July 2022 Promotion

In honor of Independence Day we are offering a special promotion for all of July. Refer a friend and you both get $100. Here are the terms: 1) must have a first appointment with paid deposit for care to qualify, and appointment must happen by August 31st, 2022. 2) both the person referring and the one who was referred to us need to let us know that they are participating in this promotion. 3) no limit to number of referrals you can send us, AND you do not have to be a former client to refer someone. Looking for ways to let your friends know? Share this post, write a review on Facebook and/ or google and share it, share other posts we make. Thank you to each of you for your support and for helping others in Southeastern New Mexico to know that they have options #homebirth #midwife

In Daddy’s Arms

When it comes to birth and the first hours afterwards, often Dads/ partners are overlooked. We know how important skin to skin time is for Mom and new baby, but what about for the Father/ partner? In a world where many fathers are uninvolved or barely involved in their children lives, and are often even referred to as simply sperm donors, what if the things done in labor/birth and afterwards, could literally rewire the father’s brain towards feeling more connection and a greater desire to protect and nurture? Is this possible? Experience and science say yes. One easily implemented thing to help is skin to skin time between Dad and the newborn in the first hours after birth.

In one study of skin to skin care (SSC) from dad to newborn immediately following cesarean sections, the newborn was found to have physiological benefits including better regulation of vital signs, better breastfeeding, and the fathers were shown to have less anxiety and depression.

Through the years I have heard many father’s express that they felt more connected to their new baby from the start after experiencing a homebirth and especially when they were able to cuddle baby skin to skin in the first hours after birth. This is not to say they did not love and feel connected to their other children, they just noticed a difference right away. They didn’t have to work as hard to feel close.

In this integrative review of 12 studies: “Father-infant skin-to-skin contact had positive impacts on infants' outcomes, including temperature and pain, bio-physiological markers, behavioural response, as well as paternal outcomes, which include parental role attainment, paternal interaction behaviour, and paternal stress and anxiety.”

If you haven’t already planned to implement skin to skin time for father/ partner immediately following your birth, there are plenty of wonderful reasons to consider doing so. Talk to your provider about this option.

When we say skin to skin, what do we mean? Dad/ partner removes their shirt and place baby in just a diaper laying upright, belly and chest against dad’s belly/ chest. A great time to do this is after baby has finished their first breastfeeding session. We usually have Dad take baby for skin to skin while we help Mom go to the bathroom and shower or bathe if desired.

(Images provided by Devon Carlo with Devon Rae Photography out of Artesia, NM)

Why Did I Choose a Home Birth?

-written by a recent client

“Why did I choose a home birth? 

I’ve been asked this question many times: in personal conversations with women AND men (men are a part of the birth process too and shouldn’t be shunned or shamed from asking or learning about it), online, etc. The answer isn’t just about *where* I birthed, but *how* I birthed. 

You see this picture? It captures why I chose a home birth, but I’ll go ahead and explain with a few more personal details. It was taken after labor and delivery: the bowl on the bed has green beans my sweet hubby made me, there’s a plate of toast with Kerry Gold butter 🤤 next to the bed my sister made for me, my other sister was probably in the kitchen or laundry room helping to clean up, Midwife Liz is holding my hand and Midwife student Daryl is checking Hudson over after having some time to nurse and get dressed.

My midwives came to my home for every appointment. Sometimes it was just Liz and sometimes there was a midwife student with her. They spent at least an hour with me each time, depending on their appointment and travel schedule for the day. Not only was I asked how I was doing physically, I was asked how I was doing emotionally. This gave me the chance to get to know and open up to my midwives, and for them to get to know me. They provided genuine emotional support and care throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and it’s continuing even now.

Unlike most OB’s, these women have not only experienced natural physiological labor for themselves, they’ve sat with and observed and cared for other women doing the same, from start to finish. OB/Gyn’s rarely ever witness a natural labor from start to finish, and they’re certainly not the ones in the room with you while you’re going through the thick of it.

These women were by my side every step of the way and in every way. Liz rubbed my feet and shoulders during labor, and provided hip counter pressure during contractions, as did Daryl. Both provided words of encouragement and love and support. They asked me what I wanted 😳 and then they made it happen. At one point during labor, I decided to get out of the birth pool and lay on the bed for a rest. Liz came over and laid next to me and held my hand. I didn’t have to ask for that ☺️ I was cared for as a whole being, a whole person, a valued and meaningful part of the labor and delivery process, not just a conduit for a baby being born.

This description barely scratches the surface of what this complete experience was like. I’ll write more later about it all. I’m so thankful for my family who was able to be there and all they did for me. I felt so loved and supported by everyone. I hope more women get to experience this. ❤️”

Shared with permission from a client/ recent birth.

Image provided by Devon Rae Photography

#homebirth #birthinthetimeofcovid19 

Evelyn’s Birth Journey, written by her Mom

By Danielle Berrios 

All images captured by Devon Carlo with Devon Rae Photography  

Baby Evelyn

Evelyn is our first surprise baby, so it took us both the first couple months adjusting to the idea of having a third baby, and we were both surprised again when we learned a little girl would be joining our family. My pregnancy was difficult at first and at one point we thought we had lost her. Seeing and hearing her heart beat on the ultrasound was surreal after thinking that I had miscarried again. After that, at about 10 weeks, I got on progesterone cream my midwife recommended and the pregnancy went really well from then on. We were still very cautious, but so thankful she was healthy and so was I.  

My parents came to town on June 24, 2020, because we were all so sure she was coming early like her brother Isaiah. Well, we waited and waited. I went to see the pelvic floor specialist, Landy Peek, and the chiropractor trying to encourage labor but nothing happened. So, we waited some more. We worked on home improvement projects and played canasta and walked a 5k on the 4th of July, and still nothing. I questioned my faith in my body and my ability to birth a baby even though I’ve done it twice before. I wrestled with God over having control and wanting her to come on my time.  

On July 8, 2020, I prayed God’s will be done and told Him that she could come whenever He wanted her to. My water started leaking at 2 am on the 9th, and I had contractions every 30 min that only lasted 15 seconds long the whole next day. I tried to rest and relax most of the day. Liz Derry, my midwife came at 11am to check Evelyn’s heart rate and my vitals and my friend Alissa came over for a play date to help distract me. Alissa braided my hair in warrior braids so I would be ready for battle. My Mom, Alissa and I enjoyed the day together and Liz came for another check up in the afternoon and Evelyn’s vitals and everything was great.  

