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We have published some of the birth stories collected from our clients. As you can see not every birth is the same.  In fact each one is wonderfully unique. Mary and I  have been blessed to be a part of these experiences. We look forward to being a part of your unique "birth story". If you want to share your experiences please just drop us a note or an email and we will publish your story here.

Bethany's Birth

The Birth of Orion Isaac
In December 2011 Brandon and I decided that we were ready to try for another baby. We were quickly approaching our first-born Elijah’s first birthday. We agreed that once we started having kids, we would try to keep them fairly close in age. It was nice growing up with siblings who were close in age. We felt that a two-year age gap would be perfect (if all went as planned of course).  So Brandon and I started trying to conceive. With Elijah, we conceived the first time we tried. I naively believed that there was no possible way we would end up pregnant the first attempt again because that was pure luck, right? I am not a schedule keeper or a, know exactly when I’m ovulating kind of woman. There was no such thing as “planning” for us. It was “lets just see what happens”. Lo and behold, we got pregnant the. First. Time. AGAIN. Fertile? Apparently!

Our first baby was born in the privacy our home with my husband and our midwife. That was the plan, if it were God’s will, for baby number two as well. But we planned to go with a different midwife this time. We were blessed to find, who I would consider, one of the best midwives EVER. She was professional, sweet, gentle, loves Jesus and was just what we needed at the time. She is someone whose integrity I truly admire. I scored!!

This pregnancy was going surprisingly smooth considering the stressful life circumstances we found ourselves fully immersed in shortly after learning we were expecting. We endured hardship in our marriage, the separation and subsequent divorce of my parents who were going on 28 years of marriage, 2 moves, and financial hardship in the business PLUS the energy it took to keep up with our firecracker, Elijah. I was terrified that I would miscarry from all the emotional stress and hurt I was experiencing. It was a lot to process and work through. Sorry for the vagueness. I still have to process how the last year has impacted me. That’s a whole other story I’m sure I’ll be writing about eventually. Thankfully it didn’t have a significant impact on the development and health of our baby. Praise God. Hearing a strong heartbeat every few weeks helped me relax. Feeling my baby move brought peace and comfort.

While in the thick of the first 4 months, in between gagging and throwing up, I prayed and begged God for a girl. At one point I was even convinced that I was, in fact, having a girl. I even got rid of all of Elijah’s clothes that he had grown out of! Well, on the second day of the 20th week of my pregnancy, in the ultrasound room I immediately recognized that all too familiar body part! It was a BOY. I was happy and yet so sad! I think I even cried at one point. I quickly picked up the pieces and accepted that God’s plan was bigger than my own and moved on. I trust that if I’m supposed to have a little girl, I will. One day. If not, I’ll have nieces. J

Many weeks later, on Wednesday September 19th I was 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant. PHEW. I went in for what would be my last prenatal visit with Carol, my midwife. When she checked me I was 2CM dilated. In my mind I was thinking “ONLY 2CM DILATED?! IS THAT A JOKE?” I was becoming more and more physically uncomfortable and the possibility of being pregnant another couple days to a week was something I wasn’t excited about.  I was tired. I was done. Plus, I’m impatient ;) I was ready to meet my little boy. We decided to go ahead and have my membrane stripped in the hopes that it might kick start labor. Afterward I went home and impatiently waited for something to happen. Nothing was happening though. Not a single contraction.  Needless to say, I went to bed pouting and feeling sorry for myself that night.

I woke up the following morning with some pretty strong, consistent contractions lasting between 45-60 seconds every 3-5 minutes. I thought, this might be it so I texted Carol. Her advice was to rest/sleep/eat/hydrate and keep her updated every hour or so. I did as I was advised and I lied down until I eventually fell sleep.  When I woke up around 12PM my contractions had come to a screeching halt. Big surprise right? Prior to my nap I had even called the mom’s to let them know that I was probably in labor. My mom drove down from Dewey, AZ to be close by in the event that it actually was go time. She arrived just in time for me to tell her I was in fact NOT in labor. Oh well, spending the day chatting and visiting with my mom didn’t suck at all!

