Midwifery Today Community

Apprenticeship in Virginia

WilliamsburgHomebirth — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:38:16 GMT

If interested, please contact me directly at bridget@williamsburghomebirth.com You can read more about our practice at http://www.WilliamsburgHomebirth.com -- we serve from Richmond to Va Beach with our office in (obviously!) Williamsburg. :)

Water VBAC

Mum2singletonandtwinboys — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:43:20 GMT

Hi, I am new to the site and not a midwife (I hope this doesn't matter) but want to be one in about 10 years time because I am passionate about pregnancy, birth and babies. I had an all natural and calm hospital water birth in 2010 for number 1 and wanted that again in 2012 but due to having twins in the breech and transverse position, I disapointingly had to have a caesarian.

We still want one more baby and I know that continous monitorring for VBACs is hospital policy which makes VBACing in the water not possible in most places and I think this should change. Even just labouring in the water if possible would be of great benifit.

What I am hoping to learn from some people with more knowledge than those not in the profession is;

How important really is continuous monitorring to prevent rare unterine rupture and is it really neccesary or is intermitant enough? Are the hospitals being over careful or are they practising the best policy? From what I have found out so far, it seems there is nothing wrong with water birth itself for VBACs and that they might even be beneficial for the scar. I want to minimise chances of repeat caesarian and know this would be the easiest way for some. Also constant monitorring really is needed, then why is there not more waterproof equipment available? I assume it is expensive.

Thanks in advance, I am passionate about natural birth and thought, why not start to change things with my own birth before I become a midwife.

Invitation to Become an International Midwife Preceptor

MidwifeInternational — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:32:11 GMT

Midwife International is seeking teachers to support and guide students during their year abroad. Our teachers work alongside international midwives to improve maternal health outcomes at the community level and are responsible for overseeing the continuity of our students’ experiences, including clinical studies, book studies, service-learning and reflection exercises. Teaching positions are volunteer-based with a travel and living stipend available for long term commitments. Volunteer Midwife

Details: Assignment to an international midwife training site will be coordinated with top candidates, taking personal preferences and clinical needs into consideration. Preceptors will provide each student with an average of 16 clock-hours of direct instruction per week, including hands-on learning in the clinical setting, case reviews, facilitation of reflection exercises and skills demonstrations and workshops. Students and preceptors work together at the onset of each quarter to develop a “Learning Plan”, including personal learning objectives, daily schedules, reflection exercises, community engagement assignments and a practical skills checklist. The student learning experience is evaluated based on achievement of stated objectives, tasks and assignments in the Learning Plan. Maximum student to teacher ratio will be 6:1.

Teachers will be expected to participate in a minimum of 12-hours training prior to assignment and will meet with Midwife International staff on a weekly basis via telephone or Skype. Once assigned, teachers will work with Midwife International staff to design a training and teaching schedule on a case-by-case basis. Special project and presentation proposals are welcomed. Volunteer Midwife

Requirements: Candidates must hold a US credential (Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Nurse-Midwife, Certified Midwife, or licensed or registered by a state) OR have experience equal to at least three years or 75 out-of-hospital births as primary midwife. International midwives with equivalent experience but without a US credential may apply for approval through NARM’s Out-of-Country preceptor application process. Candidates must have a passion for improving maternal healthcare worldwide. Experience teaching or working abroad and/or in resource-constrained regions is a plus. Hired applicants will undergo a background check before being sent on assignment. Volunteer Midwife

Compensation: To receive an airfare and living stipend, preceptors must commit to a minimum of 1-year. Stipend will reflect the cost of travel and living expenses at the assigned host site. Shorter term assignments will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

To apply: Please send your resume and cover letter, including a summary of language fluency, leadership and travel experience and midwifery credentials to skraft@midwifeinternational.org.

How will communicate a new person?

johnthomas135 — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:51:50 GMT

Please tell me how can communicate a new person?

Hello Everyone!

johnthomas135 — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:46:14 GMT

This is John Thomas. Please accept me as a friend. I am new in this forum and do not know much about it, please help me to gather some knowledge and to give some. I am here to learn so i am everyone's student. waiting for kind reply and help.

Ride and room shares go here!

Donna — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:30:38 GMT

Use this forum to set up ride and room shares for the Eugene conference.

Midwife program, working as an RN, and taking care of a 5 year old. Oh dear!

