What if things go wrong?
I’m not sure where to start with my birth story, so I might as well share that it ended in the NICU. My daughter was nine pounds and a half an ounce and pulled out because I was unable to deliver her myself. Though my birth was expected to be “easy” it was necessary for an ambulance to rush my new baby girl to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention. I feel compelled to share my experience because I am the statistic, that “what if” scenario, and I have no regrets and would do it all again.
My two younger brothers were born at home so I knew I wanted an all natural home birth; I just needed to find the right midwife. After gaining the support of my husband we read materials on which questions to ask and what information we should know before making a selection. We met with every midwife we could find that was available to see us. Wendy Pinter became the easy and obvious choice after noticing she was the trusted and preferred back up to each of the other midwives interviewed.
It was a pleasure to get to know Wendy throughout frequent appointments, phone calls and messaging. She was available, flexible, understanding and supportive. Her sense of humor brought me much needed relief – especially when having to discuss uncomfortable details – like poop, for example. Though it was important that I felt listened to it was even more important I trusted her experience and judgment. I felt good about following her direction even when I didn’t necessarily like it – like taking Chlorofresh daily.
I went into labor at almost 42 weeks. My attempted water birth only lasted through my water breaking because the contractions were slowing. After hours of changing positions suggestions seem to have become instructions and it was all too apparent something wasn’t right. Without knowing what was to happen Wendy reached in and pulled her out with a loud pop. An ambulance was immediately called while oxygen was given to my big, quiet and colorless baby girl.
Because of fluid in her lungs Aurora was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a week. The only complaints I have regarding her birth are from the hospital and at the hands of the medical professionals. Wendy demonstrated confidence, experience, professionalism and gentleness. The experience of Aurora’s birth was nothing like we hoped for or expected, however I am confident that if we had chosen another route I would not have been as comfortable with the outcome.