Brandon and I decided that since I was not in labor we might as well go have some Mexican food at our beloved Arriba’s.  My thoughts at the time were maybe if stripping the membrane doesn’t work then some spicy food might! So my mother, Brandon, Elijah and I headed off to eat. During lunch I had some pretty strong contractions but they were still so sporadic. I wasn’t getting my hopes up.

I spent the remainder of the day resting until around 6:30PM then Brandon and I headed out to our marriage group. I figured it may be the last time I get to group for a while, I better go! Not to mention if for some reason I did go into labor, there was an OB in our group that night. I was in good hands. ;) While we were there I had a couple pretty strong contractions, again nothing to fuss over! We left at around 9:30PM and on our way home my contractions seemed to pick up again. They were 7-10 minutes apart this time but were pretty strong. They stayed consistent like that the rest of the night. I puttered around, did some laundry and made sure the house was picked up. Later on I put my headphones in, turned on my birth playlist and lied down. I fell asleep for about an hour. At midnight my contractions became significantly stronger. I continued to try and sleep through them but it just wasn’t happening. At 2AM I told Brandon it was time to have his mom come pick up Elijah and to call Carol. He said, “shouldn’t we wait a little while?” Let me think. Ummmm…no. At that point they were 3 minutes apart and lasting a minute.

Within an hour my mother-in-law, mom and Carol were all there. They were scrambling around helping us get ready while I was resting and laboring. A short time later the grandmas took a very confused Elijah home with them for a “sleepover”. The poor boy had no idea why he was leaving mommy and daddy in the middle of the night. I could rest easy knowing he was in good hands but couldn’t help but feel so sad for him. His life was about to be turned upside down! He had no idea what was coming! I didn’t expect an easy transition but I was pleasantly surprised by his warm welcome for his brother. He is still so sweet and loving toward him.

When Carol checked me at around 3:30AM I was 4CM Dilated and definitely in active labor! Hooray! It was really happening!  We lied down around 4AM to attempt to sleep, or at the very least, rest. I lied there for 2 hours while my contractions continued to progress. They were becoming stronger and stronger. At 6AM I couldn’t lay down any longer. I was uncomfortable, nauseous and hungry. I ate, hydrated and continued to labor using a birthing chair. Brandon was with me through every contraction, applying counter pressure to my lower back. After laboring on the chair for a while I decided to get in the bathtub and let the warm water work it’s magic and relieve some of the discomfort. It helped but it didn’t stop the dry heaves after every single contraction. At this point it was around 7AM. While in the bathtub my contractions took a turn and became very difficult to relax through. I was tensing up and feeling like it was close to push time. Carol checked me and I was 9CM dilated. I was in transition.

I decided to get out of the bathtub and go back to the bedroom. On the way back to my room I had a contraction that was so strong I thought my water was going to break. I was feeling lots of pressure. I got back on the birthing chair and squatted through a few more contractions until I couldn’t handle the intense pressure anymore. I got up onto the bed and within minutes my water broke and I could feel him coming down! Yay! And at the same time OW! I got into position and started pushing. I thought I was going to be pushing FOREVER. It was so intense. I was shaking and teetering on the edge of freaking out! I was listening to Carol’s instructions and doing my best to follow what she was saying. Counting with her. Pushing. When Brandon said that he could see our son’s head it was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment. I was almost there! I could do it. It’s amazing that God gave me a husband who’s an exhorter. He knew that in that moment I would need words of encouragement, which my husband is gifted in providing! Praise the Lord. A few more pushes and out came his head. Within moments I was holding my perfect, wonderful son! Nothing even comes close to accurately expressing the joy that that moment holds for a mother. It’s like nothing else in this world. It’s relief, empowerment, adoration and peace.

Orion Isaac Bush was born posterior at 8:27AM on September 21 st 2012 (his due date), in the comfort of our home, weighing 7lbs 8oz and was 20 ½ inches long. He looked just like his mommy!! I’m so grateful to God for a safe and quick delivery. I’m also so thankful for my support team. Brandon was, once again the perfect labor and delivery partner. He was calm, encouraging, loving and emotionally present. Carol is hands down, the best midwife out there. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’m truly blessed.

Thanks for allowing me to share my story,
Bethany
 

Cynthia's Birth

Home Births and Midwives and Doulas Oh My!

OK, here's the deal: Some people like reading birth stories and some people think it's weird to share those details on the World Wide Web.