My dad had finished the last of the major home improvement projects that morning. We joked how Evelyn was just waiting for all the major projects to be finished before she made her debut. Josh got home at five and we went about our normal evening. At 8pm I laid down with our boys to put them to sleep and prayed deep rest over them so that I wouldn’t wake them during labor. I knew she was coming that night. My husband and I went for a half mile walk up and down the street. I had several stronger contractions. It was really nice to have sometime just us to talk and to reflect and connect. When got back home, at almost 9 pm, I showered and tried to go to sleep.  

By 10 pm the contractions had picked up to every ten minutes and lasting a full minute. I waited to have five in a row before I woke up Josh and texted the Liz and our photographer, Devon. Josh started filling pool at about 11pm. I tried to lay back down and rest, but the contractions were too strong. I heard some noise on our patio window and realized the wind was about to blow our patio tent away. In between contractions, Josh and I went out in the wind and took the cover off the tent so it wouldn’t fly away. When we came back inside, I lit some candles and started the oil defuser. Josh started the crock pot, and I wrote a little welcome home sign for Evelyn. We snuggled and talked in the kitchen between contractions, waiting for our birth team to get to the house. I woke up my mom and told her it was time. Liz, her assistant Daryl, and Devon got to our house at around 12:30 am. We were still filling the pool when contractions picked up much closer together maybe 3 minutes apart. I leaned against the counter for each wave and Liz, my mom or Josh applied hip squeezes to help me through. The lights were very dim and it helped me focus on the waves of contractions and the short lull between them. Josh was boiling water on the stove, checking temperatures and getting the water just right. We added the water from the crock pot to the pool as well.  

The contractions were about two minutes apart. I went the bathroom, and then threw up in the sink. I knew this meant I was going into transition. I said to Josh as he was rubbing my back after, “this is much better than the hospital, at least I get to puke in my own sink.” I walked back into the kitchen and Josh went to use the restroom. The water pressure suddenly changed and the hose went flying out of the pool splashing Liz and everyone else. It was hilarious. Everyone was laughing as we got it under control. Josh came back and Liz asked if we wanted to pray. We gathered together and Josh prayed for peace, wisdom and strength before we got in the pool. I had one more strong contraction, Josh got into the water and then helped me in as well. Once we were both in the water, I had a small break for about 3 minutes where my whole body felt at rest against my husband's chest as I leaned on him. We joked about being lobsters as they added more boiling water and then scooped some out because the water level was a little too high.  

As the waves crashed over me, I leaned against the side of the pool on my knees with my legs and hips as wide as I could. I had a couple contractions that I felt pressure weighing down and my body pushed a little so I pushed with them and tried my best to breath. My mom helped me with the tray as I puked again and she encouraged me to rinse my mouth so I would feel better. The contractions were only about 30 second apart. The pressure in the contractions changed and I felt pain against my pubic bone area. I reached down to see if I could feel her head and I felt what felt like moss on a rock about the size of a quarter. I knew Evelyn was coming, but I would have to push harder. Something didn’t feel right though during my next contractions. I felt like she was stuck. I began to doubt myself and fear crept in. I told everyone we might need a plan B, because something wasn’t right. After the contraction passed, I was breathing heavy and I was afraid so I said, “we might need an ambulance guys.” Then I said, “I’m scared” and once I verbally recognized my fear and acknowledged my emotions it wasn’t as powerful anymore.  

Another contraction hit and it was painful again on my pubic bone area. Josh and my mom encouraged me and told me all of the birth affirmations I had been listening to for months in preparation. I thought I might pass out. I threw up again, and I said something to Liz about having talked to my pelvic floor specialist about cervical lips and how encountering it was one of my fears. Liz told me exactly what she was going to do and then she reached down into the water on the next contraction and lifted up and pushed in on my lower belly. It hurt at first, but it helped so much to move Evelyn down. I felt her head about the diameter of a golf ball. Liz helped me through three contractions as my husband did hip squeezes behind me in the pool. My mom rubbed my arm and they were all so calm and encouraging. I told Liz I might want to try to stand up to get her to come down more. I meant squatting in the pool, but I couldn’t put it into words. I tried to rest for a moment against Josh but the contractions were too close together. I remembered raising my voice and saying, “no, no, no” as I scrambled off his comfortable chest and back onto my knees against the pool to ride out the wave. It wasn’t until later that I realized I was saying no to the squatting idea. I didn’t trust in my ability to hold the squatting position even in the water. I was deep in labor land.  

As the heavy waves crashed over me, I remembered my favorite verse and said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Another wave crashed. I felt like I might drown the contractions were almost constant. I felt again and I couldn’t feel her head. My heart sank. I cried out, “I can’t feel her!” I was devastated in that moment, but everyone calmly reminded me that she was right there and coming soon. I remembered my mom saying, “she is so close.” Josh whispered to me, “God made your body to do this, just trust God and our baby.” I was still afraid though. I remembered the words God had told me in a dream several days before, “you’re going to have to go through the big waves if you want her out.” I thought to myself, I am the only one who can do this, and I am going to have to push harder. Martina McBride’s song, “In My Daughter’s Eyes” came on. The contractions were coming one right after the other. My body was pushing. I said, “Ah, ring of fire.” Her head was part of the way out, just above her eyes and I said, “she’s stuck” as I struggled to get oxygen in my lungs. My mom reminded me to breath her out. Josh felt her head as I pushed again and the rest of her head came out. Liz told Josh exactly what he would need to do as Evelyn came out. It was so dark no one could see anything so Liz tried to reach down to make sure her whole head was out as I said again, “she’s stuck.” Daryl suggested I wiggle my hips. I was almost to the point of passing out from pushing. I wiggled my hips back and forth and her shoulders and body came out right into her Daddy's steady hands and he passed her to me between my legs. I looked down and I saw her beautiful face beneath the water. I slowly lifted her to the surface and against my belly. I tried to pull her up a little higher, but her cord was very short.  