AliciaCheyanne — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:08:59 GMT

Hello!

I was just wondering how managable it would be to do the midwife program (this is the one that i'd be doing: http://nursing.uindy.edu/nursemidwifery.php --it has all of the courses listed), working as an RN -- probably part-time, as well as being a single mother to a 5 year old. I am worried that I will be taking too much on if I try to do all three. Has anyone else had to take on a load like, or similar to this? How hard is the Midwifery program that you took? I am afraid that I will not have enough time for my daughter :( Everyone keeps telling me that going to school to get my Nursing degree (I am currently getting my BSN) will be what's best for her. I just don't want her growing up without her dad AND mommy around because I am too busy with school or working.

Sigh. What to do?

What are you doing or did you do to ensure optimal prenatal health?

Elaine1983 — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:48:34 GMT

I take prenatal vitamins, work out regularly (not too extensively of course), I quit smoking and I try to eat healthy. What are you doing (for those who are expecting), or what did you do (for those who have already given birth) to ensure optimal prenatal health?

No midwives in my area, questioning my OB practice

calialli — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:27:48 GMT

I am in an area of Virginia where there are no practicing midwives within a two hour drive. Because of this, I am forced to use an OB practice. When I discussed my wishes and the procedures used commonly by the practice I felt like my plans and the doctors' were not going to mesh. I was wondering how much of what the doctors want to do can I refuse? Pitocin? Episiotomy? IV fluids? Is it possible that the hospital can refuse to treat me if I do not consent to their interventions? There are only two hospitals in the area that I know have a L&D department. Both are close minded about how a woman should labor and deliver. Any suggestions?

Random question about starting the info packet for the NARM & starting as a midwifery student...

JesKoops — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:03:32 GMT

Probably a weird/random question, but those of you who have taken or are working towards taking the NARM, how did you keep track of everything and keep it all organized? Do you have any organization tips for keeping track of everything (both NARM-wise and just general stuff like receipts, mileage, etc). Im just starting as a student and am kinda nervous about keeping track of everything! lol

*

April — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:53:49 GMT

twin waterbirth

marlenecpm — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:04:00 GMT

Just had my 1st twin waterbirth. Well it was the moms 5th birth w me, & the last one had been a waterbirth, so she wanted another, naturally. SHe had a beatiful waterbirth with the 1st baby, a 7lb girl, who came out sunnyside up! But then she started to bleed between babies, so I thought it would be a good idea to get her out so we could track the bleeding more precisely. About the same time she announced it "didn't feel right in the tub anymore" so she got on her side on the bed & out came 8 lb 5 oz brother, 1 .5 hrs after his sister. EBL was only about 3 cups, not bad for twins. The fused placenta with two sacks was amazing! While I knew some bleeding was possible between twins, I had never seen that happen, & didn't give it much thought. Now that I look back, I wonder: How common is it? When do you worry?

Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery, Pam Weaver

Allison Tannery — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:22:13 GMT

Is there an edition that is better? Third? Fifth? And any reason why one place would have it for $160 and another for $80...just starting out, and need this to get rolling in skills.

Thanks so much,

allison

awondrland@gmail.com

Questions about midwifery from an aspiring student!

romanovs_rule — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:01:50 GMT

Hello!

My name is Kathryn, and I'm an aspiring midwifery student. For the last year or so, I've been reading all of the materials I've been able to find on midwifery and am now planning pursuing midwifery training. Before embarking on a course of study, however, I have a number of questions I'd love to pose to seasoned midwives, and if any of you have the time to answer some or all of them, I would be so much obliged.

Thank you!

(1) Knowing what you now know, would you encourage someone to pursue midwifery?

(2) In your opinion, what's the best way to become educated/trained in midwifery? (for instance, nurse-midwifery programs, direct-entry programs, apprenticeships, etc.) And, what would you say are the best first steps for an aspiring midwife? For example, would you recommend first acquiring doula training and certification?

(3) I'm often asked how squeamish I am, and the truth is, I'm not entirely sure, because there've not been many times that I've been exposed to considerable blood loss. To what extent have you find that squeamishness is something a person is able to overcome, and to what extent should that kind of tolerance be innate?

(4) How do you adjust to the pace of midwifery (ie, the unusual sleep schedule)? How stressful would you describe midwifery work as being?

(5) Where do you learn about and how do you handle the business side of midwifery? For instance, where/how do you find and attract a client base?