I'm in the latter camp.

However, home births are a question (as well as an eyebrow) raiser. So, in order to satisfy the curiosity of several readers, I'll set aside my qualms and share (some of) the details. Gentlemen, this serves as your warning. Read at your own risk.*

Let me break it down for you:
8-ish pm: Contractions began (and lasted all night)
6-ish am: Called Midwife and Doula
1:21 pm: Le Bebe makes grand entrance weighing 7 lbs, 13 oz and measuring 20" long.

Let me begin by saying, were I to have more biological children, I would not hesitate to have another home birth. I would call up my midwife so fast it would make your head spin. Let me also say that I had never seriously entertained the notion of having a doula present, but after having one VOLUNTEER her time, I would empty my little piggy bank to have her present for another birth. Of course, all of this is a moot point, unless God has an ace up His sleeve.

Fine, I'll quit stalling.

Due to contractions all night, I was already fairly exhausted when Carol and Laura arrived. I had given up trying to sleep by 2:00 am and timed contractions from then until I woke up my husband around 6:00 am.




This promised to be a long day.
Carol began checking vitals and was a little concerned about Jubilee's heart rate. Her main concern was the umbilical cord and it's propensity to wrap around wee necks. Her calm demeanor took away every fear that I would normally associate with such a risk.** One of the things I was most excited about was the opportunity to labor and give birth in the water. If heart rates are uncooperative, this isn't an option. Thankfully, Jubilee decided to behave.



Unfortunately, my body didn't behave. Alas, the water was wonderful, but it stalled my labor and I had to get out or stay pregnant forever. I sat on a birthing stool (those aren't nearly as comfortable as birthing tubs) and eventually moved to the bed. I was not dilating in a timely manner and my strength was fading faster than labor was progressing. Carol had to help me dilate to a ten. Whoo-Whee, is that ever a hoot! Sign me up for that never. By the time serious pushing needed to happen, I was feeling a little rebellious and trying to figure out a way around pushing (apparently options are limited). I have never pushed so long, sweat so much or been left so hoarse as with this birth. God has a way of infusing us with just enough strength to go the distance. As I saw Carol pulling on Jubilee's noggin, I knew I just needed to muster up one more superwoman push.

I didn't, but God did. Seriously.

So, to summarize:

-Home births are amazing and I highly recommend you give it a whirl if you are able. I have never had serious postpartum depression-just the usual weepiness for a spell. I have not had one single rough emotional day. Not one. I can only credit that to being home and not under fluorescent lights, being poked and probed every two hours. Jubilee and I had the benefit of fresh air and sunshine from Day One. We didn't have to farm our kids out to friends, and they got to meet their newest sister moments after she was born. No one whisked Jubilee away to wash her. She didn't need a warmer. I did the warming. She was never separated from us. What a blessing!

-Midwives are amazing. No need to get defensive about why the world needs doctors and hospitals. Standard western medicine definitely serves a great purpose. However, it's not the end all, be all answer to everything. We have two children who were born in the hospital with an ObGyn. It just simply does not compare with the attention and care received from Carol. From the very first meeting, I felt that my midwife was invested in my pregnancy and delivery. Everything was explained to me. I wasn't made to feel like a convicted criminal for choosing to opt out of standard tests and procedures. (Can I get an "amen"?!?)

-Doulas are amazing. Having a doula present for our birth was unscripted. Just a couple days before Jubilee's arrival, Laura asked me if she could attend our home birth for the learning experience, but I think I learned more than she did! I admit, I didn't really "get it". I didn't understand the purpose and scope of a doula. I had chatted with Laura about her calling, but it's kind of like describing a show on Broadway; you really need to see it for yourself. Any attempts to explain it fall flat.  Basically, a doula does whatever needs doing. She is there to assist with the birthing (although I couldn't talk her into trading places with me), support the mom and dad, take care of older siblings, mop up vomit, hold a fan up to the flushed face of a tired mama. Whatever.

-Water births are amazing. OK, so even though I didn't have the joy of completing my labor/delivery in the water, I'm still sold on the benefits. It's worth it. Just invest in a few extra towels...