First moments with Mom and Dad

The song My Girl by The Temptations came on and it was so perfect. I had just been dancing to that song an hour earlier and everything happened so fast. I leaned against Josh and stared at her beautiful face as I caught my breath and Josh kissed my head. He completely held me up so Evelyn would be above the water against my belly. I felt weightless and so happy that it was over and I had survived. We survived. I said, “oh I can feel that birth high feeling now.” It was so perfect just resting in the water. Evelyn was tired too, she looked up at me, and then it was like she was so comfortable she was going to go back to sleep against my belly. I birthed the placenta and we put it in the bag so that Josh could take Evelyn and hold her while I got out of the pool. I was very weak, but my Mom and Liz steadied me and helped me down the hall back to the bedroom. Liz checked me to make sure I didn’t have any tearing, because while I was in the pool, I thought there might have been. I was physically exhausted. They got me settled into the bed and Josh passed Evelyn back to me to try to nurse. Daryl and Liz helped me to get her latched. I ended up having to side lay nurse for it to work. The after-birth contractions were painful, but such a blessing that God created our bodies to heal after birth on their own.  

P.S.  

Something else I remembered later was how one of my favorite songs from my childhood helped me through her labor, it’s called Midnight Oil by Philip Craig and Dean. 

Midwife student, Daryl, performing newborn exam with big brother watching

Midwife Liz taking notes as baby is being weighed

Evelyn with her family

Dreams for Southeastern New Mexico Midwives

When I (Midwife Liz Derry) first moved to New Mexico, I thought I would just cover the small town I was living in. I had been a traveling midwife in Texas and was ready to quit driving so much. Little did I know that so many areas of this side of New Mexico did not have midwives close by helping them. Soon after arriving, as family after family reached out looking for a midwife, I found myself making the choice to travel once again. This later led to relocating our family to a town more central to the areas I serve.

During this time I discovered a new dream. I decided I wanted to help make sure that each of these areas had a midwife of their own. Now with a student in 3 of the main areas, this dream seems it will become a reality in a few short years. I am so excited to be helping even a little bit, to have midwifery care be more accessible all over Southeastern New Mexico.

Here are our current students, future midwives of New Mexico, and the areas they serve:

First up, serving Carlsbad area, we have Daryl Allen who has been with us since June of 2017. She is super close to being done with her training, but took a short break to add a new little boy to her beautiful family. Here is a quick bio for her: “Daryl Allen is a wife and mother to three little boys. She began her midwifery apprenticeship with Liz Derry in June of 2017 and attends Via Vita School of Midwifery. Since starting her apprenticeship she has been able to support many women. She is also a trained doula. Daryl is knowledgeable, compassionate, and easy to talk to, and is an asset to the Eastern New Mexico birthing community.“

Next up we have Emily Poynton. Emily is living in Roswell and will be licensed soon. She has been helping in all of the areas that Otero Birth covers. Once licensed she will be starting her own business, and we will provide back up and assistance for each other this side of New Mexico. Here is her bio: “Hi, I'm Emily and I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, the eldest of 4 siblings and the only one not born at home. After graduating from Loyola University Chicago in 2015 I spent a year working with high schoolers and learning Spanish at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. I came home to hang out with my youngest brother during his last year of high school and began working as support for families expecting babies, first as a case manager and then as a child birth educator and DONA certified doula for first-time teen moms with Healthy Families of Illinois. Based on those experiences I decided to become a midwife to provide more personalized, respectful, and encouraging care where the entire family feels supported and included as they prepare to welcome new life. I began my midwifery training and experience in March 2019 at Maternidad La Luz, a busy birth center in El Paso, TX, and am so excited to be completing my training with Liz and serving the community of Southern New Mexico! Thank you for having me here!”

Serving Clovis, Cannon Air Force Base, Portales, and Hobbs, is Kiara Egerton. Kiara has been working with us since July of 2019. Here is more info about her: “Hey!!! My name is Kiara Gonzales, I am certified doula ,certified placenta encapsulator, hospital based breastfeeding peer counselor,and now am so happy to announce a student home birthing midwife!❤ When i was first entering the birth world as a doula 10 Years ago i would’ve never imagined i could be a midwife , and now here i am and I’m super excited to help empower ,educate and support you. I have pretty much always lived in new mexico and plan to continue to stay here to help to grow a positive birth community ! I have had a strong passion for Birth and everything in between and following since i was a young little girl !!i am so excited to be joining this amazing team!!”

Finally, our newest addition is Kate Pults who will currently be helping in Roswell, Ruidoso, and Artesia. Here is her bio: “My name is Kate Pults, and I was born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington. After moving from Washington, to North Carolina, and then to Oregon, my husband and I have finally settled in Roswell, New Mexico. I have 3 wonderful sons that are all under the age of 6. Two of which were born at home, and have sparked my love for homebirth. I am a Full-Spectrum Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator, and I am currently certifying in Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support and Advocacy. I’m ready to embrace this journey of being a Student Midwife, and I plan on learning everything I can about midwifery. I am looking forward to being a Midwife in this community!”

Coming Now to Your Area

We have been serving Southeastern New Mexico in families’ homes for 4 years now. It is hard to believe it has been that long already. This last year we relocated to Roswell, New Mexico, from Alamogordo. We did this to be more central to the areas we are serving and to help areas of New Mexico that have been underserved for too long. Currently we are helping families who live In Carlsbad, Loving, Hobbs, Lovington, Artesia, Clovis, Cannon Air Force Base, Portales, Ruidoso, Roswell, and everywhere in between. We still provide all care in our clients’ homes. If you are wondering if we might be coming to your area, feel free to message or call us.

The image with this post was from a recent home water birth for a first time mom in Carlsbad, NM.

You're Not Strong Enough

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

 (this was written by me and published on a different website about 2.5 years ago, but was removed after the business closed. When I originally wrote this there was a comment that this article is saying that moms who use medications or have cesareans are somehow less of moms.  I want to let any of you who may feel that way know that my intent in this article is to be affirming and supportive of those women who have thought about or want to have an unmedicated childbirth, to strengthen them, NOT to tear down moms who don't want or were unable to have it.

