Abigail's Story

I found The Birth Center when I was 4 months pregnant.  I had a disappointing visit with my doctor and I did not feel I was receiving the best care.  I wanted a healthcare provider I could trust and I was determined to find one, even if I had to drive a long way for it.  I couldn't believe it when I found The Birth Center website, they were only 15 minutes from my house!  My husband and I attended a seminar and knew right away this was the place I wanted to birth my baby.

 

On the 4th day past my due date I finally went into labor.  I labored at home all day and at 5pm I was sure I was ready to deliver.  The midwife I spoke with on the phone, Lisa, thought it was too early in the labor process but she was happy to have me come and be checked.  She was right, I was only a couple cm dilated so back home we went.  On my way out the door she gave me some advice and I looked at her like she had two heads.  She said I had to stop screaming at the top of my lungs with every contraction because it was using up my energy and I needed to preserve my energy for later.  I told her that was impossible, despite the classes I took, the tapes I had listened to and the hours of prenatal yoga, I had determined that screaming was my coping mechanism for labor.  I also trusted her so on the way home I decided I would try to follow her advice.  I spent an hour trying different ways to avoid screaming during each contraction and eventually I figured out how to do that.  It was amazing, once I stopped screaming the contractions were much easier, I was more focused with each contraction and coping much better.  And she was right, I did need that energy later!

 

It wasn't very long after that we were on the phone again and headed back to The Birth Center.  This time I was dilated enough to stay!  I got in the jacuzzi and I loved it in there.  I was so relaxed between contractions I was falling asleep, and the contractions were strong but I remained relaxed during them.  After a while Lisa thought it was time to be checked again and as I stood up in the tub, my water broke.  Within the next hour I was ready to push.

 

I pushed for a long time, and rested for a while, and pushed more.  The support I received through this process was incredible.  After a few hours it was clear my baby was not descending below my cervix.  Lisa tried to carefully suggest we might have to consider other options, we knew that meant we were facing a transfer to the hospital.  With Lisa and Patty supporting and encouraging me, I gave it a very good last try for one more hour and then the decision was made.  I was not concerned about going to the hospital, I knew Lisa would accompany us and I also knew that this is why I choose qualified, caring providers I could trust.  It was the right decision.

 

We arrived at the hospital and Lisa was with us every step of the way.  It turns out our only option was a c-section but I understood the reasons why and I agreed with this decision wholeheartedly.  I had done my research, I had Lisa and a qualified doctor providing the absolute best care and I was ready.  During the c-section my husband was on one side and Lisa was on the other.  The medical team did exactly what they needed to do and my baby was delivered safe and healthy at 9:18 am on July 4, 2000.  As it turns out, little Abigail was not so little.  She was 9 lbs. 14 oz, she was turned to my side and had her forehead down instead of the crown of her head.  No wonder she wasn't coming out!  I am so grateful to everyone at The Birth Center and Bryn Mawr Hospital for helping me bring my baby girl into the world.  I recommend midwifery care and The Birth Center to everyone I know and I hope to always be a part of The Birth Center community.