Lest anyone think Timothy was smoking cigars with the menfolk...He was boiling water (how cliche), applying counter-pressure, putting cool washcloths on my forehead, supporting my weight during contractions and being my all-around rock star husband, just as he was during the pregnancy and still is as he  tenderly cradles his newest daughter so I can catch a few more Z's.

Also, I was blessed to have my mama present. Hers was no easy task. She spent several days corralling, entertaining and feeding the children. All the while running hither and to for my needs. Cinderella had it good in comparison!

To answer a few common questions:

Did your girls watch?
We tried to talk Mikayla into catching Jubilee (anyone who knows Mikayla knows that there isn't enough money in the world...) They were in and out of the room throughout the labor. We left their level of involvement completely up to them. At times they helped comfort me, and when things got intense they were more than happy to stand outside the door and peek in periodically. We did have them exit for the placenta and other post-delivery fun.

Isn't there a huge mess to clean up afterward?
We're not pioneering it here. We took full advantage of modern conveniences such as garbage bags and plastic sheeting. Now, I didn't get drawn for clean-up duty, but it seemed to be a cinch.

What if something goes wrong?
These are midwives, not cavemen. They are well equipped to handle emergencies and know when transport to the hospital is in the best interest of mother and/or baby.

What do you do with stuff like the placenta?
It's yours. You can do whatever you want with it. I put mine in a jar of formaldehyde to use as a table centerpiece.

Just kidding. I gifted it to someone.

Not kidding.***

So, there all you birth story junkies have it. Our birth story as told by moi.


Reveling In The Miracle Of Life,
Cynthia


P.S. In case you missed their links, go check out Carol and Laura's websites. If you live in the area and are pregnant or planning on being in the family way, call them both.

Also, I'm pretty sure this is the best way to use a birthing stool.




*And to think just the other day, a very kind gentleman encouraged me to keep on writing. The joke is on him today!
**It turns out, the umbilical cord was exactly where it was supposed to be and probably just got pinched between shoulders and pelvis...stuff.
***People on our Christmas list can relax. The recipient knows it was gifted to them. Otherwise, I would win "Lousiest Friend of the Year" award.
 

Angela's Birth

 

Amber's Birth

   

Cari's Birth

My home birth experience was amazing. Here is a really quick birth story that everyone is asking for=)

2:00 am I woke up with having contractions around 5 min apart. Wanted to continue to rest so I stayed in bed timing them and reading. Around 4:30 I woke up Scott and told him about my contractions and he told me to call my midwife. Carol and Mary showed up around 5ish I think. My mom got a bunch of food cut up. Scott got the bed and room ready. I was dilated to 6cm when carol checked me first. About 2 hours later I wanted to get in the tub. Got checked again and was 8 cm. Being in the warm bath felt amazing. Contractions were less painful. Blake woke up and my mom got him out the door with David and Micah without even a tear or a complaint. At David and Micah's Blake watched the SPEED Channel and helped David bottle the beer that Scott and David are brewing. After an hour in the tub I got out because the warm relaxing water had slowed down my labor. Carol and Mary told me some positions to try to get my contractions strong and fast again. Once I felt like pushing I was set up on my bed with the midwives at my side and Scott coaching me and ready to catch our baby. My mom was there ready with cameras and to meet her new grand baby. A few pushes and my water broke(aww a relief)!Contractions were coming really fast now and Scott started counting so I could focus on my pushing. Not sure how long it was but maybe 45 Min later I was holding my SON on my chest as Scott, my mom and I got to ooohh and awww over him. Yes, it was painful and right before he was born I didn't want to endure the pain any longer, but with a lot of encouragement and motivating words he was born at 10:14 am 1-27-2011. He was never taken from my chest, or passed from person to person getting strange things done to him. He nursed for 30 min and when he was done carol then measured him and looked him over. It was so great to not have to give him up right after he was placed on me or having 5 different people doing 5 different things to him. I got to just stare at him and feed him as long as I wanted!!!!

The best part of having a home birth was how relaxed and special the experience was for me and my family. There was no pressure to do anything specific or routine. I was free to be anywhere I wanted, however I wanted. The midwives are amazing and created an atmosphere of new life with out disturbing anything. They had everything set up so they never had to leave the room or my side once pushing started. I never felt pressured to labor faster or do anything better. Scott and I were free to do what we wanted and felt was best. I felt completely cared for and cherished as I bring a new baby into the world. My baby was welcomed by a room of people that love him and were excited to meet him, not people just doing their job or ready to deliver the next baby in line. It was AMAZING!!! Oh and we didn't have to clean up anything. 2 hours after Brayton was born, my room was 'mom and baby' focused. Everything was clean and put away before I even realized it was all over.