Sometimes women need to choose a medicated birth, sometimes despite everything they do, their child must be born by cesarean.  I have the utmost respect and love for all women, no matter what their story is.  It also takes great strength to get through a difficult birth, especially when things don't go the way you had planned.  Those of you whose stories were these, you are warriors! May you know that your experiences have also helped you be the exact mother that your child needs.)

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

Today there is a lie that is running rampant in our society. Women everywhere are being told they're not strong enough.

You read that right.

From doctors to hospitals to friends and family, if you are of child bearing years or currently expecting, you will hear it everywhere:

"you're going to want that epidural."

"Do yourself a favor and get the epidural"

"there's no way you can do it without pain medicine."

"just get the epidural, there is not a prize for natural birth" 

The underlying message is clear, "you're not strong enough. You need to be rescued from the pain."

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

This probably isn't the first time someone has told you that you weren't good enough, able enough, knowledgeable enough, talented enough, strong enough, or enough of whatever it was you needed to accomplish something in your life.  Sometimes you may have listened to those voices outside of yourself, maybe more times than you'd like to admit. 

But at least one of those times you probably did it anyways. You listened to the voice inside of you saying you CAN do this. And you did it! It was more than likely a difficult road getting there, but it was worth it. Every time you got back up and kept going made you stronger. It's part of what made you who you are today. So it is with birth.

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

The truth is you ARE stronger than you think and you are made to do this. Not only can you do this, but doing this will prepare you for motherhood like nothing else can. Yes, birth can be difficult. Yes, birth, can be hard work, some of the hardest work you've ever done. Yes, it can be painful. Yes, it can push you further than you ever thought possible, and then beyond. Birth is also beautiful and amazing and rewarding and worth every bit of work you do to get there. It is only the first of many things in parenthood that take hard work, patience, and perseverance to succeed.

Being a parent will try you like nothing else you've ever experienced. You will have moments that you feel like you can't go another second, and moments that you wonder how you ever lived your life without this beautiful amazing little person that is your child, along with moments filled with so much love that you feel your heart could burst, often all of these in the same day.

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

Don't buy into the lie. Birth is not something you need to be rescued from. In fact, when well meaning people try to rescue you, they unwittingly steal from you something most precious. Labor and birth are a gift. It is the opportunity to see how very strong you really are. It is the opportunity to work with your baby to accomplish something amazing. It is the chance to bond with your husband or significant other in a way that nothing else can duplicate. It is the chance to let your body do what it is made to do, and see it for the intricately designed work of art it is.

Image provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond

Birth is not a scary, horrible thing. It is love, beauty, and work all rolled together. My hope is that if the people around you do not believe in you, that you will stand up for yourself and find others who will. That you will birth in a way that you are honored, and protected, able to birth on your own terms. That you can come to the other side of your birthing time and realize that the strength was in you all along. You are strong enough now and you will be then, too. It has always been in you.

Image provided by Professional photographer, Karina Schuh

written by Liz Derry, CPM, LM

Labor and Birth images in this blog entry were provided by birth photographer/ doula Melissa Rodriguez from Bump 2 Baby and Beyond in Corpus Christi, Texas AND final image was provided by Professional photographer, Karina Schuh, from Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Hula Hooping in Labor ?!?

I recently wrote a blog entry on another website I am a part of:

 http://corpuschristimidwife.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/hula-hooping-in-labor/

You can read it in it's entirity at the above link.  Her is a brief excerpt: 

"Not all women will hula hoop or do anything like it in labor, but most women when supported by a caring midwife and in an environment they feel safe in will be able to be more relaxed and work with their body well, and even be able to enjoy  their labor.  Yes, it is possible to enjoy your labor and birth."

and an image from the post: 

hula hooping in late labor. image provided by Trish Motheral Photography out of McAllen

and there is even a link to the video of this mom hula hooping in labor in that blog.  Enjoy!

Is the Fairy Tale Real? The Truth About Dads at Birth

by Liz Derry, CPM, LM

 (This post when first published online was originally titled "WHAT CAN A DAD DO? FATHERHOOD DURING LABOR, BIRTH, AND BEYOND". )

[an aside as I repost this, when this was originally written I had a few comments about these images and ideas presented being merely a fairy tale.  The truth is, that I see these type of images and behaviors between laboring couples more often than not.  When couples are well supported in their wishes and being watched over by a midwife they trust, it is amazing what happens.  I have also seen dads and moms connect and work together with love in well supported hospital births with a doula present.  Even the most reluctant dad when he feels safe and secure and when he sees that is wife needs him can be there for his wife.  Not all dads are the same.  They each have their own style of support.  This is perfect.  Each mom is different as well, and the father of her child is uniquely suited to help her. I will repost soon the post that talks about ways Dad can help support Mom.]

Today the majority of babies are born to moms and dads in hospitals. A large percentage of these moms will have epidurals. Many of these labors and births will involve mom laying in bed resting, watching tv, surfing the internet, giving the play by play on Facebook. All while Dad does the same. There is very often little interaction between mom and dad leading up to the birth of their baby, and the extent to which dad plays a part is often left to merely being the designated cord cutter.

It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, I truly believe it shouldn't be that way. Labor and birth should be a time of intimacy and love between mother and father that strengthens their bond and helps them enter parenthood closer than ever.  

It should be a time that husband can marvel at the strength and beauty of his amazing wife, and wife can feel safe in the warmth of her husbands arms. A time that is filled with whispered words of I love you, tender kisses, and deep embraces.

Labor is an opportunity for dad to trust his wife completely. A time to show this trust by not trying to fix her problems or take her pain away, but to walk through it with her. It is a time for him to be completely there for her, without distraction. It is a time for him to support her in ways that only he can.

Each mother and father are unique. Their relationship similar to that of others yet different in the details. Husband does not have to be someone different for his wife while she labors and births. In fact the very things she loves about him, the reasons that she has chosen him to walk beside her in life, are the things she most needs from him as she works hard to bring their child into their arms. What she needs more than anything else is to have him there for her 100%.

As they take this journey together, and come to the other side, with the birth of their child, their love for each other will be overflowing.

In that moment that they have transformed from husband and wife to mother and father, they will look at their new baby with wonderment and awe at what they have accomplished together.

When dad has been an integral part of the labor and birth of his baby, he can't help but want to play an active part in caring for his little one. With the renewed respect and admiration he has for his wife he can't help but look at her with a reverence that filters into their daily lives.

