Nancy’s Story

Nancy came to the Pregnancy and Childbirth Class at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility feeling overwhelmed and terrified. Her last birth had been a traumatic one—she had been high on drugs when she went into labor, and the hospital staff treated her rudely and unprofessionally. She was terrified of giving birth again, and then to be incarcerated in addition to this was so scary. Being in prison meant she had fewer options and choices surrounding her birth, and although she would be sober this time, she didn’t expect to get good care and support.

Louise and I (NHM Doulas) assured Nancy that this time could be different—that with doula support and training before the birth, this could be her best birth ever! Nancy came faithfully to childbirth classes, and we built trust with her as we listened to her story and cared for her. When the time came for her baby to be born, she was ready.

About a week before her due date, we met Nancy in the prison clinic once again, but this time she was upset and cursing. She had gone to the hospital the day before, and they had sent her back when her contractions subsided. She wanted to be induced, but they told her that her due date was too far in the future. This didn’t make sense, as the due date we had for her was only six days away. However, we talked her through the situation, and Nancy left that day much happier and healthier.

Two days later, I got a call that Nancy had been taken to the hospital again. I quickly prepared for the two-hour drive, hoping to arrive in time. When I arrived, they were still observing her. A midwife came in and said that her contractions were subsiding, and because she was “so far” from her due date, they would have to send her back to prison.

Nancy was distraught. She was still having painful contractions and felt completely defeated. I had double-checked her due date with the prison clinic supervisor earlier, and I respectfully asked the midwife to review the records for a possible discrepancy. Again, we waited, but eventually a midwife came back in and informed us that we were correct, and her due date was just a few days away. This changed everything. Nancy would be admitted and could stay to have her baby.

Not long after, we were moved to a delivery room, and they began helping her labor progress. Her body was so ready that it did not take much time. At 4:52 AM, a beautiful little boy was born. Nancy was fully present in the labor, prepared, engaged, and joyful as she welcomed her son into the world.

Before the labor became intense, I asked Nancy if I could pray and thank Jesus that we were still at the hospital. She wholeheartedly agreed, and both she and the attending officer joined me in praising God for His provision.

It was a beautiful, redemptive birth. What had once been a source of fear and trauma became a moment of transformation. With support, Nancy was able to face birth with hope, dignity, and joy.

Thank you for supporting the doula ministry. Your prayers and financial gifts make stories like Nancy’s possible, and we trust God to continue opening doors to serve women like her in the days to come.