Scott and I now have 2 amazing beautiful sons!!! (along with a great home birth experience thanks again to Carol and Mary)

 

 

Andy's Birth

My labor was as long as my history with Carol Denny. I never thought of home birth until I was invited to a birth to baby sit older children of a lady who I hardly knew. She was a parent of a child that I used to teach (aide) when I was 22 years old. I met Carol at that birth and didn’t think much of it. After the birth I started educating myself by reading books. I then started sharing with my best friend about homebirth. She decided to have a home birth and of course we chose Carol. I went to her appointments and we continued to educate ourselves. My friend had her baby and it went beautifully. I decided then whenever I had a baby, I would have a home birth and Carol would be there. My best friend had another home birth again with Carol in 2003.

When I became pregnant in 2004 I was living in New York. Carol was one of the first people I called. I did all of prenatal appointments in NY and the few times I came to AZ for visits I would see Carol and Mary. I was due January and came back home to live in December.

 I had an appointment with Carol on a Wednesday morning. I told her I was feeling contractions move from my back to the front of my stomach. It was mild. She checked me and I had not dilated and my cervix was not thinned out. She sent me home with an appointment card for the following week. I knew that she was worried because Mary was due the same week and she had also been having some contractions. It was going to be very tough for her if we both were going to have a baby at the same time. I went through the day just thinking that she was right; I wasn’t even close to having my baby. As the day turned into night, I walked a lot and the contractions grew stronger. I put off calling Carol until I was in definite pain. She came to the house at about 11:00 pm to check me. I was 1cm and still not thinned out. She headed home for the night. I stayed up all night with my husband sleeping in between contractions. Carol came again in the morning at about 10:00a.m. By this time I was HURTING. She checked me again and still 1c.m. I was devastated. She stayed this time. I labored for hours and hours. I was in the birthing pool and out. I was lying down, then walking. Carol waited patiently. I never doubted myself, I never felt anything was wrong even though the labor just dragged on and the pain was so intense.. I do remember that she never lied to me when checking me. I was hoping she would at times. I remember her voice was always calm. She would ask me what I needed and make sure I was hydrated. I had a lot of people at my birth, too many now that I look back. All of my friends and family were having a hard time watching the pain. I was extremely vocal (that’s putting it nicely) Carol remained calm. When my daughter finally started to deliver she got stuck at the shoulders for about 2 minutes. It was an extremely stressful situation. Carol told me to push and I didn’t listen right away. She said, “Everybody be quiet and you push…Now!” It was the first time she raised her voice and I am glad she did. My daughter was born perfectly healthy at 8:38 pm on Thursday January 27th 2005 in front of 19 people!! There are some things I would like to change about my birth as far as the crowd. One person that was not there was Mary and I had always wished she were. I remember when my best friend gave birth in 2003, Mary was there assisting her mother and I told her "One day you are going to deliver my baby."

Carol and I stay in contact to this day.  We both have started non profits and I talk about my birth and her all of the time. Thank you, Carol for believing in me. My daughter’s birth was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It has made me the woman I am today and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I love you both and wish Mary the greatest success in her career. I will definitely be recommending you.

With Love,

Andy
Singleton Moms 

   

Kelly's Birth

When my husband and I found out I was pregnant with our 2nd child we started talking about having a homebirth. I had heard of a friend of mine having her babies at home and I was very intrigued. We had had our first daughter in the hospital and it was a very scary experience. I knew I didn’t want to do that again. We went to interview Carol Denny and after meeting with her, never bothered interviewing anyone else. I had regular visits with Carol and met her daughter, Mary, when Mary was first beginning to learn about midwifery. The thing that I remember most from those prenatal visits is the gentleness that Carol had with my body and the friendship that developed between the three of us.