(6) How feasible have you found it to make a livable income as a midwife?

Amazing breech VBAC

marlenecpm — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:15:36 GMT

I attended a birth for a VBAC mama. She had intended for a hosp. birth, but when baby turned breech & refused to be turned back, like her 1st had done, the doc wanted to perform surgery again. She said no way! Found another midwife & me to attend her at home, & had a wonderful birth! She was very low risk, in fact a scarred uterus was her ONLY risk factor. She was a strong bodied, strong minded, woman who had done her "homework" & knew what her risks were, both at home & in the hospital. When I arrived, she absolutely blew me away with her gorgeous, powerful, birth dance/song! She swayed and sang out beautifully with each ctx. As she got into 2nd stage, she started squatting with each ctx. Then, as she squatted, the rump came out & sat on the floor. As the ctx ended, she stood up, the baby stayed, sitting there on the floor. (There were towels & chux on the floor, of course!) just like a smooth, beautiful choreographed dance. I aways did like to call God my Great Choreographer!

Twins and Breeches

joyfulmom — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:38:04 GMT

What states are midwives allowed to deliver twins and breeches?

Travelling Midwifery

majikfaerie — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:58:01 GMT

I travel a lot, and I've attended births in seven countries now. Next month I'll be flying to Thailand to attend a birth as well, and hopefully going to Bali to volunteer at Bumi Sehat later this year.

Anyone else practice midwifery on the road? I'd love to have some more discussion about it :)

I had the baby

worstfriend — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:34:03 GMT

I had a little boy on January 10th. We called him Zachary.

It's been a bit of a ride. I had a short sharp labour (niggly contractions for days then my waters broke a few moments after a self-VE had revealed i was about 4cm, fully effaced with the water bag bulging through) and he was born 80minutes later. I had 6 contractions every 10 minutes, all over a minute long, until about 20mins before he was born, when they slowed to 4-5:10. It was my hardest ever labour in pain and intensity for sure! I pushed really carefully as he felt huge, and got his big head out without tearing but i really felt i was tearing my fourchette right open as the pressure there was immense, to the point that i literally had an orgasm when his head was out! He turned for his shoulders (3rd baby, first to come out NOT direct anterior!) and slid out. His apgars were 8 and 9, i had to blow on his face to let him know he was born, he was a quiet wee thing at first.

I suffered a PPH of about 1300cc. My placenta wouldn't come and i had a firm fundus but no afterpains and no blood. Then a separation bleed of about 300cc but still no placenta. Eventually (after over an hour and when both of us felt it needed to be done) my midwife gave me sintocinon and used cord traction to extract the placenta. I felt it only fully separating when she was doing so. It was massive and had a lobe attached down one edge so it looked like a mushroom. There was a valley between the main body and the lobe which made a sort of "hinge" - possibly why it didn't detach though obviously my lack of afterpains indicates my uterus was exhausted too. I didn't gush, just trickled but on and on. Zac was born at 9pm on the dot and by 11.30pm it was obvious it wasn't stopping. By then my MW had checked for internal injury and thought perhaps my cervix was a little damaged, but it was hard to see (my OH was holding the torch as she heaved huge clots out of me and tried to see amongst the blood where it was coming from). By then i wanted to transfer so we went in. My BP was very good in the ambulance - fear was keeping me normal! I'd lost about 700cc at home, the rest i lost in the ambulance and on labour ward. Sintometrine did nothing, eventually IV sintocinon got some afterpains going and the bleeding stopped. My mw felt there was a small (1cmx1cm) piece of placenta missing but they didn't look for it and wrote it as "complete" on the hospital discharge summary. They weighed Zac (my MW had been too busy to do his checks at home) and he was 8lbs14oz after 2 big wees and poos, so i expect he was about 9lbs at birth. He was 22 inches long and had a 14.5inch head circ.

I stayed in until the evening of the 12th then came home. The next morning i lost a large clot but mw and hospital agreed to observe me at home. I recovered slowly and felt weak (due to bloodloss i thought). My milk came in normally so we didn't worry about the placenta any more. My MW had had a look at the large clot but in retrospect wonders if she'd investigated it more thoroughly she may have found the small piece of placenta in it.

On the 13th day after the birth i got ill with what i thought was winter vomiting virus, but which turned out to be a uterine infection. I was not pyrexic and had normal lochia (no smell) so it wasn't until i had a secondary PPH of about 300cc that i realised what was wrong. I went back into hospital for another night for IV antibiotics and more fluids. FInally i began to recover!

