Identical Birth Experiences

[AussieDoula]

We know that every woman is different, and the chances are that due to a million determining factors each labouring mother will make unique decisions... but I thought it would be interesting to see if anyone has ever had clients that basically paralleled each other when it came to their choices and outcomes.

Personally, I have had two mamas that laboured almost exactly the same length of time, in the same way, chose the same interventions and comfort techniques for relief, had babies of the same sex with identical weights, and measured within an inch of each other.

I also wonder if anyone has supported a birth that was identical to their own birth experience? Did it trigger memories? If so, were they positive or negative memories, and do you think it affected the way you supported your client (for better or worse)?

On the flip side, and more common I think, are the clients who have birth experiences that are complete opposites to your own. Has anyone had an experience where mama literally chose the opposite option every step of the way? Did it provoke any happiness or frustrations?

I realise that the Doula's mantra is "It's not my birth" but we are all human and I am wondering if there are any instances where some of us have felt overcome by our own birth memories in the midst of supporting a client and if it affected the support given one way or another - even if only for a moment.

[UtahDoula]

The only times a birth triggered memories were the two times I doula-ed in the same room I gave birth in. The births were different, but the room itself brought back memories.
The closest thing to identical was earlier this month, when a mom birthed in the same tub in the same room in the same birth center with the same midwife, same doula (me) and the same big siblings (plus one) in attendance. The labor itself wasn't that similar, but having the same group around the same woman in the same place, only 17 months apart did bring on deja vu.