My husband, Leo, and I have two beautiful children – both born at home!
During our first pregnancy, we felt very underprepared. We didn’t know what we didn’t know, but we knew labor and birth had to be different than how it is displayed in TV shows and movies. We walked into Bradley Classes hoping to learn more and begin forming questions to ask our OBGYN. We loved every session! The more we learned, the more we were in awe of how God makes women’s bodies equipped with everything they need to give birth – typically with no intervention needed!
We began asking questions and advocating for our desired birth experience, only to be disappointed that our original OBGYN was a self-proclaimed high-Pitocin, high-intervention doctor. He has great results of healthy moms and healthy babies, but we wanted interventions only when necessary.
At 37 weeks pregnant, we switch healthcare providers to a direct-entry midwife. With decades of experience and qualifications, she was able to accommodate our desire for a natural childbirth while providing the medical assistance needed to ensure everyone remained healthy and safe. My labor was long (over 60 hours), but with the support of my husband and midwife, we gave birth to our beautiful daughter!
During our second pregnancy, we were equipped with more knowledge and experience! We followed all the Bradley Method teaching again and our son was born much faster – within 24 hours of the first contraction!
We have been so grateful for all of the information we have learned along the way, and we are excited to equip others as well! We love preparing others to understand the changes their body goes through during pregnancy and the variations of normal they could experience during birth. Birth does not need to be scary or filled with the unknown. You can be empowered to be an active participant in your pregnancy and birth! We believe that although each birth is different, with education and community, it can be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life!