As I got closer to my due date, I started to get very impatient. Our first daughter had come three weeks early, why was this one staying inside for so long? Carol reminded me that God had chosen a date for our child to be born and that date apparently had not arrived. When my labor finally started, I was able to be at home with my daughter, put her to bed, and spend the evening with my husband preparing for our child’s birth. Because I’d had some fairly strong Braxton-Hicks contractions in the weeks preceding this particular night, my husband didn’t actually believe I was in labor. I finally convinced him to call Carol. When she heard me groan through a contraction she convinced my husband that yes, I was in labor, and she was coming out. We lived approximately 20 minutes or so away from Carol and she arrived just in time.

I don’t recall laboring for long after Carol arrived, but I do remember asking her to pray for me. I remember her sweet, quiet voice. I remember the gentleness of her hands as she checked my dilation and the baby’s heart rate. I remember the burn of the “ring of fire” as I pushed my daughter down through the birth canal and I vividly remember the instant cooling as Carol applied the olive oil. Our second daughter was born that night as our oldest child slept right through the commotion. My parents came over, my husband’s family arrived, and Carol helped me shower while my husband dressed our newest daughter in her first diaper and first gown.

I had two more daughters at home with Carol and Mary as my midwives. I remember each daughter’s birth with sweet but powerful memories. These women were my friends and confidants. They were the first people to touch my children, even before I did. They gave me the confidence that I could do what women have been doing since the beginning of time. They gave my husband a new perspective on where and how babies should be born into our world. I will never forget these two women; I remember the gift they gave every time I look in my children’s eyes.
 

Christina's Birth

My husband and I were married on October 30, 2004.  We found out that we were expecting just two weeks later and that the baby was due August 10, 2005.  Having witnessed 2 births in the hospital, I knew I could never be comfortable having my baby there.  Not only had the atmosphere bothered me, but the fact that you could never be completely sure who would help to deliver the baby. 

So, I began my search for a midwife I could feel comfortable with, who could help be have the birth experience I was hoping for.  I searched the internet with the good fortune of finding Carol Denny-needless to say, she fit the bill.

My husband and I met with her and were really impressed with her professionalism and warmth.  My whole pregnancy went very smoothly under Carol's direction. 
I finally went into labor on August 3, 2005 around midnight.  I was scheduled to see Carol later in the day, so I waited to call her.  Labor progressed very slowly, this being my first baby.  After having checked me to see how far I had dilated, Carol realized that I had a posterior cervix.  This would cause an even longer labor!

After my contractions were regular at ten minutes apart, we called Carol to come over around 9 pm.  She checked me again only to find that my cervix had not moved forward.  It was at this point that I really saw how capable and dedicated a midwife Carol is.  She held my cervix up through 3 contractions, even though her fingers had cramped by doing so.  This action started my labor moving along a little faster.  I labored all through the night with my husband as my coach and Carol having to periodically correct my stubborn cervix. 

During the night, I was so tired and becoming very discouraged-I did not think that I would be physically capable of pushing or giving birth.  Carol kept reassuring me that I was doing well.  As I continued to become more emotional and exhausted, Carol asked if she could pray for me-a gesture that really helped me to try a little harder and longer. 

When the baby was finally born, Carol let my husband look to see what sex the baby was-it was a girl!  Carol and her daughter, Mary, cleaned up, made sure each of us was recovering and then let us rest.  This was about 9:30 am on August 4, 2005. 

We are so glad that we chose to have Carol as our midwife in our homebirth.  We had a happy, healthy baby that we love more and more each day.  We are looking forward to having Carol there for all of our children's births (God willing!)

   

Brooke's Birth

     Home birth is what God created childbirth to be.  I truly felt closer to God in that short period of labor and delivery than ever before.  I was able to be at peace through days of pre-labor, knowing that Lily was ready to come out.  It wasn't rushed or calculated.  My mind and body were relaxed and contractions were so very managable.   I was so excited to experience what Mary did when baby Jesus was born, and what so many women in the Bible lived through.  I didn't have to worry about hospital policies, drugs, catheters, iv's, uncomfortable hospital beds, or smells.

       At 9:00am on September 5th, 2007, my contractions sped up to five minute intervals.  I was so rested by that point because Carol urged me to sleep as much as possible.  She was right, of course:)  Contractions never woke me up the night before, my body was simply resting up for the next day.  I managed the contractions through deep breathing, and leaning on the side of my bed, with pillows piled between my knees and the floor, my legs didn't lose circulation or get sore.  I rocked and relaxed my muscles especially at the height of each contraction.

