When I found out I was pregnant, I knew immediately that I did not want a hospital birth. I
wanted to be at home where I was comfortable and in solitude. I heard about WRM from a
homeopathic doctor I was seeing. We went to a few open houses and began interviewing
doulas and midwives.
I wanted a doula for my first pregnancy so that I would have someone at the hospital
in case the delivery didn’t go as planned. I would later discover that she was so very calming
and helpful. (holding my hand, rubbing my arm, giving me sips of water and touching my hair. It
was truly helpful and wonderful.)
Tiffanie was the second midwife we interviewed. Immediately we felt very comfortable with her
and knew she was a good fit for us. During the pre-natal visits she was very warm and open.
Always patiently answering our numerous first-time-pregnancy questions. It was wonderful to
not have to sit in a waiting room for 30 min to see a doctor for 15 minutes. We spent an hour
with Tiffanie each time.
My pregnancy was uneventful at the beginning. I did not experience morning sickness or have
crazy cravings. Later in the pregnancy I had a lot of back pain. On the 4th of July, eight months
pregnant, I went to the ER because I went over the handlebars on a bicycle ride. I texted
Tiffanie and she was available to talk and reassure me though it.
Our baby eventually came 19 days past the due date. It was a stressful time because most
women’s doctors don’t “let” them go that “overdue” and many well meaning friends and family
peppered me with questions about “when was I going to be induced?!” And have I tried this trick
or that wives tale. Why yes, I was walking every night. And making love to my husband. And
eating eggplant parmesan. I eventually tried acupuncture, which for me did not go so well. And
then I used Clary Sage essential oil and I “felt” like something was different with that. Along with
my baby “being ready”, I truly believe that was what did it for me.
“Delivery day” was another normal boring day waiting. I didn’t do much. I was going to watch a
chick flick to pass the time, but then a friend called and we talked for a good long while. I had
made a roast chicken and potato salad. In the evening my hubby and I made love and watched
some TV episodes on Netflix. We went to bed about 11:30. He had been letting me sleep alone
so that I could use the incline on the bed to help my back pain. I fell asleep and woke with a jolt