Labor and birth is not just about having a baby. Labor and birth is about making a family. It is about making a strong mother and father who trust each other completely, and will weather the storms of parenthood and life together no matter how strong the winds blow. 

People often ask why couples choose to give birth naturally without epidurals or other chemical pain relievers. They ask why couples choose to birth with midwives outside of the hospital at home or at birth centers.

If they truly understood what birth could be, if they saw the bonds that form, the love that grows, and the strength and beauty that blossoms out of unhindered birth between a mother and father, they would ask instead why doesn't everyone want to birth this way?

(all images in this blog post provided by Tiffani Cisneros with www.tiffcphotography.com) 

The Birth of Asher Anakin (written by his Mom, Tera), (an at Home Water Birth of an 11 pound baby)

It all started the night before the big day. I was thinking I might be in labor and texted my doula to tell her, she told me she wasn’t feeling well and didn’t think it would be wise to attend my birth if I were actually in labor, and that she had a backup for me.

I was immediately heartbroken and turned to my backup photographer who is also a doula and a friend, Shanna. The photographer I hired had an emergency and had to go out of town and that broke my heart too. I was telling her I couldn’tbreathe from crying so much and how I had been visualizing my birth and Meredith (doula) and Tiffani (photographer) had always been present. Shanna walked me through breathing, put my mind at ease and told me to use my Breathe essential oil to, yeah, you guessed it, BREATHE!

Thankfully it helped and I was calm enough to get to bed. I should add that I had been pretty confident about this birth and so very excited from the start, but started having little doubts creeping in. Thankfully my midwife, Liz Derry, talked to me days before to put all those fears to rest. She kept assuring me that everything will happen as it’s meant to and that she knew my birth would be amazing!

I woke up at 2:30 AM on December 14, 2013 feeling some stronger contractions. Still unsure that I might be in labor, I started timing contractions and discovered that they were coming three minutes and 30 seconds apart on average. I had been having contractions on and off for a couple weeks before the big day, so that’s why I was unsure. I woke up Travis, my husband, to let him know I was “feeling something.” Shortly after, I went to the restroom and had some bloody show and then I knew that this was it!

Around 3:30 AM I texted my midwife asking her to head on over. I called Meredith begging her to come. She said she had just woken up and suddenly felt better and then made sure that I was okay with her coming over even though she had previously felt ill. I was. While waiting on them to arrive I put out the birth affirmations that my doula and I had made, got some candles out, and put some clothes and makeup on (I had to get my mind off of everything-why not put some makeup on, right?).

Travis and I spent some alone time together and were so excited that the time had come and we were soon going to meet our new baby. Meredith walked in the door at 4:30 to find me laboring on my birth ball. At this point I was handling contractions very well and could still talk through them. She immediately gave me a big hug and started massaging me and guiding me through contractions. I had planned on us playing connect four during early labor for fun, so we sat down and played a couple rounds of the game. I won both rounds and Meredith teased me saying something about me having supernatural powers because I was in labor.

When I became unable to focus on the game anymore, we decided this was definitely active labor. During this time Travis was busy setting up the birth pool and getting last minute things ready. The air pump was pretty loud, but not loud enough to wake up my snoozing 2 year old, Zayne Rex. Meredith lit candles and placed them throughout the room and dimmed all the lights.

At this point I was laboring in our living room floor in front of the Christmas tree. The atmosphere in our home was so peaceful and warm. The scent of my favorite essential oil blend, Elevation was in the air and the candlelight mixed with the Christmas décor was so nice and cozy. I remember saying something like” I don’t know why I was so excited to do all of this” and Meredith reminded me that this is an amazing rite of passage and that soon I would be meeting my baby. Her encouraging words throughout labor always put me back on the right track.

My photographer, Shanna (who is also a doula) came over just after 5:00 and sat down in the floor with us. She started rubbing my feet while Meredith played with my hair and massaged my top half. Having both of them pampering me was amazing and I felt like I was having a spa day. We decided on a change of scenery and stepped outside in the backyard. The fresh, cool, crisp air felt so wonderful and the grass between my toes grounded me. We spent a few contractions outside with Meredith applying counter pressure to my back.

It was great being surrounded by people I felt safe and comfortable with, I could be myself, crack the jokes I wanted to, and just be free. I remember telling them in a very serious manner “I like it when there’s not a contraction” and they just laughed.

I started feeling a lot of pressure and needed to go to the bathroom, so back inside we went. It ended up just being a turd, not the baby, bummer. Then I decided I wanted to lie down and relax on the bed. I now realize that this was my body resting up before going through transition.

I got comfortable on my side with a pillow between my legs to leave my pelvis open. Meredith and Shanna began massaging me all over again. It was taking a lot of focus to get through each contraction which I am guessing my doula could see because her voice and words were able to take me to a comfortable and happy place inside, so happy I was smiling a lot and even laughing during active labor.

We had taken hypnobirthing class together and it really paid off. I had previously taken a Bradley method class with my first child which also helped. I started having more intense back labor and Meredith applied Deep Blue essential oil blend to my back while rubbing my lower back and hips. All along I just kept saying “I can do this, I got this, I am doing this!”

Liz walked in the bedroom door around 6:15. I was so relieved to see her. She got all set up and took my vitals, which all looked good. She listened to Asher’s heart rate and it was perfect too. Since my midwife was finally here, we had a little gift giving ceremony where I gave Liz and Meredith each an engraved necklace that symbolizes birth, one saying “midwife” and one saying “doula”. I wanted to give them something special that signifies the important role they played during my journey. I also wore a similar necklace during the birth that reads “support without fear”.

Afterwards, I got up from the bed and the pressure intensified. Liz was right there and had me hug her and she supported all of my weight. Her arms made me feel so safe and taken care of. I had no fear. I started feeling “poopy” again and Liz encouraged me to labor on the toilet through a few contractions.

This was awful. Laboring on the toilet was the most uncomfortablefeeling, but did help bring Asher down and helped me progress. I started saying things like, “I don’t want to do this anymore” as if I could stop it! The birth team knew I must be in transition. 

