Mary Fiona Grace

What a wonderful enchanted evening. Mary Fiona Grace has come into our lives forever. This was the most beautiful environment and we have had the most beautiful staff surround us for this event. I won’t forget this. The mood, the smells, how natural this all seemed in comparison to our firstborn’s birth. This is the kismet moment we wanted. I’m so happy, beyond what I can detail in this book, that we had a part, a major part, in bringing our child into this world. This is how it was meant to be. To all the staff here, than you one-thousand times. If we ever have another child, it will be here. I’m tired and I’m in love. This causes me to be a wee bit wordy or poetic. I’m one happy daddy! Thank you again! I have a beautiful daughter, my heart of hearts. . . and you made it special. -Jim E.

Henry Romney

On Saturday morning, the birth of my son seemed imminent. I spent the morning at the birth center with my husband working through the contractions, but to no avail. We went home to sleep and relax, and when I woke up from my brief nap, I felt so great that I thought labor had stopped. I was told to walk at Northpark (which worked great because the ring my husband purchased to celebrate our son’s birth was ready to be picked up.) By the time we got to the mall, I could barely walk — the contractions had escalated. We left promptly, headed to the birth center and spent nearly 3-1/2 hours laboring in the tub — the blessed tub! I had four incredibly intense contractions, and Bev came to me and calmly told me I was ready to have this baby. My husband led me over to the bed to squat. For a brief moment, I felt embarassed of my position and that moment allowed fear and self-doubt to enter. “Could I really do this?” I was so tired and worn out, I wasn’t sure — but only for that one moment. Being in that birthing room, knowing that many women had squatted in that same spot and brought their children into the world, strengthened my heart and soul. I bore down during my next contractions, and my water broke. Immediately the pressure of my son’s head pushed down, and I knew he was close to being born. It was all me now, and only I could get him here. Boy, was I anxious to hold and kiss him! Cherie laid down on the floor beside me, at my level, and coached me. She told me how to breathe, how to push and continued to provide a voice of direction to help me along. My husband was behind me, holding me up, physically and emotionally. With each breath, I held it in and pushed with everything I had to give — but at the end of each push, I had to let a yell escape because of the sheer hard work. It felt so necessary and relieved the pressure. Before I could believe it, I was ready to get on the bed. Brad took his position to pull our son from my body, and I pushed with the last bits of strength I had. From the time my water broke to the birth of my son, only 19 minutes had passed. Our families were impressed with how personal the experience was and how much they got to be involved. They were also impressed with how the staff handled complications, postpartum care, etc. – Carli Romney, May 2011

Sonny

We had a short labor – 4 ½ hours and only spent an hour at Birth & Women’s Center before Sonny was born. I delivered on hands and knees and felt so uninhibited and strong to birth my baby. When I held him, he felt so warm and alive. I knew everything was right. Thanks for providing a supportive birth environment. You do good work here. May God bless and guide you as you touch the lives of so many women and families. – ELiza M.

Good Story

This birth started very slowly with water breaking but nothing happened. Once things got going though, it went unbelievable quick. We enjoyed the tranquil environment and walking in the park. It was especially nice to be able to let nature run it’s course without lots of invasive devices, exams, etc. After just 8 minutes of pushing, we have a gorgeous healthy baby girl. Cherie seems to have a sixth sense about births as all predictions came true. Thanks to all the staff!! – Laurel O.