       I felt so good.  Honestlyl, it was painful, but so managable.  My husband and I had both praise and worship, as well as classical music playing in the background and a candle lit on our dresser.  I stayed on or near the bed for about three hours.  Carol arrived at 12pm and just as she walked through the door, I transitioned.  That was the first time I really felt intense pain and began to cry a little bit.  I was thinking to myself, okay, I hope I am more than just a couple of centimeters, and sure enough, Carol said I was at 8 centimeters.  Her peace and ease were so comforting to me.  'Wow,' I thought.  It went so fast.

        No wonder there was so much more pain, yet the piercing pain wore off between contractions at that point.  Carol brought in all of her supplies.  I showed her where my basket full of birth supplies was beside the bed.  I was excited to see just exactly how she was going to use them all, and I hoped that she was pleased with my progress.

        She told me I was doing great.  I allowed myself to groan with the more painful contractions and that helped a lot to vocalize what I was feeling.  Within abaout twenty-five minutes of that I was ready to push I didn't know it.  My water broke while I was in the birth pool (lucky me:).  I was trying to bare down through each contractioon, but was floating to the surface of the water.  Time to get out!  Because I had an epidural with our first baby, I didn't know what it felt like to push.  It scared me and I was holding her in.

        Once I began to push, I felt so much better and will know now for the next baby.  When I feel like that pain is the greatest, that is when you bare down and just allow baby to make their way out.  Carol placed me at the edge of the bed, and I screamed a couple of times, mostly because I was scared.  Lily came out with two pushes.  It was a miracle.  I felt her coming down the birth canal and could feel exactly where to push once her head came out.  The pain stopped immediately once she was out.

        'I did it!'  I thought to myself, and I will do it again and again.  Carol gentlly took Lily and placed her on my chest.  She cried a little bit, but was just so content.  She looked at peace.  It was amazing.  She just rested on me for moments, and then Carol took her to clean her up a bit.  I can't tell you how incredible it was to know that Lily never left my side.  She wasn't taken away by nurses, pushed, prodded, or poked.  After concluding that she was healthy, Carol gave her back to me immediately and I nursed her.  She latched on right away and never made a peep.  She was definitely feeling as much peace and pure joy as I was.

        I tore just a bit, so Carol stitched me up.  I was amazed to find out that my bottom was naturally numb just after the delivery, so it really didn't hurt.  I as even more amazed to how good I felt.  Honestly, besides being tired and just needing to rest, I felt great.  My mom and husband took care of me and Lily as well as our older daughter.  It was our best memory yet as a family.  We shared so many tender moments and grew closer as my husband met so many of my needs.  Carol left us with great instructions for post labor care.  Thank you Carol.  Your service, knowledge and love were such a blessing to our family and changed our birth experience forever:)

        We can't wait to have many more.  God bless you and your ministry:)

 

Tonya's Birth

After having 4 babies in the hospital, and other than my first two experiences having a midwife, which made it better, baby #5 came with more blessing than I could have ever imagined!

Carol and Mary were truly a God-send, so calm, patient, and helpful.  They made me feel very comfortable during the entire delivery and prior to.  I can tell you this...if we had more, I'd have them all at home, and they would be delivered by these amazing women!  The entire experience was beautiful, and the memories don't include impatient doctors wanting to induce, cords and straps keeping you secluded to your bed, and the concern of sickness in the room next door.  They even washed my sheets!

My experience included a room full of family waiting downstairs, the ability to roam around my home, making me feel much more comfortable, my entire family plus mother in law, sister in law, and 2 other friends, via the phone, there to enjoy the moment with us.  We took pictures, video, and when the birth was done I enjoyed my very own shower!  What I loved is how they took the time to tell my children what they were doing while they handled my baby boy.  Carol and Mary were there to make sure I was comfortable before taking off, and made sure to check in the next day.

The weeks prior to the birth I appreciated the ease of my appointments, the knowledge they shared when I was having concerns or issues, and the genuine care they had for my baby and me.

If you have never experienced birth at home, and are considering it, don't think twice, you will NOT be disappointed.  I am more disappointed that we didn't do this all along.  

