son, she came to Children’s Hospital to visit us, where my son only survived three short weeks. René then attended his funeral and burial. She also continued to do aftercare for me at home. She checked in with me weekly to make sure I was emotionally stable. She encouraged me to continue to stay clean and sober and gave me the moral support I needed at that time. She then helped me through my grieving process from the loss of my son. She was there for me no matter what, when I needed support.

4. How did you become involved again with Every Child?

I became involved again with Every Child after my first son's father and I decided we wanted to have another child. I called Every Child when I became pregnant again. I requested René, and she again assisted me throughout my pregnancy from start to finish.

5. What was helpful about what Rene provided during your second pregnancy & birth?

She attended pre-natal appointments with me and also continued visits with me throughout my entire pregnancy. She attended the birth of my second son. She played many roles, such as nurse, doula, therapist, spiritual guide and friend. She even helped me name my son.

6. What is your life like today?

My life is very different than it was when I first became involved with Every Child. I am emotionally, mentally and spiritually stronger. I am clean and sober now for 30 months, I attend CCAC as a nursing student, and I work from home doing social justice work, along with being a single parent to a perfectly healthy child.

7. What do you see in your future?

I see myself as a nurse- helping women give birth to healthy children and sick children. I see myself helping mothers who are grieving the loss of a child. I know I will be the one to be able to reach out a hand to a woman in need someday. And without the help of Every Child and Rene, who is truly an inspiration to me, I would not be where I am at today.

This is why we do this work – and why we need your support.

 

Or send your donation to:

Every Child Inc.

Attn: Development

6401 Penn Ave.

Suite 300

Pittsburgh PA, 15206