American River Midwifery

Deborah helped us to approach and achieve a 100% natural VBAC which was against wishes of our OBGYN. Our OBGYN had gone so far as to schedule us for a C-section surgery on a specific birthdate because (1) she was going on vacation, and (2) our first child, Tyler, was delivered by C-section at a large and prestigious hospital. The western medical field had been pushing C-sections especially for those women who had them previously. We were against this and knew that there was a way to have a natural childbirth but we needed an expert to support our view with a plan.

Deborah was that expert and from our first call to her she provided us with loving, nurturing and supportive factual information about doulas, midwifery and all types of childbirthing practices. She provided literature, reference web sites, books and videos. She also told stories in a sort of shamanic way. At one point we cried upon realizing how simple and glorious natural childbirth can be.

Deborah embraced our family, our needs and very importantly she gently corrected any misconceptions or negatives we heldover from our first traumatic C-section birthing experience. She provided us with a balanced, holistic view that allowed us to embrace both the old-world natural approach to childbirth and the modern western practice. Deborah was healthy for us in many ways.

Deborah helped us to develop a practical birth plan, mentored us in what to expect, what our legal rights were and how to interact and request facets of our plan with our hospital birth team nurses, administrators and doctors. She balanced emotional needs with medical realities. She was 100% present and knowledgable about every step of the way in the hospital room, so much so that the attending birth doctor did not feel the need to be present much. Deborah worked closely with our attending nurse and we feel that Deborah even eased her mind. Deborah had so gently positioned us in such control at the time of birth that our son who was about 3 years old at the time watched comfortably. Deborah had prepared him so well for the moment a month of so prior that he simply smiled and said, "yep, there's a baby," when our daughter crowned. We feel that her enabling our son to be part of the birth experience has strenghtend our overall family dynamic. Deborah even took pictures as I sat with my son and watched in awe and joy as my wife birthed a healthy baby girl without an ounce of chemical aid.

Deborah continued to work with us post-natal with a breast feeding complication that she and a colleague of hers directed us through once again with accurate information and support every step of the way.

We know now that our son did not have to be born by C-section and had we been working with a midwife or doula, we could have had a natural childbirth at home or in the hospital. We are healthier, happier and more complete having known and worked with Deborah.

Furthermore, we believe that midwives and doulas are important to society/community and everyone should have access to information about them and access to them if desired. Deborah is a stellar example of an almost lost but very necessary art and practice that directly supports humanity. Natural birthing knowledge should be passed down from generation to generation and wonderful people like Deborah are working hard to keep the option present.

If you would like to leave a comment about my care during your pregnancy & birth or would like to share your birth story and photos, I would be delighted to have it posted here.