From when i came out of the hospital the second time i got much better but Zac got steadily less well, with green slimy nappies, frequent large vomits, a scaly rash on his face and terrible colic which left him screaming so hard at one point he had a bleed in his eye (just when the THREE he had from his rapid birth had healed). It turns out he is allergic to dairy, so i'm now dairy-and-beef free and finally finally we are both well and recovering! He was very sleepy and "absent" until i came out of hospital the second time. I don't know if he was waiting to see if i'd make it or if he's just a laid back guy - he fed well but rarely made eye contact and seemed fixated on lights but disinterested in everything else. Now he is smiling at me and turns his head eagerly towards familiar voices.

As a family we're all a bit battered by the experience, but we're all appreciating and loving one another a lot so i'm sure time and distance will heal. As births go it was fairly traumatic, but as traumatic experiences go it was very low-key. Everyone was kind, even the most unpleasant things they had to do to me were done respectfully, i felt cared for at all times. It just wasn't the lovely birth my other 2 got.

CPM vs CNM

sgbritt — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:27:00 GMT

Hello All! My name is Sarah Grace. I recently graduated with a Bachelors in International Affairs, but even before graduation I knew I was going to switch gears and enter a midwifery program as soon as possible. I am struggling between two paths to becoming a midwife: a direct-entry (CPM) or a nurse-midwife (CNM). However, I have hit a roadblock in my decision of which path to take and I was hoping to get your help.

On a personal level, I have issues with the need to become a nurse to be a midwife. The main reason I want to become a midwife is the philosophy behind the practice and I plan on only working in a birth center or home birth setting rather than in a hopsital. In fact, I really have no desire to be a nurse other than as a means of becoming a midwife. Therefore, I am having trouble accepting the fact that CNMs are always under the supervision of an obstetrician and very rarely allowed to perform home births (this is my understanding at least).

However, I am young and do not want to limit myself. I understand the benefits of an "acknowledged" degree such as CNM. So...should the benefits of a "professional" degree vs a certification outweigh the personal reasons I want to become a midwife in the first place? I do want to be able to work and hopefully raise a family someday, so financial issues cannot be ignored in my decision. Hopefully someone can help me weigh these financial decisions with my political ones....

I look forward to seeing your comments.

Thanks!

Apprenticeship opportunities?

Barrentree — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 04:16:54 GMT

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I am an aspiring Midwife, who would like to apprentice for my education. I am currently finishing up my last year of college and will be graduating in December 2013. I hope to soon after begin an apprenticeship. I currently live in Greeley Colorado, and would not mind staying, but I would also be open to moving to Oregon as well. I'm unsure of where else to look for a preceptor and would much appreciate any information and guidance.

Thank you in advance!

Problem responding to posts?

Aubre — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 04:18:19 GMT

Problem responding to posts?....I seem to be unable to repsond to any posts in the "message" field, anyone else having issues?

nausea, sickness during pregnancy

Tanya Green — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:40:10 GMT

My daughter is nearing the end of the 1st trimester of her first pregnancy. This baby was planned, home purchased, everything seemed ideal. However, her nausea is so severe! Nothing will diminish her joy & enthusiasm at this happy time, but we are hoping someone may have tips as to what actions can be be taken to mitigate these constant attacks of severe nausea. Dehydration is a real concern. We are a large family, but no one can recall symptoms so dibilitating & constant.

ANY input will be greatly appreciated, thanks so much.

Looking for an traveling midwife

Sumaya — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:51:11 GMT

Hi everyone!

I am a doula working in Cairo Egypt and I desperately want to encourage home births, however in Egypt it is impossible to find a midwife. There is a mother who wants to have a home birth and I am asking whether anyone is willing to come to Cairo to deliver her baby. It is really short notice, she is due in 1 month, but i would appreciate any information.

Thanks!