 I told Meredith that I needed some pain relief and so she and Liz suggested that it was time I get into the warm water in the birth pool. I was hesitant because I thought I was going to be in there forever and wanted to wait. All of a sudden I got this urge and I yelled out “I want to get in the pool now!!” and stripped down to my bra. As soon as I got into the pool, I felt immediate pain relief.

These feelings of relief were quickly followed by me feeling like a caged animal. My doula, photographer and husband were right there touching me, putting cold rags on me,wafting oils under my nose and giving me water, but they all felt very far away from me. A switch went off and I suddenly feltvery independent. I felt like it was all up to me, my body, and my baby at this point. Nobody was going to birth this baby but me.

Soon after I started to feel the urge to push; I started pushing at 7:25. I looked at Liz and said “I feel pushy” and she just smiled, nodded and said “uh huh, push when you feel like it.” At the exact moment that I started to push, we heard Zayne cry out from his crib and my mom and sister walked in the front door. Perfect timing!

My mom had Zayne and let me give him a kiss because for some reason that’s all I wanted to do while pushing his little brother out. It was better than what I was doing seconds before, slowly and harshly saying the F word repeatedly. Oops!

Zayne made it so sweet and must have given me a boost of oxytocin with that kiss because just a moment later at 7:37 AM, Asher Anakin Peeler was born. Daddy caught him and passed him between my legs and up into my waiting arms. I brought him in close to revel in all of his beauty. I was simply amazed to be holding my BIG, 11 pound 2 ounce baby so soon.

He came into the world so gently that he didn’t even cry. He automatically opened his eyes and saw me and his daddy smiling down at him. It was truly an AWE moment. My jaw dropped with amazement and my mind was flooded with thoughts. I was in shock that I just had such an easy birthing experience (yep, I was calling it easy minutes after it happened). It was fast, about 4 hours of labor, and I was astonished by his size and beauty.

I got out of the tub and walked over to my bed to deliver the placenta which was later encapsulated by my husband. We sat there and Zayne was so excited to kiss and get close to his little brother. I felt whole. I felt complete. I always thought that sounded cliché, but at that moment, I felt it. It was real. My baby was finally here, and everything went smoothly.

The ooh andahh’s were nonstop, and one of my favorite memories was the weigh in. I heard the gasps from everyone who saw the number that showed up on the scale and I couldn’t wait to hear it. My midwife was telling me that he was her biggest baby, her trophy baby! Eleven pounds and 2 ounces was mind blowing, but even more mind blowing to me was that I did not tear, like at all!!!

We went about our Saturday morning with much love and appreciation. I was surrounded by my family and the awesome birth team (including Becky who is a student midwife and showed up right after the birth) who got to experience such a glorious time while getting pictures of all those first precious moments. From the first latch, to our first herb bath, and our family cuddling on the bed, everything was simply perfect. Perfect! 

maternity image provided by tiffcphotography 

all other images provided by Shanna Wright Photography  

The Birth of Seraphina: A Soundbirth (Written by her Mom, Sandra)

     Two days before the birth of our daughter,(September 30th), Spirit was trying to send me messages, in the form of dragonflies. A lot of dragonflies flew through our yard and the meaning of dragonflies is that change and transformation is about to happen. I also had decided on a name for our baby that same day, which we had not known the gender. Seraphina, that is all I had decided on, no name if it was a boy. She knew and agreed and thus was ready to embark on her journey with us on earth.

Midwife Liz listening to baby's heartbeat with a handheld doppler.

Image provided by Shanna Wright Photography

        When my water broke on the 1st of October at 10 pm, I really felt the need of nesting and making sure my house was tip-top. But I did go to bed and slept very well until the early morning hour, arising with the sun, and feeling some mild contractions. Liz came by early to check on me and the little one that was about to enter this world. Around 4 pm I could feel that my contractions were different and I was called away, becoming less present during my contraction that were not mild anymore but a little stronger. Whapio states that the waves of contractions repeat with increasing intensity and frequency and the Mother is swept toward the Unknown. I was still very talkative in between my contractions but wanted peace during my contractions. I was ready to get into the birth pool and by this time, Shanna my doula had arrived and Shar, who played her crystal bowls next to me has had also arrived.

Shar plaing the crystal bowls

I entered the birth pool at 5:55 pm (the meaning of 555 is that a change in your life path has just occurred and it is time for you to change too) and heard the crystal bowls playing and immediately went into a meditative state. Sitting on the raised part in the pool, with my legs apart and a relaxed body. I wanted to travel this stage by myself and was breathing through each contraction while listening to the crystal bowls, helping me enter this other realm of the altered state. While traveling this journey by myself, and needing this peace, everyone in attendance was so calm as well; I did not even realize they were there. I felt as if I was the center of the day, until Seraphina arrived. It was so primal, like in a Native American tribe. I was surrounded by all the wise women and I was in the center, feeling safe. I felt a shift, I knew something changed. I opened my eyes and visualized the area in front of me.

Sandra relaxing through labor in the birth pool moments before Seraphina was born

image provided by Shanna Wright Photography

I became aware of the shift, got on all four and then held on to the side of the birth pool. My doula at this point knew as well and put my hair up, stroked my shoulders. This was the most intense part of this whole journey, and at one point I wanted to yell out that I cannot do it anymore (I think I did yell out, unaware of what was said). But instead I remember all the toning I practiced during my pregnancy. I moaned and did not care! A woman should not care, as toning is so helpful during labor. The moaning really helped! I was so thankful for Shanna to have read my Mantra “I’m opening up in sweet surrender to this beautiful baby in my womb. I’m opening up in sweet surrender to this beautiful baby in my womb. I’m opening. I’m opening”.

​I knew at this point, this is it, and knew baby is about to arrive. I was told to reach down and feel baby’s head; I did and felt her head. Had a contraction, I felt her head emerge and with another contraction I felt her body come out, at 6:20 pm. Instinctively, I turned to ‘Welcome’ our new baby. Pulled her up onto my chest and was relieved that this stage was over. Dad was right there and watched as his daughter entered this world.

moments after baby was born... "It's a girl!"

image provided by Shanna Wright Photography

I was speechless; when we found out she was a GIRL. The love hormone surrounded me and our new daughter and I was in so much LOVE with her. I sat there quietly for a few minutes, called my mother in Germany. Shar continued to play her crystal bowls and it was so beautiful. The boys came into the room to welcome there new sister. Tears of joy and awe filled the room, as they observed their sister and touched her.

big brothers meet baby sister for the first time

image provided by Shanna Wright Photography

The placenta was ready to be delivered. After the delivery of the placenta, I got out of the pool and our little family was sitting together in the corner of our tiny bed, in awe and in love. From here on Seraphina has been showered with pure LOVE only.

