Zeresh and Baby Boy Eiden "Home Birth"

My name is Zeresh Altork,

This was my first pregnancy. I wanted to do the right thing for my baby from the start. That included taking good care of myself during the pregnancy and also during the birth. After a lot of research I realized that the best way to welcome my son into this world was to do it all natural and drug free. It is astounding how many people are surprised at that and how so many women don’t want to face the pain that comes with natural childbirth. Although I understand not wanting to feel pain and I respect and appreciate each woman’s choice to give birth the way she chooses and feels comfortable, I personally did not feel that being relatively pain free would justify the possible effects the drugs and other “standard” procedures could have on me and above all on my baby. My husband has been instrumental in this process as he supported and agreed with my/our decision about what would be best for our baby. From the first visit I had at the birth center I could tell that the level of care would be different from an OBGYN’s office. When I met Wylene, the midwife, I was impressed at how she took the time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions. She always made me feel comfortable about calling her if I had any worries and she would return my calls promptly to set my mind at ease. At first I thought I wanted to deliver at the birth center and liked that the installations were “homier” than at a hospital but after I realized that I could have it at home and that the same procedures would take place I opted for a home delivery. The home birth went real well. I had my first contraction at 10:38 pm. They came on pretty strong and close together from the start so I knew I couldn’t wait too long to call Wylene. By 2:51 am my son was born, a little over four hours later. That was pretty fast but I am not going to sugarcoat it, the pain was incredible, something you need to experience to understand. Although I thought I was prepared for the pain, once I was in full labor I was no longer able to focus as well and having Wylene and her assistant, Roseanne help me through it, step by step with the contractions and the pushing was amazing. By watching me they were able to see where I needed help and guidance and in so doing they reassured me, encouraged me and reminded me how to focus, how to breathe and how to push. This allowed my husband to fully focus on the birth and on giving me emotional support. Finally after pushing for about two hours, the moment I had been waiting for arrived, my baby was placed in my arms. Wylene and Roseanne’s help and support didn’t stop there as they continued to take care of me and my new baby. It was a wonderful experience and I believe and now know first hand that giving birth naturally and with a midwife is the best thing for a mom, a dad and their newborn.  

My Name is Rebecca and this is My birth Story,

I came into care after I had been seeing my O.B. For several months I was due to deliver in  six weeks but I knew I did not want to be poked, hooked up to machines or confined to a bed to bring my baby into the world. Many family and Freinds even my Boyfreind questioned my decision. But after finding out that 36% of all women who go to a hospital will end up with a C -section and how many women are offered drugs I stuck to my choice to switch careproviders.  Wylene was very informative, allowed me to make my own birth plan, and encouraged me to let my entire family be a part of my birth experience. Wylene made suggestion for positions, encouraged me to walk during labor and was that calming voice I needed. I chose a water birth, it was relaxing and a smooth transition for my little girl Angel Joli. It was nothing like my freinds or sisters birth, it was calm, no yelling to push, or being offered drugs or invasive procedures. I was given one on one support the entire time, I was able to be mobile, and I was in control; not the nurse or a Doctor. I wish every women would choose a midwife and when I am ready to have the next one I will be back.