Thanks again Carol and Mary, we are blessed.
Eric & Tonya and the gang

birthtonyababy

 
   

Lori's Birth

     There is no comparison of my homebirth experience to my hospital birth experiences.  I had my first five children in the hospital.  The first four were with an obstetrician, and the fifth was with a nurse midwife. My sixth child was born at home with a midwife.

     In my hospital births, the pain of my labor was more intense.  The nurses and doctors took over control of my births instead of just letting them happen the way they should.  With continuous poking, prodding, and intervention, they increased my level of anxiety and pain.  It caused it to seem like an illness instead of a natural event. The care I received was cold and uncaring.

      In my home birth experience I ws giv en personal, tender, loving care.  It didn't seem like labor in the sense of work.  It was like having a friend over and listening to peaceful music together.  When I was at ease, my baby was  able to be stress free as well.
    
     I went into labor at about 6:00pm.  We decided since it was our sixth birth that we had time to proceed with our plans for the evening and we went walking in the mall.  My labor increased and we decided at about 9:30 to call our midwife.  We got home about 10:00 and met our midwife there.  I was dilated to about 4-5 cm.  We decided to go for a walk.  Laro slowly increased.  I took a shower which was relaxing.  We had the lights on low and praise music on quietly.  Randy and I spent time in prayer.  I tried to take a nap.  My water broke about 2:00am.  After that it was helpful to squat by the bed during contractions.  I was dilated to 9 for about 1/2 hour. I didn't push long.  My baby, Joel Daniel, was born at about 4:30am.  After his shoulders were born, reached down and was able to pull him up to me.  I was able to breast-feed right away.  In essence there was really no separation that took place.  My husband cut the cord.  My other children came in to see the new baby.  I nursed the baby and then we all went to sleep. 

      What could have been a very frustrating labor ( because my other births were much quicker) ended up being more relaxed.  It was wonderful for my other children to be able to be there right after he was born.  The transition from birth through recovery was much easier after my birth at home.  There is something about being in your own bed and bedfoom and being able to rest without interruptions.

     After having both experiences, I would never recommend a hospital birth for an uncomplicated pregnancy.  Homebirth seems like the natural thing to do.
 

Christi's Birth

My husband and I decided to try for a baby on August 26th. I was pregnant by September 8th when the test was positive. I knew right from the start that I wanted a home birth experience. I knew too much about hospital policies and procedures to deliver my baby there. I chose my midwife, Carol Denny, from knowing her family for a couple of years. I felt she was someone that I would be comfortable with. I found her calm, competent demeanor comfortable. The majority of my pregnancy was uneventful. I was terribly sick the first four months and managed to gain little weight through the duration, otherwise all seemed well. Twenty-one weeks along through an ultrasound we learned that we were expecting a boy. The rest of the pregnancy went smoothly.

Labor began about 10pm on Thursday May 28th, the date I predicted all along. The baby was in his 40th week and apparently healthy. Carol had Russ and I time the contractions for 1/2 hour and call her back. I knew after 2 more contractions it was going to happen tonight. Carol came over about 11:30 and I checked out at about 4 cm. I thought I would be further along and became nervous and apprehensive about the pain to come. I quickly had Russ fill the bathtub with water, light my candles, and put a CD in. Contractions slowed a little in the water at first.

It didn’t take long before they were on the way again. The mood that was set was relaxing but I was still apprehensive about the pain. This is where Carol’s experience had a chance to shine. She calmed me, helped me put my energy toward positively furthering my delivery with less stress. It’s amazing what help it is to have someone there in attendance that knows precisely when to squeeze your hand and talk you through it. I quickly progressed from 7cm to 9cm and Carol said I could birth in the tub if I wanted to. I felt like I could just get it over with then without the pressure of repositioning myself on the bed in the other room. The water experience was quite surprising. The water allowed me to work more efficiently with my body.
My water broke at 1:14am and after about four pushes my son was born at 1:24am. He came out and was put in my arms. Thanks to the water birth he was clean! I cut the cord and delivered the placenta while dad examined his new baby. The baby was perfect - beautiful in fact! My birth was as perfect as it could have been. In fact I described it to my friends as the most ideal scenario for a wonderful birth. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time! It was great!

Christi

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