Some reflection on my birth. I truly believe that I was meant to search the web for Soundbirth and find Nicole Lloyd, who is the owner of Soundbirth, which is based in Australia. Even though she lives that far away, we still connected, talked on the phone and are friends on Facebook. As I had a traumatizing childhood, and I was afraid that I would not open up and relax enough to birth our baby, I really believe that Spirit has lead me to Nicole and through Nicole, who encouraged me to have someone there to play crystal bowls live. I know Shar and she was the first person to come to mind and I am so happy that she agreed, this was her first time playing her crystal bowls at a birth. She brought different kinds of bowls, and one of them was the sacral one. I know my sacral chakra had been blocked and I did not want this to be in the way of the birth. I was happy that she brought the sacral bowl. I believe wholeheartedly that it helped me open up and relax to the core.

Kinzy Grace's Birth Story (a planned midwife home birth turned unplanned unassisted) written by her mom

My husband and I found out we were expecting our fourth baby in October 2012. We were so thrilled to be adding another member to our family, we feel so blessed. This baby was  due July 7th and would be our second home birth with the same midwife. I especially feel so blessed to have found the midwife I did when we first moved to south texas two years ago. Having had a first traumatic hospital birth and a unfufilling  second hospital birth, I knew it would take someone special that beleived in me and my ability to birth babies. I dont know what I would have done without her support, love and knowledge throughout both of my pregnancies and births, and as a friend.

We had our first visit in January and still agreed upon the edd of July 7th based off my last cycle. I am the type of girl who loves every minute of pregnacy so my pregnancies usually always seem to fly by to me. I was pretty busy this pregnacy finishing up dental assisting school and my husband being gone out of town a lot working the majority of it still seemed to fly by. This time around with three other young children to take care of and the extra load of being a single mom most of the week, I tired a little bit more and started to feel ready around 30 weeks to meet this baby.

My husband and I had tried with our third baby not to find out the sex but caved during an ultrasound. We were both determined this time not to find out what we were having and we stuck to it. We already have one boy and two girls so my husband really wanted another boy in the mix, I wasnt picky but just really thought it was a girl the whole pregnancy.

During the month of June I started preparing for the baby. Doing little things here and there around the house we had put off, organizing and cleaning. The fourth of july weekend I made sure I planned a family outing to the beach since my due date was just a few days away and I wanted for us to get out of the house one last time before the baby came. I thought maybe since this was the fourth baby there would be small chance I would go right before my due date, well it didnt happen that weekend and my husband was back to work on the 7th. I thought then that I didnt want it to happen while he was out of town so I hoped that the baby would hold off at least until his next three days off.

That week came and went pretty uneventful, and hubby was home again on the 14th. I thought for sure it would happen in these next three days at this point cause I was already a week past my edd, and my last two babies I did not go a whole week past my edd. My midwife sent me in for a ultrasound the check on the baby on the 15th. Everything still looked great and they estimated my due date to the 19th!!

So now that my due date had moved almost two weeks forward I was feeling a little exshausted of waiting and wondering when things were gonna happen. I asked my midwife to strip my membranes in hopes to jump start things while my husband was home for one more day. Turns out it wasnt time for the baby to come just yet. I had a few good contractions after but all died down by that night. I felt a little worried that I might go into labor while my husband was gone now seeing it was getting so late in the month and close to my second edd. That week went by again uneventful. I am a pretty patient person but when you have been waiting for almost the whole month it starts to wear thin. and all the comments from well meaning people were not helpful. No, I did not plan on being induced, and no I wold not need a c-section, nor was the baby in danger.

My husband was home again on the 23rd and my midwife stripped my membranes again in hopes of getting things going. At the appointment we talked about doing castor oil the next day if this second attempt at stripping membranes did nothing. I had heard a lot of terrible things about castor oil and was really hesitant about doing it. My midwife couldnt assure me it wouldnt be awful but said that she had only seen one person have an awful time after taking it, and that it would work. So I agreed I would take it if this second attempt didnt do anyting.

After our appointment I had contractions throughout the day, no pattern or increase in intensity, I was so frustrated and lay in bed that night wishing things would pick up. I finally gave up and went to bed thinking maybe tomorrow it would happen, which so happened to be my birthday. I couldnt ask for a better birthday present than having my much anticipated baby.

The next day my midwife texted me and asked if anything was going on yet. Still nothing so off to the store our family went for some castor oil. I took my first dose at 2pm and waited. I cleaned up the house a little and had some lunch. By 4pm it still hadnt stirred up my bowels yet so I took a second dose. throughout the day I had been having the same kind of contractions as the day before and wasnt thinking anything of the contractions. I was having a lower back ache and my midwife suggested going to the chiropractor again. I really tried to hurry while at the chiropractor becasue the castor oil had really kicked in at that point!

I was back home a little after 6pm and the whole family went for an evening walk at 7. We came home fed the kids dinner and got everyone ready for bed. Liz and I had been texting about the contractions for a while and she asked around 8pm if I wanted her to come check on me yet. I didnt feel like they were very intense or getting closer together so I said Im ok for now. I agreed to let her know when they picked up and to try and get some rest. From 8 to 9 they had started to increase in pain but I couldnt really pick up on a pattern of them getting closer together yet so I still decided to hold off on having my midwife come over yet. I didnt want the birth team to come over and then my contractions fade out or it still be hours away before I delivered.

  My friend called around 9:30 to see if anything was happening yet and I just told her that I had been having contractions but nothing too  intense yet. As our conversation carried on I started having more and more intense contractions and then smaller ones right after it that wouldnt last as long. She told me after I had a couple contractions I couldnt talk through that I should have Liz come over.  I explained to her that I didnt notice a certain pattern to them yet and while they were hurting more I wanted to make sure it was closer to avoid everyone waiting around for a long time. After another contraction I couldnt talk through and starting to feel pressure I finally agreed with her that Liz should come over. I texted Liz I thought they were picking up and that maybe she should head over and that we could decided if everyone else needed to come over yet when she arrived. I asked my husband if he could go to the store to get a hose for the birth pool and right after asking him I had another contraction and said no never mind you should just stay home.