13 week miscarriage imminent--looking for answers in preparation

mrsfussypants — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:46:21 GMT

Hello. My name is Reyna, and I just found out at 16 weeks that our baby died--between 13/14 weeks. I was planning a homebirth with a wonderful midwife, and so it feels only right to have my miscarriage naturally at home. I've had light spotting and cramping (which led me to ultimately have an ultrasound which showed the baby had died 2 weeks prior) but no real blood, or intense cramping. My midwife is giving me some cotton root today to hopefully speed the process along. I haven't been able to find a lot of information about early second trimester miscarriages that didn't involve a D&C. Can anyone help me know what to expect? How long will the actual miscarriage take? An hour, two, more? I'm far more nervous to miscarry this baby than I was to have a homebirth. Any experiences or information you have on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Emilee's Breech Birth Story - Proof that breech is possible.. and NORMAL!

starbeautiful8 — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:22:58 GMT

It was about 3pm on March 8th, 2012. We had just had our 40 week appointment earlier that morning. The week before I was 4 centimeters dilated. Labor was so close. Ethan and I had just had lunch downtown. Delicious pizza. We were headed down to the lake to go for a little walk. Hoping it would help things progress and get labor started. I made a quick stop at the public restroom while Ethan went to grab my jacket. The moment I sat down to use the potty, I felt pressure release from my belly, water flow out and bubble noises were coming from the right side of my belly. My water broke! I paused for a moment to think about what just happened. It was so unexpected. Once I came back to reality I quickly pulled my pants up and ran out of the bathroom. I said "No! Not here!" The lady in the stall next to me must have been very confused about what was taking place in my stall. I could feel my pants becoming wet. I ran across the street without even looking both ways. Ethan was watching me run towards him (and when I say run, it was obviously not a normal run. It was a straight legged, I look like I just wet myself awkward waddle) I started yelling "Call our Midwife. Call our Midwife. My water just broke." He seemed so confused and startled by what was happening, you can tell he wasn't sure what to do for a moment. We quickly got into the car.

On our way home I called my midwife: No answer. Paged her. Called my other midwife: No answer. Called my doula: No answer. This couldn't be happening. No one was answering! I had just had my 40 week appointment earlier that day. I knew they were all available. I naturally went into panic mode. Poor Ethan had to listen to me yell at my phone the whole car ride. One of my midwives called back quickly (thank goodness). She asked if there were any contractions. Contractions? Oh man, at this point I forgot I was going to have contractions. No contractions yet. She told me to call her when I started having contractions. It was very uncomfortable emotionally being in the car. I wanted to be in the comfort of my home with my birth team. Then I could focus on laboring.

Once we got home, Ethan started getting the birth tub set up, as well as the bed. At this point I was sitting on the toilet because it was really the only place I could think of being until everyone arrived. I notice meconium was mixed in with the water. I was a little concerned, but I was reassured by my midwife over the phone that it is normal for the meconium to come out with baby being breech. I was conflicted on whether I could use the restroom or not because I wasn't sure if that urge to "push" was baby trying to come out or my body just trying to relieve itself. One midwife came not too long after we got home, and then my doula. I was so relieved when they arrived. It felt safe enough to have our baby now. My doula sat with me in the bathroom until I felt comfortable enough to get up and go into the room. Contractions were sporadic at this point.

Once I got into the room I decided to get onto my knees and lean onto my birth ball and rock during my contractions. Ethan was still setting things up with our midwife. My doula stayed with me. Talking with me in between contractions and helping me stay relaxed during them. Not knowing how much time has passed at this point, I eventually decided to sit on the ball and rock my hips with the contractions. Figuring being upright would help with labor to progress. My other midwife and her assistant showed up about this time. I felt conflicted with Ethan being out setting things up. Things had to be set up, but I also wanted him next to me. I asked when he would be with me, and it didn't seem like too long after, he was by my side. He sat on the bed while I leaned my head and arms in front of him with each contraction. He held my hand and rubbed my hair. He put music on for me, which was wonderful. I enjoyed the distraction of the music.

I wanted to try being in the birth tub. It seemed like forever before it was ready for me to relax in. Once it was ready I quickly got in. Thiswas nice. I felt like it was my own bubble that nobody could invade. It helped with relieving some of the pain from the contractions, butmostly was just another nice distraction. It was so relaxing to the point it was slowing my contractions down. My doula suggested I get out for a little while to see if the contractions would pick back up. Ethan and I stood together as if we were dancing. The contractions were more intense like this. Standing definitely helps with baby dropping lower. I wasn't prepared for the contractions to feel the way they did at that point. My doula helped with pressing on my hips, and Ethan held me up when I seemed like I wanted to fall onto my knees. They were a wonderful pair to have during all of this.

