National Midwifery Week

Recently I received a mass e-mail from the Women's Birth & Wellness Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. regarding a project they were putting together for National Midwifery Week, which is October 4-10.  I had three babies with the birth center and each was a wonderful experience.  So in response to the specific request in the e-mail, I e-mailed the birth center a photo and a note for the midwife that delivered my baby.  Here is what I sent:

I've been blessed to have 3 babies with the WBWC - Hunter, Lilly, and Solomon.  They were all amazing births and experiences.  Since you just asked for one photo, I will choose my daughter Lilly since her story is different. Lilly was born with a genetic disorder (Trisomy 18) which was discovered at my first ultrasound.  From that point on Maureen was by my side - coming to future ultrasounds with me, talking to hospital doctors, and being an incredible encourager. Doctors repeated what their medical books say - that Trisomy 18 is "incompatible with life" - but Maureen always just said "let's wait and see."  Lilly was born on July 4, 2010 at UNC with Maureen helping me and continuing to be so gentle and encouraging.  Lilly survived birth and lived another 17 months!  I will never forget Maureen and how caring she is.  Thank you Maureen for all that you do!

This picture is of Maureen, Lilly (at 15 months), and I at the WBWC annual birthday celebration - October 2011

This got me thinking about all of my children's births and I thought it would be fun to post a photo of each baby.

Tabby was born at Reston Hospital, in Reston, Virginia.  I had a midwife deliver her at the hospital.  It was a hard birth - I had back labor.  I didn't like the hospital setting and pushy nurses.  But of course it was worth it!

Tabby - 3 days old - with Rascal standing guard

Hunter was born at the birthing center in Chapel Hill.  I loved everything about the birthing center - the midwives, the care, the setting.  He surprised us in coming fast.  My entire labor and delivery only lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes.  I got to the birthing center with only 15 minutes to spare!

Hunter - dressed and ready to leave the birthing center - about 10 hours old

Lilly was my second birthing center baby, though her delivery was at UNC hospital.  This was because we had no idea what would happen with her and wanted hospital resources ready.  Maureen, my midwife, was right there at the hospital.  I didn't have much interaction with the regular staff.  In great part because Lilly's birth was so fast!  She was born 1 hour and 40 minutes after my first contraction.  Made it to the hospital with 20 minutes to spare with her.  (Left home on the 2nd contraction.)

Lilly - about 5 hours old - dressed and ready to leave the hospital

Solomon was my tricky baby.  I went into labor with him on his due date (September 14) and we hurried to the birthing center, not knowing if it would be another fast birth.  However, my labor stopped.  I ended up finally giving birth to him the next morning.  September 15th - 9 months to the day Lilly had died.  (When I had first found out I was pregnant with my rainbow baby, I had asked God if the baby might be born September 15, since the 15th was significant to me.  And he was!)

Solomon - shortly after birth

Last year, the day before my miscarriage, I had tried to contact the birthing center to set up an appointment.  For some reason I couldn't get my call completed.  It was strange, though the next day I was glad I didn't have to call back and cancel.  :(

this little bear I found on Ebay was offically named "Blueberry" - the nickname I gave to my baby I miscarried

I definitely recommend using midwives and if you're in NC - the birthing center - for pregnancy and delivery.  :)

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:13-14