I hadnt set up the bassinet yet in our room and just asked him to go upstairs and get it out of the closet and put it in the room. Our other children were in our room watching cartoons, so as he went upstairs I went over to the couch and leaned over on the couch as I felt another contraction coming. At this point I was still in denial that the baby was coming very soon. As the pressure and the intensity of the contractions were very intense at this point I had never labored so quickly so I was just not expecting things to move too fast. As the contraction built I began to vocalize the intensity of it, and then my water broke. That is when I realized the baby was coming now!

I began to feel my body start to push and I quickly took my clothes off and yelled to Brent that my water broke. By the time Brent got downstairs I was so in the zone of the contractions and the baby coming out it was hard for me to respond to brent but I did my best when I could. When he got downstairs I told him to call Liz as he was in a panick and I was already feeling the top of the babies head. Liz told him to keep calm and to let my body do what it needed to, the baby was out in four pushes, Brent caught the baby and Liz told him to make sure to keep tension off of the cord.

We were so caught up in the moment that we had forgot to look and see if it was a boy or girl. Liz asked my husband who then asked me, I quickly looked and said its a girl!! I told you it was a girl!!! They were only on the phone for four minutes, they got off the phone and there we were holding our new baby on the living room floor wrapped up in the towel,in shock and awe of what had just happened.  we waited for Liz and everyone else to arrive.

Liz arrived about ten minutes after, then Alysia came who had attended my previous home birth, and the photographer showed up next. I was pretty bummed that we missed the photographer catching the birth but it was still a special birth and I was very happy that it happened fast since I was concerned about having a long labor like I had with my last.

Kinzy Grace Blanchard was born on 7-24-13 at 10:02 pm and weighed 9lbs 14oz and 21 3/4 long.  I feel incredibly blessed with a beautiful family and so thankful for the people in my life and so happy to have found such an amazing birth team that are so supportive and loving!

We Have A New Student Midwife

We have some very exciting news to share! We have a new student midwife who has started training with us. Although she is new to us as a student midwife she has been working with us as a doula and lactation counselor for a while. We and our clients love her! Hear what she has to say about herself: "Hi! I’m Becky. I’m a mother, a wife, a Professional Birth doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, a hospital home-health Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's of Arts in Pschycology. I hold certifications in CPR, Neonatal Resuscitation, STABLE, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Lactation. I believe in each woman’s ability to nourish and grow her baby, in the womb and after. Every woman has the capability to effectively birth her child unto this earth, when given time and safe space. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to train as a student midwife. My hope is to be able to give viable healthcare options to this community of women and their babies." (the image used on this post was of Becky in action as a birth doula at a recent Bay Area Birth home birth, and was provided by Tiffcphotography)

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How to make the best out of your hospital birth

Before the Hospital

1. Do your homework.
   1.  Research the hospitals in the area and their common birth practices.  Do they have portable monitors for the laboring mother?  Do they have squat bars available for pushing? Do they have birth balls available?  What is the c-section rate?  How often do they use Pitocin or other medications to induce or augment labor?  Do they allow family members in the room for the labor and birth? Is there a limit to the number of family members. What is the nurse to patient ratio for the labor nurses. What is the experience of other people you know who have attempted a natural/ un-medicated childbirth
   2. Research your care provider.   How many other doctors are in his/her practice? What is the likelihood that he/she will be at your birth if you go into labor on your own? Are the other doctor(s) in the practice also friendly to natural childbirth options.  How does your doctor feel about natural childbirth? Will he/she allow mom to go into labor on her own, and how far past the due date will he allow her to go before talking about induction? How does your doctor feel about doulas?
   3. If possible, Hire a doula.  Local Corpus Christi doulas include:  Liz Derry with Bay Area Birth (361) 904-6868
   4. Avoid Induction if at all possible.  Ask your care provider early on in your pregnancy how far past your due date he/she is comfortable with you going.  It is important that he/she is supportive of your choice to let baby come when he/she is ready.  Remember, that even if the doctor is pushing for an induction, provided your baby is doing well, you still have the choice to refuse induction.  ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) describes post date pregnancy as beyond 42 weeks gestation.
   5. Labor at home as long as possible.  At home, Mom is able to move about freely, eat and drink to comfort, has only loved ones around, and is not restrained by tubes, wires and monitors.  Mom will be most comfortable laboring at home.  Labor at home until contractions are consistently 3 minutes apart (lasting 60 seconds or more) and starting to get a little closer, or, if you live 30 minutes or more away from the hospital, are consistently 3-4 min apart.  If mom starts showing other signs of transition, such as self-doubt, nausea/vomiting, head in to the hospital immediately.

After You Arrive At the Hospital

1. Get the nurse on your side. Be nice to the nurse.  Ask her for her help.  Thank her for everything she does.  Praise her when she has done things well or gone out of her way.  Instead of saying things like: We want the baby with us at all times.  We want delayed cord clamping, etc.  Try saying: we were really hoping if everything is ok to keep baby in mom’s arms for the first hour after birth.  Could you talk to the other staff and help us make that happen? We have talked to our doctor ahead of time about delayed cord clamping, but were hoping you might be able to help us by reminding him prior to delivery that that is our desire?  We really want to have an un-medicated birth.  Anything you can do to help us with that would be wonderful!
2. Get out of bed.  Even with the monitors on, you can typically do things like sit on a birth ball, stand or walk at the side of the bed, sit in a chair beside the bed, kneel in bed and lean over the edge or over the ball.
3. Go to the bathroom frequently.  This gives you an opportunity to get out of bed more, and move around as much as possible. Ask the nurse to show you how to connect and disconnect the monitor to go to the bathroom and ask if it is ok if you do it yourself.
4. Get permission to eat and drink from your doctor ahead of time if possible, and if not at least ask the nurse to get the ok for clear liquids while you are laboring.  You need them for energy.
5. Ask for a heplock (a small plastic tube left in your vein and secured in place) for your IV instead of continuous IV fluids if at all possible.  This will give you more freedom of movement.