I eventually got back onto my knees and leaned onto the birth ball. My midwives came in every so often to check babies heart rate. She was so strong during the whole process. I really enjoyed listening. This was great reassurance that everything was moving along nicely. I was fed a popsicle, juice box, yogurt, and lots of water during labor to help keep my strength up.

I was able to get back into the tub. After this point, labor seemed to progress quickly. Contractions were coming on harder and faster. I heard someone say "transition is happening". Boy, transition happening was right! I was not a quiet laborer by any means. This shocked me because my whole pregnancy I was sure I'd be quiet. Typically when I don't feel well I just stay quiet to get through the discomfort, but the only thing that seemed to help was just to moan and let out noises that showed to everyone how tough this was. My doula was great. Every time I let out a cry of some sort, she just sympathized with me. This really helped me to stay comfortable and not be embarrassed by anything. It also helped to kind of hit the side of the tub when a contraction was happening. I didn't want anyone to touch me. To be honest, I wasn't sure what I wanted during contractions. In between contractions I just relaxed to save my energy for the next one.

The urge to push started happening. This was the hardest part of labor because of the breech presentation, I was feeling the urge to push before I was fully dilated. I wasn't allowed to push until I was dilated enough for the head to come through. Not being allowed to push seemed backwards, because all my body wanted to do was push. With each contraction that urge became more and more intense, and I wasn't able to control it. My whole body was pushing her down. I probably apologized a dozen times to my midwives for my body doing this. After they checked that I was fully dilated, I got out of the tub. I went over to the birthing stool and sat down.

With each contraction I pushed... and I pushed hard. I wanted labor to be done with. I was ready to meet my little angel. Ethan sat on my left side and one of my midwives in front of me. My midwife held a mirror for me to show my progress. I couldn't see the mirror past my belly most of the time, but I wasn't really focused on this. She started rumping. You could see her butt coming down. Once she was fulled "rumped" I felt like I was going to tear at every angle. It was a burning/stinging sensation. It was a bit terrifying to push the rest of her out. Again, the only thing to help me through this was to let out yells, moans and groans. She then descended more. You could see her back, this was incredible to me. I was actually doing it! I told them to just pull her out, but I knew they couldn't do that. Once her legs fell out, I let out this sigh of relief. The girth of her wasn't as bad at this point. Her left shoulder popped out, and then with one last push her arms and head came out all together. My midwife put her into my arms and the only thing I could think of saying was "Oh my god" "Hi Sweetie." I kept focusing on Ethan's reaction. It was the sweetest thing to hear his excitement and happiness about seeing his little girl. I held her as we talked and touched her. My midwife was trying to stimulate her, it seemed like a good minute before she cried. I wasn't at all worried about it taking too long, as I knew she was getting enough oxygen through her umbilical cord. When she let out her first cry the whole room lit up in "Aww's". This was the most magical sound in the world. Ethan and I kissed. I felt this sense of strength and accomplishment. I just pushed out a baby in the comfort of my own home.. breech.. in about 15 minutes. No complications.

Emilee Nicole McCaughey was born at 10:05 pm, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz, measuring 20 1/2 inches long. She had dark hair and lots of it. She was a mini Ethan. We climbed into bed to cuddle with our little peanut and deliver the placenta. There was no tearing which surprised me because of how big she felt coming out I was sure I was going to. Another sense of accomplishment came over me at that point. Ethan cut the cord. He seemed very proud to do this.

This was truly the most amazing experience I've ever been through. I grew as a woman, mother, and fiance this day. My birth team was wonderful, and I couldn't have done it without them. I wish I could put it into words what this experience was to me, but I simply cannot.This opened my eyes to how strong women really are. We are beautiful and can achieve anything.

I think back to all the work we did to try to get her to turn. From pulsatilla, breech tilts, ECV, chiropractor etc.. And all the stress andanxiety it caused, but baby was completely content with staying close to my heart. It's so true when they say baby doesn't turn for a reason. So why force it? Because the medical community refuses to practice breech births, so therefore they c-section all of them? No. It is possible, and I'm living proof that it is not necessary to go through major surgery to have your baby, as long as mommy and baby are healthy. I wouldn't change anything about my birth experience. I'm proud that I have this story to share with other women, and I hope ithelps them to make an informed decision about how they want to birth their baby. "When you change the way you view birth, the wayyou birth will change." Marie Mongan, Hypnobirthing.