For the birth of our second child, my husband and I decided to take a proactive role to ensure a satisfying and positively memorable experience. We carefully devised a Birth Vision incorporating all of the ideas that we held for this birth, little or no intervention, use of a birth ball, water, various positions, etc. We also enlisted the services of a certified Doula, Jan Mallak. Our due date came and went but we refused to become anxious. I felt fantastic and took maternity leave from work on December 13th taking advantage of some one on one quality time with our 23 month old son, Zachary. On December 16th I began having contractions. That evening we went into the office to see Sandy. I was 3cm and 90% effaced. We discussed breaking my water but ultimately decided to go home. The next day little had changed so Sandy recommended castor oil. After 3 doses we concluded that I have the most stubborn uterus Sandy has ever encountered. I decided that a good nights sleep would do me wonders. I awoke on December 18th feeling like this baby needed to be born. Gretchen assessed my cervix and found it to be favorable and broke my water at about 11:30AM. My "stubborn uterus" did not get to work until about 3:30PM. We contacted our Doula around 6:30PM. At 10:30PM I was beginning to get tired and fearful of the pushing ahead of me, (3 1/2 hours with Zachary) At 7cm I received a half dose of Nubain which allowed me to rest and store the energy even through transition. Pushing began at 12:15AM and Caleb Michael came into the world at 1:02 AM on December 19, 1999, weighing 9lbs 4oz and 21in long. Caleb emerged with the cord wrapped around his neck and a dropping heart rate. Gretchen very calmly cut the cord, freeing him to breathe and in moments he was in my arms. I felt so empowered by this birth and so in awe of this rather large, miracle of a baby. I can not thank Sandy and Gretchen enough for the wonderful care I received. It was a constant comfort to know that at any time these ladies were, and still are post partum, available to me when ever I needed them. I am truly blessed to have my wonderful husband, my Doula, and Family Nurse Midwife Associates as part of my incredible and beautiful birth experience. Caleb, now 2 1/2 months and 19 lbs, is also blessed.

Jody Jellison

Latrobe, Pennsylvania